Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations to start a promising career. The job opportunities are great here. Employers are looking for eligible candidates to fill labour shortages and gaps in the Canadian economy. But the question is, how would you start working in Canada? This is where the role of work permits comes into play.
So, What Exactly is an Open Work Permit?
An open work permit is a legal document that lets foreign nationals work inside Canada. It has nothing to do with a specific employer or location. You can work anywhere in Canada as long as you have a work permit. Immigration programs that usually issue open work permits are:
Post-Graduation Work Permits
Inland Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship
International Experience Canada
Bridging Open Work Permits
What are the Benefits of an Open Work Permit?
The best thing about an open work permit is it gives you all the freedom you need to work anywhere in Canada. You can move throughout any Canadian location at your convenience. This is a great opportunity for skilled candidates to start working in Canada and acquire significant work experience. This work experience then helps you gain permanent residency in Canada.
Also, you needn’t have to wait for an LMIA or a job offer to work in Canada as long as you have an open work permit. You can also work for a maximum of 40 hours a week with this open work permit.
Who is Eligible for the Open Work Permit?
Here’s who can apply for the open work permit:
International students who graduated from a DLI and qualified for the respective Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Employer-specific work permit holders who are at risk of being exploited in Canada
Young workers with proof of precipitation in exclusive programs like CUSMA
Temporary resident permit holders
Destitute students who aren’t able to afford their studies
Individuals with an enforceable removal order
Individuals with their PR application in the queue
Refugees, a refugee claimant or their dependent family members
Family members who are dependent on permanent resident applicants
Common-law partner or spouse of Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant
Common-law partner or spouse of an international student or a skilled worker
Here is a list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions and hence are ineligible for the open work permit in Canada.
General Requirements to Apply for a Work Permit
No matter where you are, the general requirements to apply for an open work permit are as follows:
Let the immigration officers know that you want to leave Canada after the expiry of your work permit.
Show that you are financially stable to support yourself and your family members.
Make sure you have no criminal history
Share any additional documents that the immigration officer asks for to confirm your eligibility
You shouldn’t be a threat to the well-being of Canada.
You shouldn’t be a part of a business that deals with striptease or exotic services.
Maintain good health and go through a medical exam if necessary
Do You Want to Apply For an Open Work Permit in Canada?
There are several instructions involved in applying for Canada’s open work permit. We are here to guide you through the processing of open work permits in Edmonton and Alberta. We leave no stones unturned to help you live your Canadian dream. Have a word with our immigration consultants to get through the complex application process hassle-free. Our eminent immigration consultants provide you with all the updates related to open work permits.
Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations to start a promising career. The job opportunities are great here. Employers are looking for eligible candidates to fill labour shortages and gaps in the Canadian economy. But the question is, how would you start working in Canada? This is where the role of work permits comes into play.
So, What Exactly is an Open Work Permit?
An open work permit is a legal document that lets foreign nationals work inside Canada. It has nothing to do with a specific employer or location. You can work anywhere in Canada as long as you have a work permit. Immigration programs that usually issue open work permits are:
Post-Graduation Work Permits
Inland Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship
International Experience Canada
Bridging Open Work Permits
What are the Benefits of an Open Work Permit?
The best thing about an open work permit is it gives you all the freedom you need to work anywhere in Canada. You can move throughout any Canadian location at your convenience. This is a great opportunity for skilled candidates to start working in Canada and acquire significant work experience. This work experience then helps you gain permanent residency in Canada.
Also, you needn’t have to wait for an LMIA or a job offer to work in Canada as long as you have an open work permit. You can also work for a maximum of 40 hours a week with this open work permit.
Who is Eligible for the Open Work Permit?
Here’s who can apply for the open work permit:
International students who graduated from a DLI and qualified for the respective Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Employer-specific work permit holders who are at risk of being exploited in Canada
Young workers with proof of precipitation in exclusive programs like CUSMA
Temporary resident permit holders
Destitute students who aren’t able to afford their studies
Individuals with an enforceable removal order
Individuals with their PR application in the queue
Refugees, a refugee claimant or their dependent family members
Family members who are dependent on permanent resident applicants
Common-law partner or spouse of Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant
Common-law partner or spouse of an international student or a skilled worker
Here is a list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions and hence are ineligible for the open work permit in Canada.
General Requirements to Apply for a Work Permit
No matter where you are, the general requirements to apply for an open work permit are as follows:
Let the immigration officers know that you want to leave Canada after the expiry of your work permit.
Show that you are financially stable to support yourself and your family members.
Make sure you have no criminal history
Share any additional documents that the immigration officer asks for to confirm your eligibility
You shouldn’t be a threat to the well-being of Canada.
You shouldn’t be a part of a business that deals with striptease or exotic services.
Maintain good health and go through a medical exam if necessary
Do You Want to Apply For an Open Work Permit in Canada?
There are several instructions involved in applying for Canada’s open work permit. We are here to guide you through the processing of open work permits in Edmonton and Alberta. We leave no stones unturned to help you live your Canadian dream. Have a word with our immigration consultants to get through the complex application process hassle-free. Our eminent immigration consultants provide you with all the updates related to open work permits.
Labour shortages have been a serious concern since the pandemic. Thus, the Canadian Government has brought forth the new NOC system, which is finally applicable from 16th November 2022 and has brought great news for immigrants. This system will encourage more immigrants to apply for Canadian immigration, thereby addressing the acute labour shortages.
The IRCC will now assess your eligibility on the basis of TEER or Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (the new NOC). Occupations in TEERs 0, 1, 2 and 3 are allowed to apply for Express Entry programs. The new NOC categories will help fulfill the vacancies in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction and transportation. 16 new occupations are included in the Express Entry according to the February 2022 IRCC Memo. Here’s a glimpse of the new occupations included in Express Entry:
Nurse aides
Hospital attendants
Long-term care aides
Transport truck drives
And more.
What You Should Know About NOC?
The NOC system keeps track of and categorizes the jobs in the Canadian Labour Market. It helps the IRCC determine which candidates are eligible to apply under Express Entry programs. The Canadian Government is dedicated to helping more temporary workers, and international students apply for permanent residency. Thus, it changes the NOC system to match the pace with the economic changes and demands in different natures of work.
Some important facts about NOC:
The NOC is the national reference for occupations in Canada. It helps the labour market and employment-related program administration collect and analyze occupational data. This occupational data is useful in various programs and services like skills development, employment equity, labour supply, career intelligence and others.
Employment and Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada update the NOC regularly. They conduct thorough reviews every 10 years to reflect the changing labour market in the NOC system. The review is about researching, analyzing and assessing the feedback from occupational research and consultations.
The 16 new occupations included in the Express Entry are:
Sheriffs and bailiffs
Other repairers and servicers
Correctional service officers
Payroll administrators
Pest controllers and fumigators
Dental laboratory assistants
Pharmacy technical assistants
Pharmacy assistants
Correctional service officers
Residential and commercial services and installers
Transport truck drivers
Heavy equipment operators
Estheticians and related occupations
Bus drivers and other transit operators
By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
IRCC uses NOC to assess the occupational eligibility of candidates under temporary and permanent residency programs.
Earlier, the IRCC determined the eligibility of candidates based on skill levels A, B, C, D or O. The new NOC system classifies categories based on Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities. It has made 16 new occupations eligible and 3 ineligible for the Express Entry system.
Looking for help with Canadian Immigration?
Onkar Immigration is here to guide you through the Canadian immigration process without any hassle. Our professional immigration consultants are familiar with all Express Entry programs and the changes brought forth by the new NOC system. We assure you that the immigration process will be as smooth as butter with us by your side.
The Canadian Government brings good news for foreign nationals living in Canada. According to a temporary public policy, IRCC now allows low-risk foreign nationals living in Canada to apply for temporary or permanent residency without submitting an IME despite its prior expiration. Applicants generally had to go through an immigration medical examination every time they applied for temporary or permanent residency status. The temporary policy puts an end to this requirement for specific candidates until 6th October 2024.
Who is Eligible for the New Temporary Public Policy?
Not everyone is allowed to apply without an IME. The temporary policy applies to foreign nationals with:
An application for PR or temporary residency from within Canada
Zero risk to public safety and health after completing the IME within the last five years
The eligibility requirements are:
Foreign nationals should mention Canadian residence on their application
They should submit an IME, including a physical examination (You have to do is within five years if you submit the application after 5th October 2022)
They have an expired IME, which can fall into any of these categories:
M1- shows that they do not pose a threat to public health and safety
M3- shows they have a health condition but can only demand exceptional health and social services after the assessment of M3
M2 or M2/3- shows that they are potentially a threat to public health. This category also reflects that they can report to territorial or provincial health authorities for medical surveillance
The bottom line is you have to be a Canadian resident and should have submitted the IME previously. Your spouse or other family members should also meet the above-mentioned requirements to get rid of IME even if it expires.
Need Help with Permanent Residency in Edmonton/Alberta?
At Onkar Immigration, we house some experienced immigration consultants with several years of experience in this industry. We help individuals from all over the world to immigrate and acquire permanent residency in Canada. Whether you need help with your study permit or work permit in Canada, we have got your back.
Our team equips you with all the necessary information and knowledge required to immigrate to Canada successfully. We make sure you live the Canadian dream through minimum paperwork and zero hassles. Consult with us today for all the latest updates about Canadian Immigration.
Isn’t it a headache to convert your temporary visa to a permanent one?
Besides the long application processing times, you also have to deal with the limited number of applications accepted in Canada. This has also resulted in significant labour shortages in several Canadian provinces.
Thus, Sean Fraser, Canadian Immigration Minister, tabled a plan to enable frequent conversion of temporary visas to permanent ones. Officials are reviewing the rules of the international students and temporary workers programs to help more temporary residents gain their permanent resident status.
A New Strategy To Achieve PR for International Students and Temporary Workers
Foreign students and temporary workers play an integral role in strengthening the Canadian Government. The more candidates achieve their permanent residency, the better it is for the Canadian economy and workforce.
Thus, Sean Fraser has brought forth a plan to amplify the pathways that help convert TR to PR. According to the new plan, international students and temporary workers with significant work experience in specific fields can convert their temporary visas to permanent ones.
Why is this strategy important for Canada?
Understand one thing. Temporary workers and international students contribute significantly to the Canadian Economy. International students, for instance, help the Canadian workforce expand and increase productivity.
Similarly, temporary workers help in boosting creativity, corporate growth and productivity throughout Canada. They also assist in solving the workforce demands of several companies. Thus, the new strategy will offer more pathways for students and workers to convert their temporary residency to a permanent one.
What’s the Five Pillar Approach?
The Immigration Minister introduced the Five Pillar Approach to execute this strategy as efficiently as possible. The five-pillar strategy requires the IRCC to execute the following steps and convert temporary visas to permanent ones.
Pillar 1
Canada is expected to have almost 431,645 newcomers by the end of this year. Thus, the new plan should be implemented by 1st November 2022. The Canadian Government intends to use the immigration targets outlined in the Immigration Levels Plan 2022-2024 to achieve it.
Pillar 2
Canada wants to invite candidates based on their economic goals as well. Thus, the government intends to alter Express Entry programs that will begin in 2023.
Pillar 3
It is important for newcomers to be completely aware of the mandated qualifications and requirements. Thus, the Canadian Government intends to enable better and quicker access to updated immigration information. IRCC also plans to adopt the NOC system codes 2021 from November 16.
Pillar 4
IRCC plans to boost immigration opportunities through French outside Quebec and add a new MNP. The Canadian Government is already working to improve PR pathways along with the Provinces, Territories and employers of Canada.
Pillar 5
IRCC plans to use advanced technologies to modernize the immigration system and increase the processing capacity of applications. Newcomers can get their PR sooner as the processing times of their applications are reduced.
Wrapping Up,
All in all, temporary workers and foreign students can expect expanded pathways to convert their temporary visas to permanent visas. We at Onkar Immigration are here to equip you with all the knowledge related to this new strategy. Our immigration consultants assist you throughout the application process.
According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate in Canada dropped from 5.4% in August to 5.2% in September. That means Canada needs to do whatever is necessary to fix its labour shortages and unemployment issues. Thus, the Immigration Minister, Sean Fraser, announced that international students could work over 20 hours per week off-campus from 15th November 2022 to 31st December 2023.
Currently, international students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours every week. They are, however, exempted from the limit during scheduled breaks. Canada had to ease the limit for the time being to manage almost a million job vacancies.
How Does This Temporary Measure Help International Students?
According to the current norms, international students living in Canada can work up to 20 hours a week. This policy helps them support themselves financially and get their studies done simultaneously. It is, however, going to change temporarily from 15th November 2022 to 31st December 2023.
The new policy would allow the students to work over 20 hours per week. This temporary measure will allow the students to work more hours. It could be their opportunity to integrate into the Canadian labour market quickly and contribute to the economy as well. They can also boost their Canadian work experience and land better prospects in the future.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for International Students to Work Off-Campus?
The international students must live in Canada. They should have an off-campus work authorization on their study permits in Edmonton, Alberta or any other province.
The new policy also applies to foreign nationals who have recently submitted their study permit. You can work for over 20 hours once the IRCC approves your applications.
Canada Welcomes International Students From All Over The World
Despite the labour shortages and unemployment issues, Canada is still one of the most sought-after study destinations for international students. And why wouldn't it be?
The high-quality education system, work opportunities, multiculturalism and the affordability of the Canadian dollar make this country quite desirable among students.
The temporary measure to let international students work more than 20 hours a week shows Canada wants to welcome more students from all parts of the world. Also, the country welcomed over 620 000 international students in 2021 and issued almost 450 000 study permits.
Sean Fraser also pointed out that Canada has already processed at least 452,000 study permits between January and August 2022. In the last year, however, the country processed 367,000 applications only for the same period. According to the CBIE, most international students are interested in acquiring PR status after completing their studies. So, that brings us to the next section.
International Students are Key Sources of Permanent Residents in Canada
International students in Canada play a great role in strengthening its economy. Thus, Canada wants more international students to acquire permanent residences here. In 2021, for instance, Canada relied on international students to achieve over 405,000 new immigrants through the Canadian Experience Class.
IRCC also disclosed a TR2PR program in 2021, allowing almost 90,000 temporary residents to apply for PR. Fraser already created a five-pillar strategy for the Government to help temporary residents acquire PR status. Express Entry is one of the most convenient ways for temporary foreign workers and international students to acquire permanent residency here. We can expect to understand the strategy better once the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 is out by 1st November.
What’s All The Hype About Post-Graduation Work Permits?
Before you learn about PGWP, let’s understand an open work permit. The open work permit lets foreign nationals work for any preferred employer in Canada. So, the PGWP allows eligible international students to acquire an open work permit. The validity period (three years) corresponds with the length of their educational program in Canada.
Once you have the PGWP, you can also be eligible for economic class immigration programs through Canadian work experience. The majority of PGWP holders opt for the Canadian Experience Class program to acquire permanent residence here.
You can also get the PR through Quebec and PNP streams. This is expected to encourage students to stay in that province and continue contributing to the labour market.
Achieve your Canadian Immigration Goals With Onkar Immigration
Are you an international student planning to acquire a work permit in Canada? Do you need a study permit to fulfill your study goals in this country? Are you struggling to get hold of the PGWP? Leave all your immigration concerns at Onkar Immigration. Our immigration consultants in Edmonton and Alberta guide you through all the application processes and help you get the permit you need.
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