An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Because it is not job-specific, you will NOT need the following when you apply for your work permit:

• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, or

• Proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee

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You may be eligible for an open work permit if you

• are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

• are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)

• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada

• applied for permanent residence in Canada

• are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence

• are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student

• are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

• are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member

• are under an unenforceable removal order

• are a temporary resident permit holder

• are a young worker participating in special programs

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In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.