CANADA Open Work Permit New Rules and Eligibility Criteria For 2024 | Canada Immigration News

 Canada has updated its open work permit rules for 2024, introducing new eligibility criteria and opportunities for international workers. Here are the key details about Canada's open work permit program for 2024:

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility for an open work permit in Canada now includes several categories:

International students and graduates

• International students who have completed their studies at a designated learning institution are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
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• To be eligible under PGWP:
  • The applicant must be at least 18 years old
  • They must have studied full-time in a program of at least 8 months at a designated learning institution
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Spouses and Partners

For spouses or common-law partners of international students, new rules apply from March 19, 2024:

• The student must be enrolled in either:
  • A master's or doctoral degree program, or
  • Specific professional degree programs like Doctor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Law, Doctor of Medicine, etc.
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• The spouse/partner must provide proof of the student's enrollment, such as a valid acceptance letter, proof of enrollment, or transcripts
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Other Eligible Categories

• Permanent residency applicants and their family members
• Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers
• Temporary residents
• Participants in youth exchange programs (eg, working holidays)
• Individuals under unenforceable removal orders
• Destitute students facing financial hardship
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Advantages of Open Work Permits

The main benefits of an open work permit include:

• Flexibility to work for any employer in Canada
• No need for a specific job offer to apply
• Exemption from certain requirements like Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
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Application Process

Applications can be submitted from inside or outside Canada. The process involves:

• Filling out the specified form
• Paying the open work permit holder fee and work permit processing fee
• Providing necessary documentation based on the applicant's specific category
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General Requirements

Regardless of the specific eligibility category, applicants must meet general requirements:

• Demonstrate intent to leave Canada after the work permit expires
• Show financial sufficiency to support themselves and their family
• Have a clean criminal record
• Meet health requirements
• Not work in restricted areas or for non-compliant employers
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Recent Policy Changes

• Canada has discontinued a temporary policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits while in the country. This policy, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, ended on August 28, 2024
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• A new temporary policy allows eligible Provincial Nominee Program applicants to obtain an open work permit more quickly, provided they have a job offer and a support letter from their province or territory
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These updates to Canada's open work permit program aim to provide more opportunities for international workers while maintaining the integrity of the immigration system. Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and requirements before applying.

[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/canadas-open-work-permit-eligibilty-advantages-and-how-you-can-apply/articleshow/110897994.cms

[2] https://eiglaw.com/ircc-requirements-for-work-permit-for-spouse-or-partner-of-international-students/

[3] https://femmesetvilles.org/canada-open-work-permit-eligibility-criteria-2024/

[4] https://www.crownworldmobility.com/insights/immigration-weekly-update-september-12-2024-2/

[5] https://monitor.icef.com/2024/09/canada-announces-updates-for-foreign-enrolment-cap-and-post-study-work-rules/

[6] https://www.fragomen.com/insights/canada-additional-restrictions-for-temporary-residents-including-students-and-temporary-foreign-workers-forthcoming.html