Difference Between Open Work Permit and Closed Work Permit

For working in Canada it is important to apply for a work permit issued by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The work permit gives an immigrant the authority to legally work in Canada that can eventually lead to acquiring Canadian PR. There are two types of work permits-open work permits and closed work permits. These permits are offered based on the type and duration of work as well as the employer and location of work.

Open Work Permit and Closed Work Permit- What is Major Difference Between the Two?

The open work permit in Canada is not restricted to a particular job type. A person who legally has obtained such a work permit can work as an employee in any field and at any office, location or position. Such a person can work for the duration mentioned on his permit. On the other hand, a closed work permit restricts a person from making such choices. He has to work only with a particular employer, on a specific position, and for the duration of his work permit.

One of the big advantages of open work permit is that you can change the job or location of your employment any time you want. Similarly, a person with a closed work permit is at a disadvantage since he does not have such options.

Eligibility For Open Work Permit -Who can Apply?

Applying for an open work permit has some advantages. An OWP holder does not require Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) granted by the Employment and Social Development Canada to apply for this permit. Also, it is not mandatory for an employer to offer employment to an OWP holder through a registered Employer Portal. The offer can be made directly.

OWP can be obtained through Canada’s Youth Mobility Program. It is available to applicants of 35 years of age or younger and those who belong to specific countries. Such participants can come to Canada and work for any company and in any position for one year. After they gain good experience these applicants can apply under the Canadian Experience Class for permanent residence in the country.

Who Can Apply For Closed Work Permit?

Applicants who fail to obtain OWP have the option to work in Canada through a closed work permit. In this case, however, you need to first submit an application to the Labor Market Opinion (LMO) and also must have a verified employment letter from a reputed Canadian company. The entire process is carried out by a government agency that does not have any connection with the IRCC.

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For getting CWP, an applicant must have an employer who is ready to sponsor him. The approved CWP document carries all the details related to the applicant’s employment including the name of the employer, type of position, the duration for which the employee has been offered the job, and so on. In the case, the CWP holder wishes to change his employment he will have to repeat the process once again.

After gaining the required experience, these applicants can also apply for permanent residence in Canada under the CEC program.

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Sangati Jogwar

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