Optional: Open work permit in Canada

On this page

• About the open work permit
• How to apply
• After you apply

About the open work permit

If you’ve applied for permanent residence under one of the permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents, you may also be eligible for a 3-year open work permit. The work permit lets you work while your permanent residence application is being processed.

To qualify for a work permit, you must

• have already applied for permanent residence through 1 of the 2 pathways for Hong Kong residents
• have held a work or study permit within the previous 3 years before you applied for permanent residence
• be eligible to apply for a work permit
• be in Canada

This work permit

• is only for the applicants of the Hong Kong permanent resident pathways
• is valid for up to 3 years
• allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for one that
  • is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
  • regularly offers striptease, erotic dance or escort services, or erotic massages

When to apply for this open work permit

You only need to apply for this open work permit if your current temporary resident status will expire while you wait for your permanent resident application to be processed.

You have until May 2029 to apply for this open work permit.

If your temporary resident status has already expired

You’re still eligible for this open work permit if

• you’re in Canada and
• your temporary status expired less than 90 days ago

In this case, you must apply to restore your temporary resident status, including paying the restoration fee (Error loading fee. Check the fee list.) when you apply for this open work permit.

Who can’t apply

You can’t apply for an open work permit under this public policy if your application for permanent residence has been refused, withdrawn or returned.

Work permits for family members

Your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child over the age of 18 can apply for an open work permit when you apply for yours, if they were included on your permanent resident application.

If you want to study in Canada

If you or your family members want to study in Canada, you may need to apply for a study permit.

If you‘re the principal applicant for permanent residence through 1 of the Hong Kong pathways, you may be eligible to study without a study permit.

Family members of the principal applicant may need a study permit to study in Canada if they’re planning to study for longer than 6 months. Find out what your family member needs to study in Canada.

Minor children

If your dependant, minor child wants to study in Canada, they may need a study permit. The age of majority depends on the province or territory that you plan to settle in.

Find out what a minor child needs to study in Canada.

How to apply

You must apply online in the IRCC secure account.

Steps to submit your application

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Step 3: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.

Fees for open work permits

Make sure you pay all applicable fees:

• work permit fee ($155)

Step 4: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

• pay your fees
• submit your application
• check your status

Create an account or sign in

Step 5: Get the right document checklist

After you sign in to or create your IRCC secure account, you must answer some questions to get a personalized document checklist.

Your personalized checklist will include most of the documents you need to upload. You must also follow the special instructions below to get the right document checklist.

If you’re using an authorized paid representative

Authorized paid representatives (APRs) can submit your work permit application on your behalf through the APR Portal.

If you meet the eligibility criteria for an open work permit, answer “yes” to the following question:

• Does one of the following apply to you?
  • I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
  • I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
  • I am a student in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status.
  • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
  • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
  • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first stage approval) under one of the following classes:
    • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
    • humanitarian and compassionate cases
    • protected persons in Canada
    • live-in caregiver in Canada

Step 6: Fill out the application form

Once you get your document checklist, follow the instructions on screen to complete your application and pay your fees.

When you fill out your work permit application form, enter the following details in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section:

• Box 1: What type of work permit are you applying for?
  • Select “Open Work Permit.”
• Box 4: Job title and Brief description of duties
  • Enter “HK OWP” in the Job title box.
  • Enter “HK OWP – APR applicant in Canada public policy” in the Brief description of duties box.

After you apply

If you apply for a new work permit before your current one expires, you can keep working under the same conditions as your original work permit while you wait for a decision. This is called maintained status.

If we approve your work permit application, we’ll mail the work permit to the Canadian address you gave us.