You need a work permit
If you’re a protected person in Canada, you need a work permit to work in Canada.
You and your family members can apply for an open work permit if
- you’re in Canada, and
- you meet the general eligibility requirements for a work permit
You’re eligible even if you haven’t applied for permanent residence yet.
If you’re extending your work permit
If you’re extending your work permit and your medical results are no longer valid, you can’t work in a job that requires a medical exam. Your work permit will list conditions that limit where you can work.
Fee exemption
You don’t need to pay any fees for this work permit.
When you apply
When you fill out your work permit application form
- Select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section.
- Leave the employer section of the application blank.
- If you don’t have a passport, you may add a series of 0 for the passport number
- Provide a letter of explanation as to why you do not have a passport
You can apply online (recommended) or on paper.