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 and
• 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.

Steps to take if you need to restore your status when you apply

1. On form IMM 5710, in the first section under question 3, “I am applying for one or more of the following:” make sure you also choose
   • Restore my status as a worker
2. On a separate page, give details of your situation and clearly explain why you stayed in Canada longer than allowed.
   • You can upload this page in the “Client information” section under “Optional documents.”

Step 3: Know the fees you have to pay

In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include in 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 (CAN $155)
• open work permit holder fee (CAN $100)
• restoration fee (CAN Error loading fee. Check the fee list.) optional
  • Pay this fee only if your temporary resident status has expired.

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 the correct provincial or territorial code in both the Job title box and the Brief description of duties box.

Provincial and territorial codes

• For Manitoba, use this code: MBEOI2024
• For Yukon, use this code: YKEOI2024

Step 7: Upload your documents

The document checklist will include most of the documents you need. Below are the extra documents you must upload for this open work permit:

• a copy of your valid passport
• a Family Information form [IMM 5707] (opens in a new tab)
• a digital photo
• your open work permit support letter issued by Manitoba or Yukon
• a copy of your current work permit (if applicable) and
• the letter of employment from your current employer

For the following documents, upload a page that says “not applicable”:

• employment reference letter
• employment records
• employment contract

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• Visa^®
• MasterCard^®
• American Express^®
• JCB^®
• UnionPay^® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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Debit cards

It must:

• be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC^® Online, and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard^® and Visa^® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC^® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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