If you want to work legally in Canada, one permit you can get is an Open Work Permit. It allows the holder to work in any job as it’s not job-specific. You don’t need to get an employment offer in advance, too. Read how you can apply for a Canada Open Work Permit for Filipinos in the Philippines.

A lot of people really want to migrate to Canada, and one way is this OWP. Many Filipinos have successfully passed their applications and lived there as a resident. If you want to know how to be eligible and apply, check more details in this article.

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What Is An Open Work Permit?

It’s a Canadian work permit that allows you to work for any Canadian employer. However, those who are ineligible employers or offers services like escort services are not allowed. Applicants will also not need a Labor Market Impact Assessment or proof of Employment Offer.

Applications can be done Online or Paper, though Online is highly recommended.

Who Is Eligible For An Open Work Permit?

As per the CIC (Canada Immigration and Citizenship Website)

An international student who has graduated from a designated learning institution and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit
A destitute student (someone who can’t afford to pay for their studies)
An Employer-Specific Work Permit Holder and is being abused or at risk of being abused while working in Canada
Someone who has applied for a Canada Permanent Resident Permit
Dependent Family member (spouse or common-law partner, dependent children, and their dependent children) of someone who has applied for a Canada Permanent Resident Permit
Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker, international student, or Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant
A refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member
Someone who is under an unenforceable removal order
A Temporary Resident Permit holder
A Young worker participating in special programs

There may be additional criteria. But if you want to be 100% sure if you can apply, you can answer the questions on this link.

One of the most commonly used is that a spouse or common-law partner applies as an international student or skilled worker in Canada while their partner applies for an Open Work Permit.

Documents Required For Open Work Permit Applicants

Here are what you might need to upload:

IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada
IMM 5707 – Family Information Form, Completed and signed
Original Passport – passport valid for at least 6 months (or more than the duration of your contract) with 2 blank pages. Bio-page will also be asked.
Old Passports – if applicable
NBI Clearance – issued within the last 3 months with dry seal and thumbprint. If you have lived out of the country for 6 months or longer in the past 10 years, a Police Certificate from that country is required. Additional explanation and court documents in case your NBI Certificate has “No Criminal Record,” “No Pending Case,” or “Record as Stated.”
IMM 5257B – Schedule 1 Form - In case you answered “YES” to background information questions on the application form
Work Permit Fee – CAD 155

Additional Requirements For Open Work Permit Applicants Who Are The Spouse Of Highly Skilled Foreign Worker Or International Student

Proof of relationship to a family member in Canada (eligible worker or student) – e.g., Marriage Certificate
Proof of Income and Employment of Family Member – e.g., T4 slip, Notice of Assessment, Payslips, etc.
Family Valid Work or Study Permit – as applicable
Fee – CAD 100 (refundable)

How To Apply For A Canada Open Work Permit For Filipinos

STEP 1: Check if you are eligible for an Open Work Permit. You can use this link to check.

The common thing that Filipino couples usually do is that one, usually the wife, applies for a Canadian Student Permit while the husband applies for an Open Work Permit.

STEP 2: Prepare your requirements the documents. Most also do an upfront medical exam before lodging their application.

STEP 3: Lodge your application online.

Apply for a Study Permit through Student Direct Stream in the Philippines 03.png

1. Create an account or sign in here.
2. Start your application by choosing “Apply to come to Canada.”
3. Apply online for an Open Work Permit.
4. Answer the questions asked.

STEP 4: Upload the documents required.

STEP 5: Pay your fees online via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, JCB, China Union Pay) or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Interac).

STEP 6: After you submit your application, there will be a Biometrics Request. Book here to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Center.

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STEP 7: Go to the application center along with your passport, appointment letter, and biometric instruction letter. You may be asked for an additional payment for the biometric fee.

STEP 8: Wait for further instructions (if there are additional documents you might need) and the decision of your visa. Currently, you can get it in a month.

When your passport is ready, you can pick it up as long as you bring an ID, bio-page of your passport, a receipt from VAC, and a consent form if you’ll ask a representative to get it for you. If no one can come, you can also get your passport sent to you via courier.

Congratulations. With a Canada Open Work Permit, you can work in Canada! Once you are in Canada, you can start looking for a job and earn. It’s a great option, especially if you want to live permanently and migrate to Canada. Good luck!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.