Like most people, you probably have wondered more than once how many hours we can work on open work permit.
You’re in luck, as in this article, we will provide you with that information and more like how long an open work permit lasts in Canada, the different types of open work permits there are, and much more.
According to CIC News, Canada issued about 608,420 work permits as t 2022, reaching a high of 77%. Here’s the catch, it is progressive.
However, it is important you get the right information to enable you to get quick approval for an open work permit and start earning.
This will depend on your qualifications, relationship to a temporary resident or Canadian citizen, and adherence to the requirements and guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Let’s get to it already, shall we?
How Many Hours We Can Work on Open Work Permit
According to the Federal Labor Standard, the maximum work hours, even with an open work permit, is
- 10 hours in a day and
- 48 hours a week.
However, this can be extended in peculiar cases to accommodate the situation.
Nevertheless, these are exceptions, and they do not make the rule.
These peculiar cases are:
- Emergency work
- Excess hour permit
- Averaging plan
- Modified work schedule
How Many Types of Open Work Permits Are There in Canada?
There are two types of Open Work Permits in Canada:
1. Unrestricted Open Work Permit
An unrestricted open work permit in Canada authorizes individuals to work without specific limitations or restrictions.
This means that holders of this permit have the freedom to work in any job position or industry of their choice, and they are not tied to a specific employer.
This type of work permit offers greater flexibility and broader employment opportunities for individuals in Canada.
2. Restricted Open Work Permits
A restricted open work permit is a work permit that permits individuals to work in a specific country but with certain limitations or restrictions.
It comes with specific conditions or requirements that must be met to avoid violation.
Some of these restrictions are:
1. Occupational Restriction:
This restriction authorizes individuals to work only a particular job or in a specific industry.
Any deviation from that would be considered a violation of the permit conditions, which opens the individual up to potential consequences and possible legal status retrieval.
Also see: Can I Extend My Work Permit While Waiting for PR
2. Location Restriction:
This restriction confines the working scope of an individual to a particular geographic province or region.
That is, the individual is permitted to work only in this/these province(s).
3. Employer-Specific:
This work permit is tied to a specific employer. This means the individual can work only for the employer mentioned in the permit.
Working for a different employer is a violation and attracts legal consequences.
Note: Some restricted work permits allow you to change employer but do not allow you to change your occupation, while some allow you to change employer but do not allow you to change the location of work.
The decision on what type of open work permit to issue you is up to the officer at the Canadian Consulate based on the documents you submit when you apply.
Documents Needed for Open Work Permit Application
- Application form
- Passport
- Proof of eligibility – proof of spousal relationship, enrollment in a designated learning institution, participation in a specific immigration program
- Letter of Job Offer From a Canadian Employer
- Educational credentials
- Language proficiency
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical examination
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of ties to home country
Benefits of an Open Work Permit
- Pathways to Permanent Residency
- Flexibility
- Spousal Employment
- Faster Employment
- Networking and Integration
- Professional Skill Development
How Long Will it Take to Process a Work Permit Application?
It is only normal for you to find out how long the work permit process takes.
Usually, it all depends on how long it takes the s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your application from the day they receive it.
Ideally, it takes about 5-36 weeks.
- Work Permit (while inside Canada) – 4 weeks
- Work Permit (outside of Canada) – 5 to 6 months
Also see: OHIP – Open Work Permit Employment Letter
Open Work Permit Processing Fees
Been a necessity for foreign nationals, the processing fee for an open work permit is considerably fair.
And it is not job-specific, meaning, no matter what your job preferences are, the cost of obtaining an open work permit remains the same.
| Application | Processing Fee |
| Work permit | $155 per person |
| Work permit for a group of 3 or more performing artists (all artists and staff must apply at the same time) | $465 |
| Open work permit | $100 per person |
| Restore a work permit | $355 |
What Are Open Work Permit Rules in Canada?
According to the Canadian Government, statutory rules must be met or followed on the journey toward open work permit.
These include:
1. Residency in Canada.
2. You must have applied to permanent residency pathways under one of the temporary residents.
3. You must have been authorized to work.
4. You must have met the language requirements.
5. You must have valid temporary resident status/immigration status.
How Long Does an Open Work Permit Last in Canada?
Work permits are usually valid for 1-2 years.
However, Canadian visa officers consider the validity of the worker’s passport or travel document.
Generally, a work permit will not be issued longer than the validity of the worker’s passport.
It is important to ensure that your passport is valid for the intended duration of your stay in Canada.
If your passport is due to expire soon, it is recommended to renew it before submitting your work permit application.
This will help avoid any complications or limitations in the duration of your work permit.
The specific validity period of a work permit can also depend on other factors, such as the job offer or employment contract duration, the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if applicable, and the specific immigration program or stream under which you are applying.
It’s worth noting that work permits in Canada can be issued for various durations, ranging from a few months to several years, depending on the circumstances.
The final decision on the validity period of a work permit rests with the Canadian visa officer processing the application, considering relevant factors and regulations.
Is Dual Employment Allowed In Canada?
Knowing that this means holding two or more jobs from multiple employers simultaneously, yes, it is legally possible to take on concurrent employment in Canada, as long as no clause in your first job contract forbids you from taking on another job while still working with them.
With that out of the way, no law prevents you from working for two different employers.
However tempting this may seem, you may want to consider the tax returns too because the higher you earn, the more tax you remit to the government.
You need to consider these and more before delving into dual employment.
Also see: Documents Needed for Your IEC Work Permit Application
How Many Hours is a Full-time Job in Canada?
This may vary by employer. However, most employers consider 30 to 40 hours per week for full-time roles.
You should know that the Canada Labour Code has set the standard for full-time jobs capturing a period of eight hours a day to a total of 40 hours per week.
How Much Does a Full-time Worker Earn in Canada?
The average full-time salary in Canada is $37,050 per year or $19 per hour.
Entry-level positions start at $31,586 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $61,366 per year.
Full-time Salaries Per Province
1. Northwest Territories – $56,550
2. Quebec – $45,828
3. Nunavut – $44,801
4. Saskatchewan – $40,892
5. Alberta – $40,491
6. Manitoba – $40,126
7. British Columbia – $39,915
8. Prince Edward Island – $39,254
9. Ontario – $38,883
10. Nova Scotia – $37,050
11. New Brunswick – $36,816
12 Yukon – $32,370
What Benefits Do Canadian Employees Get?
1. Provincial Healthcare Insurance
2. Paid time off
3. Minimum wage and overtime pay
4. Flexible working hours
5. Personal leave
6. Family violence leave
7. Medical leave
8. Leave for the disappearance of a child
9. Family violence leave
10. Leave for legal proceedings
Also see: Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
11. Holiday pay
12. Maternity and parental leave
13. Aboriginal employee leave
14. Bereavement leave
15. Pension contributions
16. Employment Insurance
17. Survivor Insurance
18. Provincial Workers’ Compensation Plans
Supplemental Employee Benefits in Canada
1. Supplemental Health Insurance
2. Group Registered Retirement Savings
3. Life Coverage and Long-Term Disability Benefits
4. Child benefit
5. Disabilities and After a Death.
6. Student Aid
Also see: How to Apply for Canadian Post Graduate Work Permit [PGWP]
Conclusion
Knowing how many hours you can work with an open work permit in Canada is a key step in thriving and making the best out of the labor market in the country.
This post contains not just the stipulated daily and weekly work hours but also the necessary information required for the application and processing of your open work permit, the various types they are, and salary ranges based on provinces to help inform your decision as you navigate the market.
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