Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Foreign Workers in Canada

Canada is committed to protecting the rights of foreign workers. Sometimes, temporary workers face abuse or mistreatment from their employers, leaving them at risk. To support these individuals, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced the Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers. This special permit allows affected workers to quickly leave abusive situations and find new employment in Canada.

What is an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers?

An Open Work Permit is a document that allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada without requiring a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). For vulnerable workers, this permit is designed to provide safety and flexibility if they experience abuse, including:

• Physical or psychological abuse
• Sexual harassment or exploitation
• Unsafe or unhealthy working conditions
• Financial mistreatment, such as unpaid wages

Who is Eligible?

You may qualify for this permit if:

• You are in Canada on a valid employer-specific work permit.
• You are experiencing or at risk of abuse by your current employer.
• You can provide information or evidence of the mistreatment to IRCC.

This program applies to temporary foreign workers, including those under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Benefits of the Program

• Immediate protection: Workers can quickly leave abusive jobs.
• Freedom to work elsewhere: Allows switching to a new employer without delay.
• Maintains legal status: Prevents workers from falling out of status while seeking safer employment.

Why Legal Assistance Matters

Reporting abuse can be overwhelming, especially when immigration status is at stake. Our law firm provides confidential and supportive legal guidance to help vulnerable workers apply for open work permits, protect their rights, and transition safely into new employment.

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