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What is the open work permit for vulnerable workers?

Every worker in Canada is entitled to a safe and healthy work environment. If you’re being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers.

An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada. It will help you leave an abusive situation to find a new job. There is no fee to apply. This work permit is temporary but should give you enough time to find a new employer and apply for a new work permit.

Who is eligible?

Temporary foreign workers in Canada who

• hold a valid work permit that is employer-specific or was issued under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (or who have applied to renew this type of permit)

• are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to their job in Canada

Family members in Canada can also apply if the principal applicant has been issued an open work permit for vulnerable workers.

What is abuse?

Any behaviour that scares, controls or isolates you could be abuse. Abuse can be physical, sexual, financial, mental or in the form of reprisals and can include

• physical harm, threats or insults

What documents do I need to provide?

a letter describing the abuse

Other evidence may include

– a letter, statement or report from an abuse support organization or medical professional

– a sworn statement by the applicant

– a copy of a complaint filed with an enforcement agency – other supporting material (for example, copies of emails, photos, witness testimonies)

a copy of your passport

a digital photo

marriage and birth certificates if you’re applying with family members

• unwanted sexual comments or touching

What happens after I apply?

Cat. No. Ci4-204/2024E-PDF 978-0-660-70394-7 IRCC 366*-**-****

• controlling where you go or which people you see

We aim to contact you within 5 business days after you apply.

• stealing from you or taking money you have earned

We may ask you to do an interview.

• threats or actions carried out in response to an employee

If you’re approved for the open work permit for vulnerable workers,

reporting work conditions or cooperating with an

we may ask you to give us information to help us inspect your

employer inspection

former employer. You don’t have to give us information. The

How can I apply?

choice is yours.

You need to apply online for this work permit. You need a scanner

or camera to create electronic copies of your documents. Read the

instructions at the official website.

If you can’t apply online because of a disability, or if there’s

a problem with our online application system, go to the IRCC

office closest to you or contact the Client Support Centre at

1-888-***-**** for more information.

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