A Closed Work Permit is meant for foreign nationals working under specific employers.
Canada provides separate work permit alternatives for skilled and talented individuals across the globe. The country’s work permit alternatives include Closed Work Permits. These kinds of work permit demand skilled foreign workers to work only for a specific employer. In this case, the employer must acquire a positive LMIA before offering a job to a foreign national.
Additionally, a Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document ensuring that the recruitment of a foreign national will either positively or neutrally impact the Canadian labor market.
A Closed Work Permit is contrary to an Open Work Permit because it is employer-specific. This type of work permit enables an individual to work in Canada aligned with the work permit conditions. They’re as follows:
- The specific employer’s name for whom you work.
- The duration of hours you can work.
- Your work’s location.
Closed Work Permit- repercussions of job loss
Losing one’s job while one possesses a valid closed work permit might have serious consequences. Furthermore, individuals will no longer have the right to work for their existing employer. Moreover, they will also have no authority to work under a different employer. However, the validity of the permit will determine the right to legally reside in Canada without a job.
Therefore, individuals must convert their current work permit conditions if they further seek to work legally in Canada. Moreover, beginning new employment implies they must be eligible for a work permit with the right qualification. This will further allow them to acquire a new work permit. Only after these individuals get their new work permit along with the new employment conditions will they be able to continue working in Canada under another employer. They must first access their new work conditions.
Furthermore, they will also have the chance to apply for an Open Work Permit, as it is not employer-specific. Moreover, there is no limitation concerning the employer or profession. Unlike Closed Work Permits, OWPs ensure employees can conveniently switch between workplaces. Also, they have the authority to move to different locations, employers, and occupations within Canada. Applying for an OWP is possible from within Canada and outside it.
Additionally, Open Work Permits enable a person to be exempt from the Closed Work Permit’s requirements. This further indicates that they will not require to demonstrate an employment offer or positive LMIA to acquire an Open Work Permit.
Various options for those undergoing abuse or exploitation at their workplace
Those individuals facing any kind of abuse at their workplace or feeling threatened that they might be in such a position in the future might use an Open Work Permit meant for vulnerable workers.
An OWP for vulnerable workers is explicitly developed to protect a person’s right as a Canadian worker. This type of OWP enables them to depart from a threatening workplace and get new employment. However, this type of solution or measure is temporary and has an expiry, not allowing for renewal.
Overall, such an OWP will support needy individuals by offering them sufficient time to get a new employer. They will be able to apply for a new permit as well.
