Vulnerable Work Permit

If you are experiencing abuse or are at risk of being abused in your job in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. This work permit provides you with temporary protection and allows you to find new employment in Canada, free from the abusive situation. The open work permit provides flexibility, as it allows you to work for any eligible employer, giving you a chance to escape the abusive situation and rebuild your work life in a safer environment.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is any behavior that controls, isolates, or harms you. It can be physical, sexual, financial, or emotional.

Examples of Abuse:

• Physical Abuse: Hitting, unsafe working conditions, or harm to your health.
• Sexual Abuse: Unwanted touching or sexual comments.
• Financial Abuse: Stealing from you or withholding wages.
• Emotional Abuse: Threats, insults, or controlling your movements.
• Unsafe Living Conditions: Poor or dangerous housing.

If you experience any of these, report them when applying for an open work permit. It can help you find a safer job and environment.

Eligibility:

Victims of Abuse: If you are in an abusive work situation (such as physical, emotional, or financial abuse), or at risk of being abused, you may qualify for this open work permit.

• Employer Restrictions: The permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those that:
  • Are listed as ineligible for employing foreign workers due to non-compliance with regulations.
  • Regularly offer services like striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

Key Features:

• Temporary Solution: This open work permit is designed to protect your rights by allowing you to leave an abusive employer and seek new employment. However, it is a temporary measure.
• Expiry Date: The permit has an expiry date, and it cannot be renewed.
• Time to Find New Work: The permit should give you enough time to find a new employer and apply for a new work permit. If you wish to remain in Canada, you must apply for a new work permit before this one expires.

What Happens After It Expires?

Once your open work permit expires, you will need to apply for a new work permit if you wish to continue working in Canada. Make sure to do this before the permit expires to maintain your legal status in Canada. This work permit is part of Canada’s efforts to protect vulnerable foreign workers and ensure they are not trapped in abusive situations without options.

Fees: There are no fees for this work permit.

After You Apply for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers:

What Happens Next:

• Contact from the Local Office: Once we receive your application, we’ll reach out within 5 business days to guide you on the next steps.
• Interview Request: We may ask you to attend an interview.

Employer Inspections:

• After your open work permit is approved, we may contact your former employer for an inspection to ensure they are following the rules.
• Inspections are meant to protect workers and ensure employers comply with regulations, but we won’t contact your employer for any other reason.
• You may be asked to provide information to help with the inspection, but this is optional.

Work Permits for Family Members:

• If your application is approved, family members who came with you to Canada might also be eligible for an open work permit.
• Your family members must submit their own applications but can do so together with yours.