In Canada, most applicants requesting an unrestricted open work permit must pay a special Open Work Permit Holder Fee of $100 CAD. This surcharge is paid in addition to the standard $155 CAD work permit processing fee, bringing the total base cost to $255 CAD, though certain vulnerable workers and destitute students may be entirely exempt.
Applying for authorization to work anywhere in Canada offers incredible flexibility, but it also comes with specific financial requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Unlike an employer-specific permit that ties you to a single job, an open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer across the country, from a tech firm in British Columbia to a retail centre in Nova Scotia.
Because of this broad flexibility, the federal government mandates an additional surcharge known as the Open Work Permit Holder Fee. 💵 Understanding exactly who must pay this $100 CAD fee-and identifying if you qualify for a rare exemption-is critical to ensuring your application is not rejected or delayed due to incorrect payment. This guide breaks down the precise rules surrounding this specific Canadian immigration fee.
Understanding the Open Work Permit Holder Fee in Canada
The Canadian immigration system differentiates heavily between restricted and unrestricted labour authorizations. When an employer wishes to hire a foreign worker on a closed permit, that employer typically pays an Employer Compliance Fee of $230 CAD. However, because open work permits do not involve a specific sponsoring employer, the applicant themselves bears an extra administrative cost.
Who Must Pay the $100 Surcharge?
Generally, if you are applying for a permit that allows you to choose your own employer in Canada, you are required to pay this additional $100 CAD fee. Common programs that trigger this mandatory surcharge include:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): International students graduating from eligible Canadian learning institutions must pay this fee.
- Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP): Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students must typically pay both the processing fee and the holder fee.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Participants in the Working Holiday category are responsible for this specific open permit surcharge.
- Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): Applicants waiting for permanent residence decisions who need to maintain their working status must also pay.
Who is Legally Exempt from the Fee?
Canada recognizes that certain individuals face severe hardship and legally exempts them from paying the Open Work Permit Holder Fee. Exemptions are strictly defined under Canadian immigration law and generally apply to:
- Vulnerable Workers: Migrant workers experiencing or at risk of physical, emotional, or financial abuse from their current Canadian employer can apply for a fee-exempt open work permit.
- Destitute Students: International students who have suddenly lost their financial support through no fault of their own may be exempt.
- Refugees and Protected Persons: Certain refugee claimants and individuals under an unenforced removal order who need to support themselves while in Canada do not pay the fee.
- Family Members of Deceased Foreign Workers: Dependants of a temporary worker who passed away while employed in Canada may be eligible for a fee exemption.
How Much Does an Open Work Permit Cost Total?
When preparing your application online or on paper, you must calculate your totals carefully. 🨢 Failure to remit the exact amount in Canadian Dollars (CAD) will result in your application being returned unprocessed.
| Application Component | Standard Open Work Permit (CAD) | Exempt Vulnerable Worker (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Processing Fee | $155 | $0 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | $100 | $0 |
| Biometrics Fee (If Required) | $85 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $255 to $340 | $0 |
How Long Does Processing Take?
Once you have paid the Open Work Permit Holder fee and submitted your application, processing timelines vary dramatically based on the specific program and whether you apply from inside or outside Canada. ⌛ For instance, an inland Spousal Open Work Permit might take anywhere from 3 to 5 months, while an overseas Working Holiday application might be processed in just a few weeks.
It is important to note that paying the fee does not guarantee a faster processing time. The federal government processes applications in the order they are received, prioritizing only specific critical sectors or vulnerable worker claims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I pay the Open Work Permit Holder Fee if I am extending my current permit?
Yes. If you are applying to extend an existing open work permit, you must generally pay both the $155 CAD processing fee and the $100 CAD holder fee again, unless you fall into a protected exemption category.
Can I get a refund for the $100 fee if my application is refused?
Yes. While IRCC will keep the $155 CAD basic processing fee if your application is formally refused, the $100 CAD Open Work Permit Holder Fee is strictly for the privilege of holding the permit and is generally refunded automatically to your original payment method.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for an open work permit in Canada?
It is entirely possible to apply on your own using the IRCC secure portal. However, because Canadian immigration rules are complex-especially regarding Spousal Open Work Permits or vulnerable worker claims-many applicants choose to hire a local lawyer to ensure their paperwork is impeccable and their legal rights are protected.
What happens if I accidentally pay the $230 Employer Compliance Fee instead?
If you pay the wrong fee, IRCC cannot simply transfer the funds to the correct category. Your application will likely be delayed or returned as incomplete. You would need to request a formal refund for the incorrect fee and make a new payment for the $100 CAD Open Work Permit Holder Fee.
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