Facts about Open work permit for Live-In caregivers

The issuance of open work permit to live-in caregivers is Minister Kenney’s solution to help live-in caregivers establish themselves in the country while waiting for the approval of permanent residence applications. This change enables a caregiver to obtain an open work permit roughly 18 months faster than through the previous processing rules.

In the past, caregivers were previously required to wait for the initial approval of the permanent residency application before they become qualified for open work permits. As a result, numerous caregivers had to continue residing with their employer even after the completion of their contract because they had to wait for the results of the evaluation of their application for permanent resident status. This was wearisome for the caregiver and was often expensive for the employer. After analyzing the effects of the lengthy processing with the help of Toronto Caregiver Resource Centre, the Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister decided to resolve the issue through the new rules on open work permit processing.

Benefits of an open work permit

A holder of an open work permit has scores of benefits. Some of these benefits include the following:                   

• ·         You can work for any employer
• ·         You don’t need a prior job offer
• ·         You can choose a job because an open work permit is not job specific
• ·         You can establish yourself financially while waiting for your permanent resident status
• ·         You can search for a good location and increase job prospects while waiting for your permanent residence status approval

Eligibility for open work permit

In order to qualify for an open work permit, you have to meet the following requisites:

1.     You must be a live-in caregiver legally working in Canada

2.     You have completed the work obligation stipulated in your employment contract

3.     You have filed a permanent residency application

4.     Your application contains all the required information

At the onset of your application for permanent residence status, it may be helpful to seek legal advice from a Canadian immigration attorney. You can ask about the best course of action available with regards to your application for permanent residency. A qualified immigration lawyer can also help you explore your career options and give professional advice with regards to your job qualifications. You can also ask questions about the credentialing process which often hinders foreign nationals from landing suitable jobs in Canada.