Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers in Canada
· Site Administrator
Updated May 2026
Foreign nationals in Canada who hold an employer-specific work permit and are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, abuse in the workplace may have access to an open work permit for vulnerable workers. This measure is intended to help eligible workers leave an abusive employment situation without first obtaining a new Labour Market Impact Assessment or a new employer-specific work permit.
Who may qualify?
Eligibility depends on the worker’s current immigration status, the type of work permit held, and evidence showing abuse or a risk of abuse connected with the employment. Abuse can take different forms, including physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse, as well as unsafe or coercive workplace practices.
Preparing the application
A strong application should clearly explain the circumstances and provide available supporting evidence. Depending on the case, evidence may include communications with the employer, employment records, photographs, medical or police records, witness information, complaints, or other documents supporting the worker’s account.
Why timing matters
Workers should obtain advice before leaving status issues unresolved. The vulnerable-worker open work permit is a specific protective immigration measure and should not be confused with a general open work permit.
Practical next steps for workers experiencing abuse
Preserve messages, pay records and a dated account of incidents where it is safe to do so. Check the validity and conditions of the existing work permit, and consider immediate personal safety needs separately from immigration eligibility. The application should explain the connection between the employment and the alleged abuse without requiring the worker to remain in an unsafe workplace.
See consultation options for an individual eligibility assessment.
Important: Immigration policies and program instructions can change. This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Eligibility should be assessed against the rules in force when the application is made.
Harjeet Arora, RCIC-IRB · R709086