The government of Canada announces another set of updates to the Startup Visa program for the candidates.
Per the new changes, the candidates considered ‘essential’ will now be able to apply for an open work permit.
Open Work Permit In Canada
An open work permit in Canada allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for any employer and in most occupations without needing a specific job offer at the time of application.
Open work permits
- Are in contrast with specific work permits that tie workers to a single employer and position.
- Offer greater flexibility and mobility within the Canadian job market.
SUV Program Open Work Permit – Key Information
The Startup Visa candidates will now be able to apply for an open work permit, effective October 3rd.
Here is some more information about the open work permit.
CA With the open work permit, Startup visa candidates can now supplement their income by working for other employers while building their business.
CA The Startup Visa (SUV) program candidates who are considered to be ‘essential’ member or partner will now be eligible to apply for open work permits with up to three years of duration.
CA Earlier, Canada Startup Visa candidates were entitled only to a closed work permit, allowing them to work for the business that was part of their application.
Open Work Permit – Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the open work permit states that
- You must have applied for permanent residence through the Startup Visa (SUV) program.
- You need to have received your Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter.
- If you are a part of an entrepreneurial team, you must fulfill the following requirements
- You must be an essential member of the team
- You must demonstrate that your work or business will provide a significant economic benefit to Canada.
Now that you know about the eligibility criteria for an open work permit, let’s find out how you can apply for one.
Startup Visa Open Work Permit: How To Apply
For those planning to apply for an open work permit, you will be required to prepare the following documents
- Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) letter
- Letter of support
- Proof of funds for personal support
- Medical examination results
- Police certificate
- Proof of business funds
Additional documents required
- Business plan
- Detailed staffing plan
- Proof of exploratory research
- Resume
- Proof of competency
Key Takeaways
For your ease of understanding, here are a few of the crucial takeaways from the new announcement.
Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) Requirements
Those who have filed their Startup Visa (SUV) Program application before 30 April 2024 can apply for the open work permit without the AOR letter. This process offers relief/flexibility to applicants facing significant processing delays on pre-cap cases.
In case you filed the application after the 30th of April, you will require the AOR letter. However, it will be processed quickly owing to the new caps and efficiency measures being introduced by IRCC.
Priority Case Processing
‘Priority cases’ are the cases that are supported by Canadian capital or by businesses that are members of Canada’s Tech Network and are expected to get faster AORs.
Non-Priority Cases
The timeline for AOR remains unclear in a not-a-priority case application that was submitted before 30th April 2024. Non-priority cases have alternative options, such as a one-year closed work permit, which may be necessary on a case-to-case basis.
Close Work Permit Holders
Entrepreneurs who are already in Canada on a closed work permit and had applied for PR before 30th April 2024 can transition to the new open work permit without an AOR.
Some Clarifications Required
Here are some unclarity regarding the new updates.
↳ There is an unclarity regarding an applicant’s status when they withdraw a pending application for a work permit extension and submit a new work permit under this new measure.
↳ Another thing unclear from the new update is whether an applicant will be put at the back of the line for processing if they withdraw their existing application and resubmit under the new work permit measures or if they will hold their place in the queue based on their first application.
For more detailed information, visit the IRCC website. If you want to know more about the new startup visa updates, contact us and speak with our experts.
FAQs
Can I work with a Startup Visa in Canada?
If you are already an applicant for permanent residence through the startup visa program, you can also get an optional open work permit. This open work permit is valid for up to three years and lets you work as an entrepreneur to develop your business.
Has Canada announced the offer of an open work permit to startup visa holders?
Yes, the Government of Canada has announced that effective October 3rd, 2024, Startup Visa (SUV) program applicants who are considered ‘essential’ now can apply for open work permits with a duration of up to three years.
How long is the startup visa for Canada?
The successful applicants and their families can relocate to Canada within 3 to 6 months and obtain permanent residency within 2.5 to 3 years.
Can an open work permit be rejected?
Yes, your open work permit can get rejected if it doesn’t meet the eligibility criteria set by IRCC. Usually, these criteria are implemented to ensure applicants have a legitimate reason to come to Canada and work.
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