Vulnerable Open Work Permit

Those eligible to apply for the OWP program are individuals currently holding an employer-specific work permit in Canada. This includes workers who report experiencing abuse or are at risk of facing abuse within their current employment situation. To qualify, applicants must:

• Reside within Canada (applications at the port of entry will not be accepted).
• Possess a valid employer-specific work permit, with the employer's name indicated, and must not be expired or invalid at the time of application or extension.
• Be subjected to abuse or be at risk of abuse in connection with their employment in Canada.

Understanding Abuse:

Abuse encompasses a range of behaviours that instill fear, exert control, or cause isolation. This can manifest in various forms, such as physical, sexual, financial, or mental abuse. Examples of abuse include:

• Physical harm or assault
• Unsafe working conditions endangering health
• Unsanitary living conditions provided by the employer
• Unwanted sexual advances or harassment
• Coercive control over movement or communication
• Exploitative practices like withholding wages or stealing
• Threats, insults, or intimidation tactics

Supporting Documentation:

To strengthen their application, individuals must provide a detailed letter outlining their situation and the abuse they are facing or at risk of encountering. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to include various forms of evidence, such as:

• Letters or reports from abuse support organizations or medical professionals
• Sworn statements or affidavits detailing personal experiences
• Official reports submitted to enforcement agencies (e.g., police or Canada Border Services Agency)
• Complaints filed with provincial government enforcement agencies
• Victim impact statements
• Correspondence (emails or text messages) supporting claims
• Financial documents (pay stubs, bank statements) revealing exploitation
• Visual evidence (photos) depicting injuries or working conditions
• Witness testimonies corroborating the applicant's account

Final Notes:

While the examples provided offer insight into potential forms of abuse, applicants are encouraged to submit any additional evidence they deem relevant. In cases where uploading all evidence is not feasible, applicants are advised to address this in their letter of explanation.

If you find yourself in a difficult situation in Canada as mentioned above, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to apply for a Vulnerable Open Work Permit. We will provide guidance throughout the process of gathering the necessary documents and will prepare and submit the application for the open work permit.