Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers: Leave an Abusive Employer
If your employer abuses you or puts you at risk, you can apply for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. It lets you leave that job and work for another employer, with no government fee. If you are in danger right now, call 911 first.
since 1991
Who can apply for this permit?
You can apply if you are in Canada, you are being abused or are at risk of abuse in relation to your job, and you hold a valid employer-specific work permit with your employer’s name on it. You can also apply if you applied to extend that permit before it expired and you are still waiting for a decision. You cannot apply at a port of entry (IRCC).
What counts as abuse?
IRCC says abuse is any behaviour that scares, controls or isolates you. It can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological or reprisal. Our work permits hub and open work permits guide show the other open permits if this one does not fit.
Key rules at a glance
- Cost: there are no fees for this work permit.
- Where: you must apply online, inside Canada, not at a port of entry.
- Length: the permit has an expiry date and cannot be renewed.
- Family: family members who came with you may be eligible for their own open permit.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
This permit fits if
- Your employer hurts, threatens, controls or steals from you.
- You hold an employer-specific permit with your employer’s name on it.
- You want to leave and work for someone else.
Look elsewhere if
- You are in danger: call 911 first, then ask for help with your file.
- You already hold an open permit: you can already change employers. See the open work permits guide.
- You only want a better job: a normal change of employer needs a new offer and sometimes an LMIA. See the LMIA work permits guide.
Not sure which route fits? Read our work permits hub or the humanitarian and compassionate guide if you need status in Canada.
Farm workers and caregivers can read our agricultural workers guide and caregivers guide.
Why vulnerable worker applications fail
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Your permit is not employer-specific
This permit is for workers whose permit names one employer. Open permit holders can already change employers.
Your permit expired with no extension pending
You need a valid permit, or a pending extension you applied for before the permit expired.
You applied at the border
You must be in Canada and apply online. You cannot apply at a port of entry.
Thin evidence
Explain the abuse in the IMM 0017 letter and add as much evidence as you can. IRCC accepts many types, so use what you have.
No plan for the next permit
This permit is temporary and cannot be renewed. Apply for another permit before it expires if you want to stay and work.
Need help with your file?
We read your situation and plan the next permit before this one expires.
Timing you cannot miss
Apply while your permit is valid
You need a valid employer-specific permit, or a pending extension that you filed before the old one expired. Do not wait for the permit to expire.
This permit has an expiry date and cannot be renewed. It should give you time to find a new employer and apply for another permit before it ends. A new employer may need an LMIA or an offer of employment.
IRCC may contact your employer for an inspection after you receive the permit, and for no other reason. You do not have to give IRCC extra information for the inspection. The choice is yours.
Documents and evidence to gather
Add as much evidence as you can. IRCC accepts many types.
How the application works, step by step
Six stages from your letter to your decision.
Stay safe first
If you are in danger, call 911. Delete your browsing history if someone monitors your computer.
Check you qualify
Confirm your permit names your employer, or that your extension is pending.
Write your letter
Use the IMM 0017 letter of explanation to describe your situation and the abuse.
Gather your evidence
Add statements, reports, messages, pay records and photos.
Apply online
Submit inside Canada. There is no fee. Add a table of contents for your evidence.
Plan your next permit
If approved, find a new employer and apply again before this permit expires.
Costs and timelines
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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A strategy built for your profile
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Vulnerable workers permit FAQs
What is the open work permit for vulnerable workers?
It is an IRCC open work permit for workers who are being abused, or are at risk of abuse, in relation to their job in Canada. It lets you leave that employer and work for another. It is a temporary solution to help you leave an abusive situation.
Who can apply?
You must be in Canada and hold a valid employer-specific work permit with your employer’s name on it. You can also apply if you applied to extend that permit before it expired and are waiting. You cannot apply at a port of entry.
What counts as abuse?
IRCC defines abuse as behaviour that scares, controls or isolates you. It can be physical, sexual, financial, psychological or reprisal. Examples include unsafe work, unsafe housing, stolen pay, threats and fees charged for fake jobs.
How much does it cost?
There are no fees for this work permit. You apply online. If you need certified translations of your evidence, you pay for those.
What evidence should I include?
Include the IMM 0017 letter of explanation and as much evidence as you can. IRCC lists examples such as statements from support groups or doctors, affidavits, police or provincial complaints, messages, pay records and photos. You may have other evidence too.
Do I need proof from the police?
No. A police report is only one type of evidence. You can use other evidence, such as your own sworn statement, messages or pay records.
Can I work for any employer with this permit?
You can work for most employers. IRCC excludes employers on the ineligible list and employers who regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
How long is the permit valid and can I renew it?
The permit has an expiry date and cannot be renewed. You should use the time to find a new employer and apply for another permit before it ends.
Can my family get a work permit too?
Family members who came with you to Canada may be eligible for an open work permit if your application is approved. They complete their own application and may submit it with yours.
Will IRCC contact my employer?
IRCC may contact your employer for an inspection after you get the permit, and for no other reason. You do not have to give IRCC information for the inspection. The choice is yours.
Can I apply from outside Canada or at the border?
No. You must be in Canada and apply online. You cannot apply at a port of entry.
What if my application is refused?
You can reapply if your situation changed or you have new evidence, or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. See our work permit refused guide.