Work permits

Can my dependent children work in Canada?

If your dependent children want to work while in Canada, they must apply for their own work permit. Normally, they must meet the same requirements that you do, including (if needed) a labour market opinion (LMO) from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

However, in some provinces, your dependent children may qualify for a work permit that does not require an LMO. An “open” work permit will allow them to accept any job with any employer.

Currently, pilot projects are underway in Alberta, and Ontario. They allow your dependent children to obtain open work permits.

For your dependent children to apply for an open work permit in participating provinces, you (their parent) must meet the following conditions as well as other conditions set by the province where you work.

You must work and reside in one of the provinces mentioned below.
You must possess a valid, job-specific work permit authorizing you to work in Canada for six months or longer.
The dependant must meet any age eligibility set by the province. See Participant Age Eligibility (by province) at the bottom of this page.
The work you are doing while you live in Canada must meet a minimum skill level (usually work that would require at least a college diploma). Specifically, your job must be listed under Skill Level 0, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.
Participant Age Eligibility (by province)
Alberta – 18 to 22
Ontario – Minimum 14

If you meet these requirements, your dependent children may apply for an open work permit. If they obtain one, it will be subject to the following limitations:

It will be valid for a period of one year from the date it is issued OR for the duration of the parent or guardian’s work permit.
The permit will be limited to employment in the province it was issued by.
Note: Some jobs have age restrictions. Your employer is responsible for ensuring that you are old enough to work in the job in question, in addition to verifying any other provincial requirements.

In some cases your dependent children will need a medical examination. See Will I need a medical exam? in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. http://ping.fm/fwvIA