BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
VWOWP — Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (Humanitarian/Temporary)
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

VWOWP — Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (Humanitarian/Temporary)

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

5 days

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
12% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$48,000
Quality of Life
170/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

An open work permit designed to protect temporary foreign workers in Canada who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their current workplace.

Canada's Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (VWOWP) is a fee-exempt humanitarian permit for temporary foreign workers in Canada who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their current employer-specific work permit role.

The permit grants open work authorization for 6 to 12 months, with priority processing in 5 business days. It is non-renewable and does not lead to permanent residence. Family members in Canada may also receive fee-exempt open work or study permits.

This visa is ideal for temporary foreign workers already in Canada on an employer-specific permit who need to escape an abusive work situation and find new employment quickly.

Canada

Curious about life in Canada?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

Work Permit Processing FeeCAD $0
Open Work Permit Holder FeeCAD $0
Biometrics FeeCAD $0

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be physically present inside Canada

Must hold a valid employer-specific work permit or have applied to renew one

Must be experiencing or at risk of abuse in relation to their job

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form IMM 0017 (Letter of Explanation)

Supporting Evidence of Abuse (photos, messages, pay stubs, etc.)

Copy of valid passport

Digital photo

Marriage and birth certificates (if applicable)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Priority processing
  • Fee exempt
  • Allows transition to a new employer

Worth Knowing

  • Non-renewable
  • Requires proof of abuse
  • Must be in Canada to apply
  • Applying from outside Canada
  • Not currently holding an employer-specific work permit

Application Process

1

Gather evidence of abuse and write a detailed chronological narrative.

2

Complete Form IMM 0017 and IMM 5710.

3

Log in to the IRCC online account.

4

Upload documents and submit the application.

5

IRCC reviews and contacts the applicant within 5 business days.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5710: Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a WorkerFill online
IMM 0017: Letter of Explanation – Open Work Permit for Vulnerable WorkersFill online
IMM 5710
Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker
Fill online
IMM 0017
Letter of Explanation – Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers
Fill online

Ready to see if the VWOWP — Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (Humanitarian/Temporary) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery