Canadian Open Work Permit Program for Israeli Citizens
Feb 17, 2025
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Palestinian Territories, Canada launched an emergency measure for citizens of Israel by offering work and study permits.
The program offers a 3-year unrestricted work or study permit, allowing families to live in Canada on a valid status and integrate into the society through work or schooling.
Who is Eligible?
An eligible applicant must be a citizen of Israel who left the country on or after October 7, 2023. The applicant must have a valid Israeli passport and be physically in Canada at the time of application until the final decision is issued on the application.
While there are no age restrictions to this program, special considerations will apply to young adults who are planning to attend a college or university in Canada.
Key Benefits:
An unrestricted work permit in Canada is very special and is issued only in select circumstances.
It allows the applicant to work for any employer in any location in Canada, allowing to gain valuable Canadian work experience which can add to a future application for permanent residence.
To apply for the open work permit, the applicant doesn’t need to have a job offer or have a post-secondary degree - the only requirement is that the applicant is in Canada at the time of application all the way through until the application reaches a final decision.
What Documents are Required?
Applicants must upload and submit the following documents with their application:
Copy of valid Israeli passport
Digital photo
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law status for couples
Birth certificates for accompanying children
Bank statement to show enough funds to cover living expenses in Canada
While there is no minimum requirement for how much funds an applicant must show, ultimately the more you show, the better it is.
It is important to note that Canadian permits and visas will never be issued beyond the duration of the passport. As such it is highly recommended to renew passports before applying if they are due to expire within the next 3 years.
Optional documents may include health insurance as some provincial health insurance plans are applicable with a valid employment in Canada.
How to Apply:
The application must be submitted online through an IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal - you can register for one here.
As of now, applicants applying under this program are exempt from paying any government fees, however this may change depending on the day of your application.
When to Apply:
This program ends on July 31, 2025 as such the applicants must submit their completed applications before this deadline.
Processing Time:
Processing time changes frequently and solely depends on the reviewing officer on the file. On average, based on actual data, it can take anywhere between 2 to 6 months.
Useful Resources:
Please review the following links from the official IRCC website for your information:
Official publication and press release from the Minister of Immigration
Eligibility for Permanent Residence:
If your end goal is to apply for permanent residence in Canada, it’s important to set the right strategy from the beginning to avoid losing precious time of your work permit.
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