Frequently asked questions:
Working temporarily in Canada

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 where an agreement respecting the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has been entered into with the federal government, 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 two provinces (Ontario and Alberta), allowing for open work permits for dependent children.

For your dependent children to apply for an open work permit under this pilot, you must meet the following conditions:

• You must work and reside in one of the pilot provinces.
• You must possess a valid, job-specific work permit authorizing you to work in Canada for six months or longer.
• 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.

If you meet these requirements, your dependent children may apply for an open work permit. There are certain requirements and conditions:

• your dependent children’s permits will be valid for the same period as your work permit;
• the permit will be limited to employment in the province it was issued by;
• the applicant must meet the age eligibility (see below); and
• the applicant must meet all standard criteria to work in Canada.

Participant Age Eligibility (by province)
Alberta – 18 to 22
Ontario – Minimum 14

The work permit 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.

Example: If the work permit is issued on June 29, 2010, it would be valid until June 29, 2011, provided the parent or guardian’s work permit remains valid.

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.

Related Links

• Will I need a medical exam?
• Application to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada as a worker