At InfoTET, we know that Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) need clear and reliable information. In some cases, workers may face workplace abuse or risk of violence in their employment. In these situations, there is an open work permit for vulnerable workers, which allows them to change employers and protect their safety at work as well as their legal status.
What is an open work permit for vulnerable workers?
This permit is temporary and allows TFWs to work for almost any employer in Canada, making it easier to leave an abusive situation and find a new job without losing their legal status. The application is free, and the permit is granted to individuals who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Government of Canada. For official and reliable information, you can consult the Government website: Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers.
At InfoTET, we support TFWs in understanding how to access this permit and the steps they need to follow, so that every worker has reliable information and guidance throughout the process.
Who can apply?
- A TFW can apply if:
- They are physically in Canada.
- They hold a valid closed work permit tied to a specific employer, or have applied for its renewal before it expired.
- They are a victim of workplace abuse or face a real risk of abuse related to their employment.
Family members present in Canada can also submit their own application alongside the worker.
What is considered abuse or violence?
Any behavior that intimidates, controls, or isolates the worker is considered abuse. This includes:
- Physical violence, threats, or insults.
- Sexual harassment, unwanted comments, or non-consensual touching.
- Restrictions on movement or isolation from family and friends.
- Withholding money or threats for reporting unsafe working conditions.
What to do if you are in a vulnerable situation?
If, as a TFW, you find yourself in a situation you consider abusive or vulnerable at work, it is essential to seek support immediately. In these cases, contacting our legal partner, Justice Pro Bono, is the safest way to obtain professional advice and guidance throughout the process.
How Justice Pro Bono can help you:
- Understand your rights as a worker in Canada.
- Assess whether your situation makes you eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
- Receive free legal advice to protect your safety and legal status.
- Get guidance on the steps to take and how to submit your application safely, if needed.
Justice Pro Bono is a legal organization that provides free advice to TFWs facing workplace abuse or needing information about their open work permit. Our goal is to ensure that every worker has clear and reliable information.
You can consult our guide InfoTET and discover all the services we make available to you.
