A Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Open Work Permit (OWP) is a type of work permit that allows certain individuals who are in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to work while they await a decision on their application for permanent residency.

The process to apply for a Humanitarian and Compassionate Open Work Permit is as follows:

1. Determine eligibility: To be eligible for an H&C OWP, the applicant must have submitted an application for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds and have received confirmation that the application is being processed. The applicant must also demonstrate that they would experience undue hardship if they were not allowed to work while they await a decision on their permanent residency application.

2. Gather required documents: The applicant will need to provide various documents, including proof of their current status in Canada, proof of their H&C permanent residency application, and evidence of the hardship they would experience if they were not allowed to work.

3. Complete the application: The H&C OWP application can be submitted online or by mail.

4. Pay the application fee: There is a fee to apply for an H&C OWP, which must be paid when you submit your application.

5. Wait for a decision: The processing time for an H&C OWP can vary, but it typically takes around four to five months. You can check the status of your application online.

Once the H&C OWP is approved, the applicant can work for any employer in Canada while they await a decision on their permanent residency application. The H&C OWP is typically valid for the same period as the applicant’s current work permit or until a decision is made on their permanent residency application, whichever comes first. It’s important to note that an H&C OWP is not available to all individuals and eligibility requirements must be met.