@sliu613 2. There is no requirement for your H1B visa to be valid when you apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) in Canada. The validity of the OWP is not dependent on the expiration of your H1B visa.
I've moved to Canada after receiving job invitation in hospitality industry. In this case a special type of work permit is needed. But which one?
There are two different categories of work permits in Canada: Open Work Permit (OWP) and Employer-Specific Work Permit (ESWP).
@sliu613 1. The validity period of an Open Work Permit (OWP) for a H1B visa holder in Canada typically starts from the day you enter Canada. It is not based on the date of the approval letter.
The OWP is a more flexible option that allows foreign workers to choose their place of work more freely, while the ESWP is usually issued for a specific job or employer. However, obtaining an ESWP can be an easier and faster process.
The ESWP, on the contrary, gives the right to work only at a specific place of work, with a specific employer and in a specific position. An employee must have an ESWP in order to be eligible to work in a specific job and for only one employer.