Work Permit

Work Permit

Most foreign national will require a Work Permit to work in Canada temporarily. A work permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period. Whether applying for an employer-specific or open work permit, understanding the requirements and gathering the necessary documents is critical to the success of your application.

Foreign nationals need a work permit to engage in paid employment in Canada unless they qualify for an exemption. Without a valid work permit, individuals are not authorized to work, and working illegally can lead to serious consequences, such as deportation or future inadmissibility.

Canada offers various types of work permits depending on the situation. It is essential to understand which type of work permit applies to your situation to ensure compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.

There are two main types of work permits:

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Employer-Specific Work Permit, also known as a closed work permit, allows you to work in Canada according to the conditions outlined in the permit. These conditions include the name of the employer, the duration of the work, and the location of the job. This type of permit is usually required when

  • A specific Canadian employer has offered you a job.
  • Your employer has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job.
  • The job offer is for a fixed term, such as a seasonal position or temporary employment.

Open Work Permit

Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with few exceptions. You do not need a specific job offer to apply for an open work permit, and an LMIA is not required. Open work permits are typically issued under specific conditions, such as:

  • Spouses or common-law partners of international students or skilled workers.
  • International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  • Individuals applying under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
  • Certain individuals who are awaiting a decision on their permanent residency application.

We’ll help you understand which work visa fits your situation and assist with gathering all the necessary documents to improve your chances of approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current work permit expires. However, your employer may need to obtain a new LMIA if required.

For an employer-specific work permit, yes, you need a job offer. However, an open work permit does not require a specific job offer.

An LMIA is a document required for certain jobs, which shows that the employer has been approved to hire a foreign worker because no suitable Canadian worker is available.

Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can accompany you to Canada, and they may be eligible for open work permits or study permits.

Yes, many foreign workers apply for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry while holding a temporary work permit.

A language test is not required to obtain a work permit. However, language proficiency may be necessary if you are applying for permanent residency through certain immigration programs.

Disclaimer

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not associated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any other government body in Canada. You can access the official IRCC website. The content offered through this website is not a substitute for the personalized advice of a licensed consultant or lawyer.

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