You usually need a work permit to work in Canada.
There are two types of work permits:
Open work permits
Employer-specific work permits.
Open work permits: An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. The holder of an open work permit can work for any employer in Canada, without first having a confirmed offer of employment. you will not need the following when you apply for your work permit:
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada; or
- Proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee.
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you are in one of the following situations:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits for International Students In Canada
- Permanent residence applicants who have applied to an office in Canada,
- Dependent family members of some permanent residence applicants,
- Spouses and common-law partners of some workers and international students,
- Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons and their family members,
- Some temporary resident permit holders, or
- Some young workers participating in special programs.
In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.
Employer-specific work permit: allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:
- the name of the employer you can work for,
- how long you can work, and
- the location where you can work (if applicable).
In most cases, a Canadian employer wishing to hire a foreign worker must first receive government approval before the hiring can take place.
This comes in the form of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), formerly known as a Labour Market Opinion (LMO).
Extension of Work Permit
If your job is extended or changes, you must apply to extend or change the conditions of your existing work permit before it expires.
If you are offered a different job in Canada, you must apply for a new work permit.
Work in Canada without a Work Permit
You usually need a work permit to work in Canada. In some cases, you can work without a permit. An individual who is eligible to work without a work permit may still require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada on a temporary basis.
We can take care of the entire Work Permit process for both Canadian employers and foreign workers.
For assistance or advice, please do not hesitate to Contact Us
