01
Job Offer Required
You generally need a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer before applying.
WORK & LMIA
Canadian Work Permits
Understand the work permit options that may allow you to work temporarily in Canada and the requirements that apply to your situation.
Assess Your Work Permit OptionsWORKING IN CANADA
What Is a Canadian Work Permit?
Most foreign nationals need authorization before they can legally work in Canada.
A work permit is an immigration document that allows an eligible foreign national to work in Canada under the conditions stated on the permit.
Canada generally has two main types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.
The correct work permit depends on factors such as your job offer, employer, immigration status, family situation, education and the immigration program under which you qualify.
WORK PERMIT TYPES
Employer-Specific vs. Open Work Permits
The conditions attached to your work permit depend on which type of permit you are eligible for.
1
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions listed on your permit, which may identify your employer, occupation and work location.
2
Open Work Permit
An open work permit generally allows you to work for eligible employers without being tied to one specific employer, but it is only available in particular immigration situations.
EMPLOYER-SPECIFIC PERMITS
Employer-Specific Work Permits
These permits are commonly used when a Canadian employer hires a foreign worker for a specific position.
02
LMIA May Be Required
Many employer-specific work permits require the employer to obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment before the worker applies.
03
LMIA-Exempt Options
Some positions qualify for an exemption from the LMIA requirement under the International Mobility Program or another applicable exemption.
04
Employer Conditions
Your permit may identify the employer you are authorized to work for.
05
Occupation or Location
The permit may also contain conditions relating to your occupation or work location.
06
Permit Expiry
You may only work under the conditions authorized by your permit and for the period for which it remains valid.
LABOUR MARKET IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Does Your Employer Need an LMIA?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment, commonly called an LMIA, is an assessment used in many employer-specific work permit cases.
Where an LMIA is required, the Canadian employer generally applies for it before the foreign worker submits the work permit application.
If the employer receives a positive LMIA, the worker can use the applicable LMIA documents as part of the work permit application.
Other jobs may qualify for an LMIA exemption, in which case a different employer process may apply.
LMIA Required or LMIA-Exempt?
This should be determined before preparing the work permit application because the employer's obligations and required documents are different.
Learn About LMIAOPEN WORK PERMITS
Who May Qualify for an Open Work Permit?
Open work permits are not available simply because someone wants greater flexibility. You must qualify under an eligible immigration category.
01
Certain Graduates
Eligible graduates of designated learning institutions may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit where program requirements are met.
02
Certain Spouses or Partners
Some spouses or common-law partners of eligible foreign workers or international students may qualify for an open work permit.
03
Sponsored Spouses or Partners
Certain spouses or partners being sponsored for permanent residence from inside Canada may qualify for an open work permit.
04
Certain PR Applicants
Some permanent residence applicants may qualify for an open work permit while their application is being processed.
05
Vulnerable Workers
Workers who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in relation to employer-specific employment may qualify under a special open work permit category.
06
Other Special Categories
Refugee claimants, protected persons, temporary resident permit holders and certain other applicants may qualify under specific open work permit provisions.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
General Work Permit Considerations
The exact requirements depend on the work permit category and where the application is submitted.
✓
Meet the Permit Requirements
You must meet the requirements of the specific work permit category under which you are applying.
✓
Demonstrate Temporary Intent
A work permit is temporary status, and applicants may need to satisfy the officer that they will respect the conditions of their authorized stay.
✓
Financial Ability
Applicants may need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members as applicable.
✓
Admissibility
Applicants must meet Canada's applicable immigration admissibility requirements.
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Medical Examination
A medical examination may be required depending on the work, country history and other circumstances.
✓
Employer Eligibility
For employer-specific permits, the employer must satisfy the applicable employer requirements.
WHERE TO APPLY
Outside Canada, Inside Canada or at a Port of Entry?
Work permit application procedures differ depending on where the applicant is located and their immigration circumstances.
Many applicants apply from outside Canada, while only certain people are eligible to submit a work permit application from inside Canada.
Some eligible visa-exempt travellers may be able to apply at a Canadian port of entry, but important restrictions apply.
Applicants should determine the correct application route before travelling or submitting an application.
Don't Assume You Can Apply at the Border
Port-of-entry applications are only available to eligible applicants. For example, visa-required foreign nationals generally cannot apply for a work permit at a port of entry.
Review Where I Should ApplyACCOMPANYING FAMILY
What About Your Spouse and Children?
Family members may have their own temporary immigration options, but their status is not automatically the same as the worker's.
✓
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
Depending on the worker's occupation and immigration category, a spouse or partner may potentially qualify for an open work permit.
✓
Children
Dependent children may need visitor status or a study permit depending on their age and circumstances.
✓
Separate Eligibility
Each accompanying family member must meet the requirements of the immigration document they are requesting.
✓
Apply Together Where Appropriate
In many cases, eligible family members can submit their temporary residence applications alongside the worker.
AFTER APPROVAL
Follow the Conditions on Your Work Permit
A Canadian work permit may contain conditions relating to who you can work for, where you can work, the occupation you may perform and how long you are authorized to work.
Workers should review the conditions on their permit carefully after it is issued.
If you hold an employer-specific permit and want to change employers or jobs, you may need new authorization before beginning the new employment.
Changing Employers?
Do not assume that an employer-specific work permit allows you to start working for another employer. New immigration authorization may be required first.
Extend or Change My PermitAPPLICATION PROCESS
A Typical Work Permit Process
The exact steps depend on whether your permit is employer-specific, open, LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt.
1
Identify the Permit Type
Determine the work permit category that applies to your circumstances.
2
Complete Employer Steps
For employer-specific permits, confirm whether an LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer process is required.
3
Prepare Your Application
Gather identity, employment, immigration and other supporting documentation.
4
Submit the Application
Apply through the appropriate process based on your location and eligibility.
5
Complete Processing
Complete biometrics, medical requirements or additional document requests where applicable.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
A Job Offer Does Not Automatically Mean You Can Work in Canada
Receiving a Canadian job offer is an important step in many work permit cases, but a job offer by itself does not normally authorize a foreign national to begin working in Canada.
The employer may first need to complete an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt employer process, and the worker generally needs the appropriate work authorization before beginning employment.
Similarly, not every foreign national qualifies for an open work permit. Open work permits are available only in specific immigration circumstances.
Have a Canadian Job Offer?
AddPlus Immigration Solutions Inc. can review the position, employer and your immigration circumstances to help determine the appropriate work permit pathway and whether an LMIA may be required.
Contact UsWORK IN CANADA
Find the Right Work Permit Pathway
Tell us about your job offer, employer, immigration status and work goals, and let our team help you understand the Canadian work permit options that may apply to you.
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