Work Visa

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. If you need a work permit, you may be eligible for either an

  • Employer-Specific Work Permit or
  • Open Work Permit

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An 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
  • the location where you can work (if applicable)

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:

You can only get an open work permit in specific situations. The tool on this page will tell you if you’re eligible for one.

LINK:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/need-permit.html

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

In most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed to support your application for a Work Permit. An LMIA is a documents obtained by a Canadian Employer from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada confirming the need to hire a foreign worker for the position advertised in the company. This LMIA will show that there is no Canadian Permanent Resident or Citizen available to fill the position.

Certain Job does not need an LMIA. For these applications a Valid Job Offer. These job offers need to be submitted through the specific portal of the respective province applied to in order to be deemed valid. Once the Job Offer has been submitted, a reference code will be issued and the application for a work permit can then be submitted.

Requirements for a Work Permit Application

It is expected that the applicant submit the basic requirements for the application for a Work Permit to Canada.

Keep in mind that there are various work permits that can be endorsed to a foreigner. Here are some examples of Open Work Permits:

(No job offer or LMIA required)

  • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
  • Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
  • Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker.

The majority of the Work Permit Streams supported in both the express entry, and by provinces needs an LMIA to complete the requirements for a Work Permit.

Each permit is specific in that each application is unique to the applicant. Thus, the requirements will change for each applicant.

List below are the basic requirements that must accompany your application for a Work Permit to Canada. Keep in mind that this list only focuses on the documents regarding the position that you have been offered. You will still be asked to submit all additional documents as per your application’s own unique checklist:

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
  • Written offer of employment 
  • CV/ résumé
  • Proof that you meet the job requirements
  • Copy of education credential