A Canadian work permit allows a temporary foreign worker to engage in economic activity for an employer inside of Canada. There are about half a million work permits granted each year to workers in Canada.
Canada is a popular destination for people seeking employment opportunities. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step to immigrating to the country permanently.
What is a Work Permit
A work permit is an official document that allows a foreign national to work in Canada. To get a work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. You may also need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
The LMIA verifies that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job.
If you get an LMIA, your employer will give you a copy to include with your work permit application.
Who is eligible to work in Canada?
Foreign nationals are eligible to work in Canada if they have the correct permit. Some exemptions exist, such as refugees.
To apply for a work permit, candidates will typically need a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are exceptions to this requirement, where foreign workers can apply for a work permit without either. For example, if you’re a recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone with a Canadian work or study permit.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also meet the following requirements:
- Give up their status within six months of when their work permit expires and go back to their home country.
- Get proof of your income and financial resources, as well as a commitment that you have a family member who can support you in Canada if need be.
- Have not committed any crimes or been deemed medically unsafe to enter Canada.
- If you plan on working with an eligible employer.
- They can provide any requested documents that may prove their eligibility to enter Canada.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
There are many different options for obtaining a Canadian work permit. Some work permits require a job offer from a Canadian employer, some require that the employer provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others require that a person has some sort of connection to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). Please refer to the categories below to determine the work permit which best suits your qualifications: Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)LMIA Work Permits
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- International Mobility Program (IMP)LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
- NAFTA Work Permits
- CETA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student
Immigration Tip: Canadian permanent residents do not require a work permit to work in Canada. Permanent resident status gives a person the legal right to live and work anywhere in the country. Find out more about permanent immigration options for professional and skilled workers.
How to obtain a Canadian work permit
The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies greatly depending on which type of work permit a person is applying for. For example, an international student studying in Canada will oftentimes be automatically issued authorization to work part-time as part of their study permit authorization.
Most closed work permit applications require that a foreign national has an official job offer from a Canadian employer which is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even those who are LMIA-exempt or exempt from requiring a work permit should be aware of the unique documentation they need to prepare in order to ensure they are granted entry to Canada. There are two general pathways for obtaining a Canadian work permit: a closed work permit and an open work permit.
Closed work permits are tied to specific employers, this means that a foreign national issued a closed work permit must remain working with the same employer at the same location unless they change their work permit.
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a work permit. Unless you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need a valid work permit to work in Canada.
The first step is to make sure that you are eligible for a work permit. You can be eligible for a work permit if:
-You have been offered a job in Canada
-You meet the requirements for the job
-You meet the general requirements for working in Canada
Once you have determined that you are eligible for a work permit, you can apply online or by paper application.
If you are applying online, you will need to fill out an online application and submit it along with the required documents. If you are applying by paper application, you will need to fill out a paper application and submit it along with the required documents.
The required documents vary depending on your situation, but they may include things like your passport, a job offer letter, and evidence of your educational credentials.
Please note that it can take several weeks to process your work permit application, so make sure to apply well in advance of your planned start date.
What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?
Applications for Canadian work permits will vary depending on the type of permit you apply for. The following is a list of documents that may be required with your application:
Documents Required for a Canadian Work Permit
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
- Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
- A written offer of employment (if applicable)
- CV/ résumé
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Proof that you meet the job requirements
- A valid copy of your passport
- Copy of education credential
- Medical exam results (if requested)
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
How to Maintain or Extend your Work Permit
It is important to know how to maintain or extend your work permit if you are planning on working in Canada. The process for doing so is as follows:
1. You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in order to apply for a work permit.
2. Once you have a job offer, you can then apply for a work permit online or at a Canadian visa office.
3. If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit that is valid for a specific period of time.
4. You can renew your work permit by applying online or at a Canadian visa office, as long as you still have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
5. If your work permit expires and you no longer have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you will need to leave Canada.
Facts about Working in Canada
There are many great reasons to work in Canada! Here are some facts about working in Canada that may interest you:
– The Canadian economy is doing well and there are plenty of job opportunities available.
– Canadians enjoy a high standard of living, and wages are generally good.
– You will be entitled to various social benefits if you work in Canada, such as healthcare and pension contributions.
– Canada is a safe and welcoming country with a diverse population. You will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world while working here.
If you’re considering working in Canada, be sure to research the Canadian work permit process and requirements. Once you have all the necessary information, the process of finding a job and obtaining a work permit can be relatively straightforward.
Canadian Work Permit: What You Need
When applying for a work permit, you will need to provide the following:
-A valid passport or travel document
-A job offer from a Canadian employer
-An LMIA (if your job requires one)
-Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada
-A completed application form
Once you have all of the required documents, you can apply for a work permit online, by mail, or at a Canadian visa office. The processing time for work permit applications varies, so be sure to check the current processing times before you apply.
Canadian Work Permit: Visa Requirements
To work in Canada, you will need a valid work permit. You can apply for a work permit online or at a Canadian visa office.
There are three types of work permits:
1. An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for a specific employer in a specific job. You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for this type of work permit.
2. A open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada unless your job is on the list of ineligible occupations. You do not need a job offer to apply for an open work permit, but you may need to meet other criteria, such as having studied in Canada or being the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker.
3. A self-employed person’s work permit allows you to be self-employed in certain occupations. To be eligible, you must prove that your business will benefit Canadians and that you have the necessary skills and experience to be self-employed.
Canadian Work Permit: Extending Your Stay
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a worker, you need to apply for a work permit extension. You can do this online or at a Canadian visa office.
To extend your stay, you must:
-Have a valid work permit
-Have a job offer from the same employer in the same occupation
-Meet the same conditions as when you got your first work permit, including any conditions on your current work permit (for example, you may only be allowed to work for a specific employer)
-Not have changed your job or occupation since getting your last work permit
-Not have been convicted of an offense under immigration law since getting your last work permit
Canadian Work Permit: Important Facts about your Visa
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a work permit. This document allows you to work in Canada for a specific job, for a specific employer, and for a specific period of time. You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer before you can apply for a work permit.
There are two types of work permits: open and closed. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. A closed work permit is more restrictive and only allows you to work for the specific employer named on your permit.
You can apply for a work permit online or at a Canadian visa office outside of Canada. If you are already in Canada, you may be able to apply for a work permit from within the country. The application process and requirements vary depending on your situation.
Generally speaking, you will need the following documents to apply for a work permit:
-A valid passport or travel document
-A job offer from a Canadian employer
-An LMIA (if required)
-Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
-A police certificate (if required)
-A medical exam (if required)
Remember, a work permit is not the same as permanent residency or citizenship. It is simply an authorization to work in Canada on a temporary basis. Work permits are usually valid for one year, but can be renewed if necessary.
FAQs
1. How do I get a work permit for Canada?
The first step is to obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer. Once you have a job offer, your employer will need to apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA is intended to prove that there is a need for your position and that no Canadians are available to fill the role. If your LMIA is approved, you will then be able to apply for a work permit.
2. How long does it take to get a work permit?
It usually takes about two weeks to get a work permit, but the processing time can vary depending on the workload of the visa office.
3. Do I need a medical exam to get a work permit?
Yes, you will need to have a medical exam before you can get a work permit. The exam is required to make sure that you are not inadmissible to Canada on health grounds.
4. How long is my work permit valid?
Your work permit is generally valid for the same length of time as your job offer, up to a maximum of three years. Once your work permit expires, you will need to apply for a new one if you want to continue working in Canada.
5. What is the difference between a Canadian work permit and a visa?
A work permit allows foreign nationals to be authorized to work in Canada, unlike a visa, which is used to enter the country.
A visa is a physical sticker placed in your passport that functions as a travel document. When entering Canada, you need to have the document so that you can pass through immigration.
If you leave Canada, you can’t come back without a valid visa or eTA even if you have a valid work permit.
