A work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to engage in employment while inside of Canada. Each year, Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers around the world.
Canada is a prime destination for many foreign nationals who are seeking employment opportunities. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step for those seeking to immigrate to the country permanently.
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 following categories below to determine the work permit which best suits your qualifications:
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
International Mobility Program (IMP)
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) (working holiday visa)
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
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 (restricted) 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.
As a regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, Venera Immigration will be happy to evaluate your qualifications. Send us email at info@veneraimmigration.com and we shall get in touch with you instantly.