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Work in Canada
WORK PERMIT
What is a Work Permit?
International immigrants can now access Canadian job opportunities with a work permit. The permit grants foreign workers access to live in Canada while working. The Canadian government approves 500,000+ work permits to foreign nationals annually. These permits provide temporary residency to workers coming to work in Canada. Your work permit could be the first step in the direction of securing a permanent residency status in Canada.
WORK PERMIT RESTRICTIONS
What am I allowed to do on a Canadian Work Permit?
When foreign nationals get their Canadian work permits, there are certain restrictions attached to them. These restrictions vary depending on the types of work permits issued to foreign workers. Some of these conditions include where you work, your work position, and your work duration in Canada. Every work permit holder is restricted from working at any organization with a sexual exploitation history.
Foreign residents with work permits in Canada are expected to live in the country.
Your stay in Canada becomes invalid as soon as your job or work contract expires. International workers with expired work permits must leave Canada immediately to avoid being jailed. If you’d like to stay in Canada permanently, however, you must take the necessary immigration procedures. Contact a legal representative at Oye Immigration on how to get started.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
What Documents are Required to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit?
Applicants of the super visa must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered:
- Signed application forms
- Proof of your current immigration status (if applicable)
- Canadian family relative’s proof of immigration status (if applicable)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- A signed letter of employment
CV - Marriage certificate (if needed)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Proof that the applicant is qualified for the job/work contract
- A valid copy of a passport or travel document
- Copy of educational credentials
- Medical examination results (if needed)
- Proof that the applicant is financially buoyant to fend for themselves while working in Canada
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
OTHER WORK PERMITS
What are the other ways to Work in Canada?
If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you would require a work permit to access job opportunities in Canada. Foreign nationals that do not qualify for the Canadian work permit can go for other options.
The Open Work Permit
Open work permits allow foreign nationals to take on jobs or work contracts with more than one Canadian employer. Even when an employer signs off on your open work permit, you can use the same permit for other employers. Not all applicants have access to the open work permit. Only jobs that qualify for the International Mobility Program (IMP) or International Experience Canada Working Holiday Program are issued open work permits.
The Employer-specific Work Permit
This is a specified work permit that allows foreign workers to come to Canada for one job or work contract. Holders of employer-specific work permits can only remain in Canada for the duration of their employment. You are prohibited from working with other employers, especially the competitors of your sponsored company. When your job or work contract expires, the Canadian government expects you to return to your home country immediately.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
You can come to Canada through the temporary foreign worker program. This is an immigration channel designed to help international workers secure Canadian jobs. With this procedure, you can get a Canadian job by applying that fits the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) criteria. Your employer must provide acceptable proof that your potential work position needs international expertise.
Post-Graduation Work Program
International students who graduate from Canadian Designated Learning Institutes (DLI) can work in Canada through the PGWP. As long as you have a diploma, certificate, or degree from a Canadian DLI, you can stay back to work and live. Foreign PGWP scholars already living in Canada can apply for their open work permits. This enables them to work with multiple Canadian employers either full-time or part-time.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Canadian government launched the Global Skills Strategy in 2017. Talented foreign nationals can now work in Canada through the global talent stream. Canadian employers constantly need talented and expert professionals to fill specialized occupations. Over 1,200 Canadian employers hire their international experts through the global talent stream. Your employer may explore this immigration channel if the job offer meets the requirements of the stream.
What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?
You can get Canadian employment without meeting the requirements of an LMIA job. With the International Mobility Program, your Canadian employer needs to prove that the job offer serves the country’s economic or cultural interests. Your employment and migration to Canada come faster through the IMP. It’s a lot simpler than the temporary foreign worker program. By eliminating the LMIA requirements, the application process goes a lot faster.
WORK PERMIT ELIGIBILITY
How Can I Ensure I'm Eligible for a Canada Work Permit?
Not every foreign national gets a work permit even after so many trials. To get your Canadian work permit application approved, your application must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Proof of zero criminal records and/or intent to commit crimes in Canada
- Proof of intent to exit Canada after your work/job contract ends
- Proof that you’re not a threat to Canada’s security in any way
- Proof of being in good health condition (Medical Examination Results)
- Proof that your job offer is to a registered Canadian employer
- Proof that your employer isn’t into escort services, erotic dancing, striptease, and or erotic massages
- Proof of not being medically or criminally inadmissible to Canada
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Every work visa or employment authorization to a foreign worker is considered a work permit in Canada. Your work visa is a government-issued travel document that allows you to work and live in Canada temporarily.
To obtain a Canadian work permit, applicants generally need a job offer from a Canadian employer, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required, proof of their ability to perform the job (such as education and work experience), and a clean criminal and medical record. The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of work permit and the applicant’s country of citizenship.
While most work permits require a job offer, there are some exceptions. Programs such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) or certain provincial nominee programs allow applicants to apply for an open work permit, which does not require a job offer. An open work permit allows holders to work for any employer in Canada, with some restrictions on certain job categories.
In many cases, spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders are eligible to apply for an open work permit. This allows them to work for any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer. The duration of the spouse or partner’s work permit will typically match the duration of the principal applicant’s work permit. It is important to note that not all work permit holders’ spouses or partners are eligible, so it’s advisable to check the eligibility criteria on the Government of Canada’s website.