Work Permit
Foreign nationals ( Not Canadian citizen or permanent residents) need a work permit to work legally in Canada.
There are 2 types of work permits :
Open work permit
Employer- specific work permit
Open Work permit : An open work permits lets you work for any employer in Canada with some exceptions
Employer- Specific work permit : lets you work according to the conditions listed on the permit. These conditions can include :
a certain employer
how long you can work
the location of your work
In order to apply for a certain employer your employer must :
Give u a copy of the employment contract
your employer must provide you with either ; a copy of an LMIA ( which they need to apply for and pay the fees associated ) , or an offer of employment number for LMIA-exempt offers ( and pay the fees associated) .
Either way the employer chooses to take, this application is employer -driven; meaning in order for a foreign national to apply for a work permit they need confirmation from the employer.
Am I eligible to apply and where do I apply from ?
You can apply for a work permit from outside Canada, inside Canada or at the port of entry. Everyone can apply from outside Canada .
Applying from inside Canada is available ONLY for the following :
If you already have a valid study or work permit
Your spouse or Common law partner has a valid work or study permit
You are eligible for a Post graduate work permit ( PGWP)
You have a temporary resident permit ( TRP) that is valid for 6 month or more
You have a permanent residency application and waiting on a decision inside Canada
You made a refugee claim
You have been recognized as a refugee or a person in need of protection by the IRB
You're allowed to work without a permit but you need a permit to work in a different job
you’re a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
You cannot apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you are a visitor.
Applying at the port of entry is only available for the following ( you have to meet all the following requirements) :
If you are from a visa-exempt country
you are eligible for an ETA or to travel without a visitor's visa
Meet other requirements depending on the condition of your work permit.
Eligibility is a requirement for all applicants whether they are applying from inside or outside Canada or the port of entry. Theses requirements are :
prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires;
show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home;
obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate);
not be a danger to Canada’s security;
be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed;
not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions;
not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
What is an LMIA ?
An LMIA is a labour market impact assessment , it is a requirement when an employer is looking to hire a temporary foreign worker. Applying for an LMIA is a request to EDSA ( Employment and Social Development Canada) to allow the employer to hire a foreign worker because:
1- There are no Canadians or permanent residents to fill the role
2- There is a need for the temporary foreign worker.
.After an employer applies and is approved for an LMIA a copy of the confirmation letter is sent to the temporary foreign worker who in return is able to apply for a work permit
LMIAs are valid for 6 months.
LMIA Exempt :
In cases where an employer does not require an LMIA , the International Mobility program allows an employer to hire a foreign worker without an LMIA . Once this process is finished on the employer's end they provide the temporary foreign worker with and A-number that the foreign national uses to then apply for a work permit.
In cases where the federal government has agreements with your country , you may be able to apply for an LMIA -exempt work permit.
Unlock Your Canadian Career Opportunities – Book a Consultation Today to Secure Your Work Permit, LMIA or LMIA exempt applications with Dawod Immigration.