Work in Canada

Canada relies on foreign workers to fill labour shortages and bring valuable skills to the economy. Whether you have a job offer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit, our team can help you navigate the complex application process.

Types of Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permits

These permits specify your employer, work location, and duration of work.

Closed Work Permits (LMIA Required):

Your employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment
Proves no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job
Most common for temporary foreign workers

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits: Certain categories are exempt from the LMIA requirement:

Intra-Company Transferees
International Experience Canada (IEC/Working Holiday)
CUSMA/NAFTA professionals
Significant benefit to Canada
Reciprocal agreements
International agreements (CETA, CPTPP, etc.)

2. Open Work Permits

These allow you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions).

Who qualifies for an open work permit:

Spouses/common-law partners of skilled workers or international students
Post-graduation work permit holders
Refugee claimants and protected persons
Participants in certain immigration programs
Some permanent residence applicants

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

What is an LMIA?

An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. It confirms that:

There is a need for a foreign worker
No Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job

LMIA Processing Streams

Global Talent Stream (GTS) - 2-week processing

For high-growth companies needing unique talent
Categories A and B
No advertising required in most cases

High-Wage Workers - 15-20 business days

When wage is at or above provincial/territorial median
Must advertise for at least 4 weeks

Low-Wage Workers - 25-30 business days

When wage is below provincial/territorial median
Additional requirements for housing and transportation

Primary Agriculture Streams

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Agricultural stream

Popular Work Permit Programs

Global Talent Stream

Fast-track work permits for tech and specialized workers:

2-week processing standard
No LMIA advertising requirement
Employer must commit to certain activities

Intra-Company Transferees

For employees of multinational companies being transferred to Canada:

Executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge positions
Must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 year
Initial permit up to 1-3 years, renewable

International Experience Canada (IEC)

For youth from partner countries:

Working Holiday (open work permit)
Young Professionals (employer-specific)
International Co-op Internship

CUSMA/NAFTA Professionals

For citizens of the US and Mexico in eligible professions:

63 eligible professional occupations
No LMIA required
Renewable indefinitely

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For international graduates of Canadian institutions:

Open work permit
Valid for up to 3 years
Pathway to permanent residence

Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Identify which work permit category applies to your situation.

Step 2: Employer Preparation (if LMIA required)

Employer applies for and receives positive LMIA.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Valid passport
Job offer letter
LMIA approval (if required)
Proof of qualifications/education
Work experience documents
Language test results (if required)
Medical exam results (if required)

Step 4: Apply Online

Submit application through IRCC portal.

Step 5: Biometrics

Provide fingerprints and photo.

Step 6: Wait for Decision

Processing times vary by program and country.

Work Permit Extensions

You can apply to extend your work permit if:

Your job is extended
You get a different job offer
Your employer receives a new LMIA

Important: Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. You can continue working under implied status if you apply before expiry.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If you’ve applied for permanent residence through Express Entry, you may be eligible for a BOWP while waiting for your PR application to be processed.

Rights and Responsions

As a temporary foreign worker, you have rights:

Safe workplace
Fair wages
Reasonable work hours
Protected from abuse

You must:

Respect the conditions of your work permit
Leave Canada when your permit expires (unless you extend or change status)

Pathways to Permanent Residence

Work experience in Canada can lead to permanent residency:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For skilled workers with Canadian work experience through Express Entry.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Many provinces have streams for workers with local work experience.

Express Entry with Job Offer

A valid job offer with LMIA can earn you 50-200 additional CRS points.

How We Can Help

Our work permit services include:

✓ LMIA Applications - Complete LMIA preparation and submission ✓ Work Permit Applications - All categories of employer-specific permits ✓ Open Work Permits - Spousal, PGWP, and other open permits ✓ LMIA-Exempt Categories - Navigate exempt work permit options ✓ Extensions - Renew existing work permits ✓ Restoration - Restore status if permit has expired ✓ Compliance Reviews - Employer compliance support ✓ PR Strategy - Plan your pathway from worker to permanent resident

Document Checklist (Employer-Specific)

Valid passport
Job offer letter from Canadian employer
Copy of positive LMIA (if required)
LMIA-exemption evidence (if applicable)
Proof of qualifications (diplomas, certificates)
Work experience reference letters
Language test results (if applicable)
Medical examination results
Police clearance certificates
Proof of ties to home country