Overview of Work Permits
We guide clients through the process of obtaining work permits, whether for temporary or longer-term employment in Canada. Our services include assistance with applications, extensions, and compliance with immigration regulations.
work in Canada
To work in Canada, all foreign nationals (FN) must obtain a work permit that is supported by a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact assessment), unless they are exempt from needing one. To find out more about the LMIA process click HERE.
Basic requirements for all work permits
The following are examples of exemptions for LMIA supported work permits.
- Spouse or common law partner of a LMIA supported work permit holder (NOC levels 0, A, B).
- Spouse or common law partner of a full-time student who is a study permit holder.
Open work Permit
Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign students are allowed to accept employment in the general labour market without the need for an LMIA. This exemption is intended for spouses who are not, themselves, full-time students.
Eligibility
Applicants must provide evidence that they are the spouse or common-law partner of a study permit holder who is a full-time student at either:
a public post-secondary institution, such as: a college, trade/technical school or a university
Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students are eligible for open or open/restricted work permits, depending on whether a medical examination has been passed. There is no need for an offer of employment before issuing a work permit.
Validity
Work permits may be issued with a validity date to coincide with the spouse’s study permit.
Before applying for a work permit, a person must know what stream (what kind) of work permit they are applying for.
- Post Graduate work permit.
- International experience Canada (IEC)
- Bridging Work permit.
- Spousal Open Work Permit
- LMIA exempt work permits (For Provincial Nominees)
- International Trades agreements (Such as NAFTA and GATS etc.).
- Intra Company transferees.
