Canada is one of the top destinations for many foreign nationals seeking job opportunities. Due to labor shortages and in order to support Canadian businesses in hiring workers, the government has introduced several open policies for foreign labor. A Work Permit is considered a “pass” for foreign workers to legally work in Canada. Working in Canada can also be a great first step for those who wish to immigrate permanently to the country.
So, what is a Work Permit and how can you obtain one?
WHAT IS A WORK PERMIT?
A Work Permit is a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada.
TYPES OF WORK PERMITS
There are many types of work permits available to foreign nationals. However, the two most common ones are:
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (also known as Closed Work Permit):
Allows you to work for a specific employer, with a designated job position and location.
The employer usually needs to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and receive a positive result (Positive LMIA).
2. Open Work Permit (OWP):
Commonly issued to the spouse of a primary applicant who holds a Closed Work Permit.
Allows you to work for any eligible employer in Canada.
APPLICATION PROCESS FOR A WORK PERMIT
The applicant receives a valid job offer from a legitimate employer in Canada.
The employer applies for and obtains a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) with a positive result.
The applicant prepares the application package and submits it to apply for a Work Permit.