CANADA'S WORK PERMIT APPLICATION

A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada. There are two main types of work permits: Employer-Specific Work Permits and Open Work Permits. Below is a detailed overview:

TYPES OF WORK PERMITS

A. Employer-Specific Work Permit

This type of permit is tied to a specific employer and job. It allows you to work in Canada under the conditions stated on your work permit, such as:

The name of your employer.
The job location.
The duration of your employment.

Requirements for Employer-Specific Work Permit:

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
In most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
Meet the eligibility criteria for the position.

B. Open Work Permit

An open work permit is not job-specific, meaning you can work for almost any employer in Canada. However, some employers may not be eligible, such as those who fail to comply with labor standards.

Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit?

Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students.
International students who have graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Refugees, asylum seekers, or certain individuals under specific programs.

ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS

To apply for a work permit, you must:

Prove you will leave Canada when your permit expires (unless applying for permanent residence).
Show you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members in Canada.
Have no criminal record and, if required, provide a police certificate.
Be in good health and complete a medical exam, if necessary.
Comply with all conditions of your work permit.