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Work Permit / LMIA’S

A work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to engage in employment while inside of CanadaEach year, Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers around the world. Canada is a prime destination for many foreign nationals who are seeking employment opportunities. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step for those seeking to immigrate to the country permanently.

Who is eligible to work in Canada?

To apply for a work permit, most candidates will require a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are some exceptions to this requirement, where foreign workers can apply for a work permit without an LMIA, or a job offer. Examples of this include a recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI), or the spouse of someone already on a Canadian work or study permit.

Candidates who qualify to apply for a work permit must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Demonstrate their intent to leave once their work authorization expires; and
  • Prove they have sufficient funds to support them and their family in Canada and to return home; and
  • Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada; and
  • Plan to work with an eligible employer; and
  • Can provide any requested documents that may prove their eligibility to enter Canada

Types of Canadian work permits

There are many different options for obtaining a Canadian work permit. Some work permits require a job offer from a Canadian employer, some require that the employer provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others require that a person has some sort of connection to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). Please refer to the following categories below to determine the work permit which best suits your qualifications:

Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
  • Global Talent Stream

LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment

  • International Mobility Program (IMP)
  • CUSMA Work Permits
  • CETA Work Permits
  • Intra-Company Transfers

Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)

  • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
  • Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
  • Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker