Work in Canada
Work in Canada
Canada offers a variety of programs to help foreign nationals work and contribute to the country's economy. Whether you would like to work in Canada temporarily, transfer within your company, or work in a high-demand sector, there are different ways to obtain a work visa.
Below is a brief description of the possible ways to work in Canada.
1. Work Permit without Work Permit
In some cases, foreign nationals may work in Canada without the need to obtain a Work Permit. This applies to short-term skilled workers or researchers, as well as the following categories: business visitors, diplomats, athletes, journalists, religious workers and others.
2. Open Work Permit (OWP)
Open Work Permit allows foreign citizens to work for any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific company. Usually Open Work Permit is issued to spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers and international students. The work permit is typically valid for the same period as the spouse's authorization. The requirements for the Open Work Permit change frequently, verify information on IRCC's official website or contact us for up-to-date information. Learn more about open work permits for spouses
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows graduates of approved Canadian educational institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada. Work obtained under this permit may also increase chances of receiving permanent residence. To be eligible for a PGWP, students must be studying full-time, complete an eligible program, pass a language test and satisfy other requirements. PGWP holders can work for any employer in Canada. The length of the Work Permit depends on the selected program. More about PGWP
4. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one of the most commonly used programs that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there are no suitable candidates among Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Under this program, the work permit is usually tied to a specific employer.
The process of obtaining a work visa through the TFWP consists of two stages. In the first stage, the employer must obtain Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms that a search for candidates on the local labour market was conducted, but suitable specialists were not found. After the LMIA is approved, the foreign national applies for a Work Permit.
5. International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows foreign workers to enter Canada without the need to obtain LMIA. This program is designed for those whose presence in Canada will contribute to the overall economic, cultural or social interests of the country. Categories under the IMP include intra-company transfers, trade agreements (e.g. NAFTA, CETA) and other streams.
To hire a foreign worker under the IMP, a Canadian employer must ensure that the worker meets the requirements of one of the streams and submit job offer through the Employer Portal. In the second step, the foreign worker applies for a Work Permit using the job offer code provided by the employer.
One of the most popular IMP streams is Mobilité Francophone. A foreign worker with a job offer who can prove French language proficiency at CLB level 5 (listening and speaking only), is eligible for LMIA-exempt Work Permit.
Nova Terra Immigration does help with job search in Canada. You can contact us to apply for Work Permit and/or LMIA after receiving a job offer. Contact us for more information.
Important: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may change, please check the official resources for up-to-date information.
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Answers to frequently asked questions
Processing times vary depending on the type of application you submit. Information on processing times can be found on official website.
The full list can be found on official website.
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Requirements and conditions are currently changing. Some foreign workers may still be able to bring their spouses and children, depending on the program and stream under which they received their work permit.
Yes, there is a possibility of studying while working in Canada. However, you must meet the requirements for both activities and prove to the officer that you can combine study and work.
It is important to note that experience gained while studying in Canada does not count towards the Canadian Experience Class requirements. If you are counting on Canadian experience points, studying and working simultaneously may not be an option for you.
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that a Canadian employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms the need to hire a foreign worker and indicates that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is qualified to fill the position.
If you meet the requirements, you can apply for restoration of your work permit within 90 days of its expiration. In this case, you are allowed to remain in Canada while your application is being processed, but you must stop working until you receive your restored work permit.
You can stay in Canada until IRCC makes a decision on your application to extend your work permit (provided you applied for an extension before your current Work Permit expires). This is called maintained status. You can also continue to work under the same conditions as your original permit until a decision is made on your application.