You usually need a work permit to work in Canada. In some cases, you can work without a permit.
Get the right work permit for your situation
There are 2 types of work permits:
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
– the name of the specific employer you can work for
– how long you can work
– the location where you can work (if applicable)
Open work permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
Spousal Open Work Permit
If you want to bring your family with you, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full time after you complete a certificate, diploma or degree that is at least 8 months in length. You don’t need a job offer to apply and can work anywhere in Canada in any occupation, even if it’s unrelated to your studies.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter. If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.
Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.
Work Permit
You usually need a work permit to work in Canada. In some cases, you can work without a permit.
Get the right work permit for your situation
There are 2 types of work permits:
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
Open work permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
Spousal Open Work Permit
If you want to bring your family with you, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows you to remain in Canada and work full time after you complete a certificate, diploma or degree that is at least 8 months in length. You don’t need a job offer to apply and can work anywhere in Canada in any occupation, even if it’s unrelated to your studies.
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter. If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.
Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.