As many newcomers to Canada originate from countries with warmer climates than Canada, this article…
Canada Work Permit
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Work Permits in Canada – Your Path to Employment
Canada offers various work permits for skilled professionals, temporary workers, business owners, and international graduates. Whether you are an employer looking to hire a foreign worker or an individual seeking job opportunities in Canada, understanding the right work permit category is crucial.
- LMIA-Based Work Permits
- LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
- Open Work Permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Types of Work Permits in Canada
To qualify for the Super Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-Based)
- Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no Canadian is available for the job.
- The worker is tied to a specific employer, job, and location.
- Commonly used for truck drivers, chefs, construction workers, caregivers, and skilled trades.
2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
- Does not require an LMIA.
- Available for jobs under free trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP), intra-company transfers, and special public policies.
- Examples: Tech professionals, business executives, and researchers.
3. Open Work Permit
- Does not require a job offer or LMIA.
- Allows workers to work for any employer in Canada (except those in restricted occupations).
Includes:
- Spousal Open Work Permit (spouses of skilled workers or students).
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) (for international students who graduate from a Canadian institution).
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) (for PR applicants waiting for approval).
4. Business Work Permit (Owner-Operator LMIA)
- For entrepreneurs and business owners wanting to start or expand a business in Canada.
- Requires the owner to have a controlling interest (50%+) in the company.
Who Needs a Work Permit in Canada?
- Business visitors conducting meetings, negotiations, or training (short-term stays).
- Performers or athletes participating in events.
- Short-term highly skilled workers under 15 or 30-day work permit exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Work permits are typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the job offer and LMIA conditions.
Yes, but extensions must be filed before the current work permit expires.
Yes! Many work permits help workers qualify for Canadian PR through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Yes! Spouses can apply for an open work permit, and children may get study permits.
Workers must find a new employer and apply for a new work permit or leave Canada when their status expires.
Canada
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