Most Canada’s Work Permit holders must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. LMIAs ensure that the hiring of a foreign worker will not displace Canadian workers or adversely affect the economy.
Nevertheless, there are several routes to work in Canada that don’t require an LMIA. These include the International Experience Canada program and a number of other streamlined options.
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Open Work Permit
Whether you’re looking to take your career to the next level or simply want to live in Canada, there are a variety of Canada’s Work Permit options that can help. From Employer-Specific Permits to International Experience Canada, our guide covers the nuances of each pathway so you can choose the best one for your professional goals.
One of the most common types of work permits is an open work permit, which allows you to apply for any job and accept jobs from multiple employers without a labour market impact assessment (LMIA).
This type of work permit can be granted for up to three years, so it’s a great option for people who may want to move to a different field or start a new business in the future.
The work permit is also available for spouses and partners of international students studying full-time in Canada. This is normally granted for the same length of time as their study permit, and they don’t need to have a job offer to apply.
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Another option for workers with in-demand skills is the Global Talent Stream. This allows IRCC to process LMIAs for employers faster, and it can be granted for up to three years. It is also available for start-ups that can secure the support of a designated Canadian venture capital fund, angel investor organization or incubator for their company.
Employer-Specific Permit for Canada’s Work Permit
If you are seeking to work in a specific industry or company. You will need to apply under the Employer-Specific Work Permit option. To qualify, you must have a job offer from an employer and meet certain other requirements.
These include completing an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). And proving that there are no Canadian workers available to fill the position. The LMIA is intended to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not have a negative impact on the labour market in Canada.
Similarly, if you are hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you will need to have an LMIA completed by your employer and meet other requirements. The TFWP is designed to address temporary labour shortages and provides relief for companies facing labour challenges.
You can also obtain an Employer-Specific Work Permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. If you graduated from a public or private post-secondary institution in Canada. This program enables you to work in your field of study for up to two years. You may even be able to apply for permanent residence in Canada under the Express Entry system after graduating from your program of studies.
Alternatively, you can work in Canada under the spousal or common-law partner sponsorship program, the NAFTA work permit, or one of the many province-specific programs.
In order to qualify, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport and convincing an immigration officer that you have strong ties to your home country and do not plan to engage in activities that are illegal in Canada, such as striptease, erotic dance or escort services.
International Experience Canada
International Experience Canada is a program that gives foreign youth the opportunity to work and travel in Canada on a temporary basis. It is possible for young people from 30 different countries to work in Canada through this program.
This program is similar to the Working Holiday category. Except that participants can remain in Canada for up to two years. And they can work with almost any Canadian employer (with some exceptions).
The program operates under an open work permit. Meaning that you can change jobs during your stay in Canada as long as you are meeting the minimum wage requirements of the province or territory of employment.
If you are interested in applying for the IEC program. You must create a profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and choose the relevant pool. Once you have done this, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will be sent to you by IRCC. And you can then start the process of applying for your work permit.
Many different kinds of permits are available under the IMP, including those for business visitors. Intra-company transfers, and those issued for TV and film productions. Many of these permit types require that employers first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment, or LMIA. However, there are also several permits that allow foreign workers to enter and work in Canada without having an LMIA approved by IRCC.
Getting a permit through the IMP is not an easy task. And it is important to make sure that you are submitting all of the correct documents. In order to avoid any errors. An experienced Canadian immigration lawyer can help you determine your eligibility. Prepare your application, and help guide you through the process.
Post-Graduation Work Permit for Canada’s Work Permit
If you’re a recent graduate, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience after your studies. This permit is based on the length of your program, and typically lasts for three years.
It allows you to work in any job, and you don’t need a job offer to be granted the PGWP. It’s a great way to build your resume in Canada and prepare for permanent residency applications under programs that recognize Canadian work experience. Such as the Canadian Experience Class.
Many international students take advantage of work while studying so they can cover living expenses. Gain relevant professional experience and help pay for their degree or diploma. This also helps them become familiar with the Canadian workplace. Making it easier to transition into a career in their chosen field after graduation.
In fact, work experience is a critical part of most immigration pathways. And the more work experience you have, the higher your chances of successfully applying for permanent residence.
The Canadian government is keen on welcoming global talent to support its economic and social objectives. Which is why the country offers more than 100 different work permit pathways. However, navigating these options can be challenging if you’re not well-informed on the process and the requirements.