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OWP

Canadian Work Permits

Work permits are a handy transition plan than can lead toward permanent residency. Work permits fall under Canada's temporary foreign program. The type of work permit you can apply for will depend on whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for that specific work permit.

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What Do I Need to Work in Canada?

Unless you qualify for an open work permit, you would need an employer-specific work permit which requires a job offer from a Canadian employer. What you need also depends on the job want to do, the program you want to apply for, and whether or not your job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

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In most cases, you'll need one or more of the following documents to apply for a work permit:

  • an LMIA number if your job needs an LMIA

  • proof that your employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal

  • an employment contract or letter

  • proof that you are certified, accredited, or qualified to work in the job you want

How Can I Find Out About Jobs in Canada?

In general, it is hard for potential immigrants to find a job in Canada. Certain occupations, such as tech jobs, long-distance truck drivers, trades, and certain health care professionals have a better chance to secure a job offer.

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These job search websites are popular in Canada & are a good place to start your job search:

 

Networking on LinkedIn for professionals is highly recommended.

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Using a foreign recruiter is also an option, but be aware that most Canadian recruiters do not offer this service.

It is up to you to find a legal, reputable foreign recruiter as scams are a huge problem in this industry. You should never have to pay a fee to a recruitment agency to apply for a job, this is illegal!

 

NOTE: this is different than paying a registered immigration consultant to apply for a work permit on your behalf.

Open Work Permits

You can apply for an open work permit (work permit without a job offer) if you fall under one of these categories:

  • Spouse or common-law partner of:

    • Employer-specific work permit (LMIA or LMIA-exempt)​ holder

    • Bridging open work permit (BOWP) holder

    • Post-graduation work permit holder

    • Study permit holder

    • Working holiday work permit holder

    • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) work permit holder

    • Provincial Nominees

    • Quebec selection certificate (CSQ) holder

  • Working holiday participants

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Open work permits are not limited to specific employers, locations, or occupations. You cannot work for ineligible employers or employers whose activities are escorting, strip teasing, erotic massages, and erotic dance.

Employer-specific Work Permits

An employer-specific work permit authorizes and limits a foreign national to work for one employer, in one occupation, and usually in one location within Canada. These are also referred to as closed work permits.

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Employer-specific work permits usually require the employer that wants to hire a temporary foreign worker to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before the foreign national can apply for his or her work permit. There are work permits that do not require an LMIA if it falls under an international agreement, a federal-provincial agreement, or the Canadian interest category.

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Here are a few examples of LMIA-exempt work permits:

  • Canada-Unites States-Mexica Agreement (CUSMA)

  • General Agreement on Trade in Service (GATS)

  • Charity and religious work (not including volunteers)

  • Atlantic Immigration Program

  • Rural and Northern Immigration Program

  • Intra-company transfers

  • International Experience Canada (IEC) Young-Professionals

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If you qualify for an open work permit or have a job offer and need full representation from our company to assist you with your work permit application, you can request a no-obligation quote:

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ESWP
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