Looking to learn about the Canadian Work Permit? A Canadian Work Permit is a unique document issued to specific non-Canadian individuals. Possessing a work permit allows you to work in Canada until the expiration date specified on the document.
Understanding Canada Work Permits
The Canadian government offers different kinds of work permits to temporary immigrants who want to work in Canada with a valid employment offer letter. These work permits can be employer-specific or open work permits. In the case of employer-specific work permits, the job is tied to a specific employer and job, whereas open work permits allow working for any employer in Canada.
READ ALSO: Canadian Work Permit Visa Fees and Processing Time in 2024 and Beyond
Canada’s Shifting Immigration Policy
The welcoming attitude of immigrants in Canada is a key element of its national identity, influencing various aspects such as policies, institutions, and the beliefs of its people. Canadian immigration policy is driven by two main objectives: nation-building and economic development. The former focuses on creating unity and a collective identity, while the latter highlights the significance of immigrants in boosting the country’s economy and international standing.
Who is Eligible To Work In Canada?
Most foreign nationals need to obtain a work permit to be eligible to work in Canada, although this rule has some exceptions.
The majority of applicants will need a Canadian job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for a work permit. However, some individuals may apply for a work permit without needing an LMIA or a job offer, such as recent graduates of a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone already in Canada on a work or study permit.
The applicants who qualify to apply for a work permit must also meet other eligibility requirements:
- Candidates must demonstrate their intent to leave the country once their work authorization expires.
- They must demonstrate sufficient proof of funds to sustain themselves and their family in Canada.
- Candidates must demonstrate a clean criminal record and be medically admissible to Canada.
- The employers must be eligible to provide jobs to foreign nationals.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
Various temporary work permits are available for foreign workers, and each permit has its eligibility criteria. For example, some work permits demand a job offer from a Canadian employer, some require LMIA, while some demand a sponsorship. Here are some categories of work permits:
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
LMIA Work Permit is issued to individuals after their future employer has completed a Labour Market Impact Assessment. This assessment demonstrates a need to bring this foreign worker to Canada and that a Canadian could not fill the role.
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): The TFWP lets Canadian employers temporarily hire foreign skilled workers to meet labour market demands in Canada. Different types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) work permits exist under the TFWP.
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec): It is similar to the federal government’s LMIA but is designed explicitly for the Quebec province. It allows employers to apply for LMIAs without showing evidence of efforts made to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job.
- Global Talent Stream is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It is for employers looking to hire highly skilled foreign workers for positions in in-demand occupations under the GTS. Employers may also be referred to designated partners to hire skilled workers with specialized knowledge.
- LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
International Mobility Program (IMP)
In Canada, the International Mobility Program (IMP) enables employers to hire foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The primary goal of this program is to facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Canada for employment purposes while addressing the country’s economic and social demands.
Facilitated LMIA-Exempt Program
- Employers can hire foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- This stream provides flexible access to potential employees by exempting employers from the LMIA process.
- It allows for faster processing times and lower entry requirements for foreign workers.
Reciprocal Employment Program
- Canadians can work abroad in countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
- This program fosters international cooperation and exchange, allowing Canadians to gain work experience in partner countries.
- It promotes cultural exchange and strengthens economic ties between nations.
Specific Agreements and Initiatives
- International Experience Canada (IEC): A reciprocal youth exchange program that facilitates work permits for foreign nationals.
- United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Allows for streamlined mobility of professionals across North American borders.
- Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Enhances labour mobility among participating countries.
- Canada–European Union Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CETA): This agreement promotes economic cooperation and mobility between Canada and EU member states.
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Purpose: PGWPs allow international students who have completed a program of study at a designated Canadian educational institution to work in Canada.
- Eligibility:
- Must have completed a full-time program of at least 8 months in duration.
- Must have graduated from a designated learning institution.
- The application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving the final marks or graduation.
- Validity: PGWPs are typically issued for a duration equivalent to the length of the study program (up to a maximum of 3 years).
- Example: An Indian student who completed a master’s degree in computer science at a Canadian university can apply for a PGWP to gain work experience in Canada after graduation.
Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- Purpose: Allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouse or common-law partner for permanent residence from within Canada.
- Eligibility:
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- The sponsored spouse or partner must be in Canada and have valid status.
- Process: The sponsor applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to sponsor their spouse or partner.
- Example: A Canadian citizen married to a foreign national currently residing in Canada can sponsor their spouse for permanent residency.
International Experience Canada (IEC) (Working Holiday Visa)
- Purpose: IEC allows young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada.
- Eligibility:
- Age requirements vary by country.
- Must be from a country with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada.
- Validity: Work permits issued under IEC are usually valid for up to 12 or 24 months.
- Example: A French citizen aged 25 can apply for an IEC working holiday visa to explore Canada while working part-time jobs.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Purpose: BOWPs allow temporary residents (such as international students or workers) to extend their work permit while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.
- Eligibility:
- Must have a valid work permit that is expiring soon.
- Must have applied for permanent residence.
- Example: An Australian worker in Canada whose work permit is expiring can apply for a BOWP to continue working while their permanent residence application is in process.
Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
- Purpose: Allows the spouse or common-law partner of an international student or worker to accompany them to Canada.
- Eligibility:
- The student or worker must have a valid study or work permit.
- The accompanying spouse must apply for an open work permit.
- Example: A Japanese student studying in Canada can bring their Japanese spouse along by applying for an open work permit for the spouse.
