Work Permits
Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. If you need a work permit, you may be eligible for either an
- employer-specific work permit or?
- open work permit
Student work permits
Studying and working in Canada as an international student:-
Work on campus Work off-campus Work as a co-op student or intern Spousal Work Permit PGWP
Employer-specific work permit
This type of work permit is tied to a specific employer in Canada. In order to apply for this type of work permit, your employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the government of Canada. The LMIA verifies that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position. Once your employer has the LMIA, you can apply for the employer-specific work permit.
Open work permit
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. This type of work permit is not tied to a specific employer or job, so you don't need an LMIA to apply for it. Open work permits are available to certain groups of people, such as spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution, and refugees.
International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit
The IEC program allows young people from certain countries to work and travel in Canada for up to two years. There are three categories of IEC work permits: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. Each category has different requirements and restrictions, but all allow you to work for any employer in Canada.
Intra-Company Transfer work permit
If you're a key employee of a company that has a branch or subsidiary in Canada, you may be eligible for an Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) work permit. This type of work permit allows you to work in Canada for up to five years, as long as you have been employed by the company for at least one year and will be working in a senior or specialized role in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) work permit
Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate foreign workers with the skills and experience needed in their local labour market. If you're nominated by a province or territory through the PNP, you may be eligible for a work permit to work in Canada.
It's important to note that these are not the only types of work permits available for foreign workers in Canada. The eligibility requirements and application processes can vary depending on your situation, so it's important to research your options and consult with an immigration lawyer or a registered immigration consultant to determine the best course of action for you.
Bridging open work permits
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) is a special type of work permit available to foreign workers in Canada who have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision. The BOWP allows them to continue working in Canada while their application is being processed, bridging the gap between their current work permit and their future permanent residence status. This type of work permit is open, meaning that it is not tied to a specific employer, job or location. The BOWP helps to support foreign workers in Canada by providing them with a means to maintain their status, support themselves and their families, and contribute to the Canadian economy while they await their permanent residence status.