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Work Permits

Information on permits required for foreign nationals to work legally in Canada, including employer-specific and open work permits.

Sections

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a Work Permit, you must:

  1. Prove that you will leave Canada when your Work Permit expires.
  2. Show that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family during your stay.
  3. Have no criminal record (a police clearance certificate may be required).
  4. Be in good health (a medical exam may be required).
  5. Not pose a security risk to Canada.
  6. Comply with the conditions of your Work Permit.

Types of Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit

This type of permit is tied to a specific employer and job. To apply, you will typically need:

  • A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): A document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that shows the employer has tried to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but was unsuccessful.
  • A valid job offer letter from the employer.

2. Open Work Permit

This permit is not job-specific and does not require an LMIA. It is available under specific circumstances, such as:

  • Being a spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student.
  • Being an international student who has graduated from a designated learning institution (Post-Graduation Work Permit).
  • Being a participant in certain immigration programs (e.g., bridging open work permits for those transitioning to permanent residency).

Standard Procedures for Obtaining a Work Permit

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Check if you need an LMIA or if your job is LMIA-exempt.
  • Confirm that your job offer meets Canadian labor standards.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documents required depend on the type of Work Permit, but generally include:

  • A valid passport.
  • A job offer letter.
  • LMIA (if applicable).
  • Proof of qualifications (e.g., education, work experience).
  • Proof of financial support.
  • Police clearance certificate (if required).
  • Medical exam results (if required).

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply:

  • Online: This is the most common and efficient method.
  • At a Port of Entry (POE): Only available to certain applicants, such as U.S. citizens.
  • Through a Visa Application Center (VAC): If you are applying from outside Canada.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fees

  • Work Permit Fee: CAD $155 per person.
  • Open Work Permit Holder Fee: Additional CAD $100.
  • Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 for a family.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the type of Work Permit. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.

Step 6: Receive Your Work Permit

If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. The actual Work Permit will be issued at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada.

Country-Specific Considerations

  1. LMIA Exemptions: Some jobs and applicants are exempt from the LMIA requirement. Examples include:

    • Intra-company transferees.
    • Participants in international agreements (e.g., NAFTA/USMCA, CETA).
    • Jobs that provide significant social or cultural benefits to Canada.

  2. Biometrics: Most applicants from outside Canada are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process.

  3. Medical Exams: Applicants from certain countries or those working in specific fields (e.g., healthcare, childcare) may need to undergo a medical exam.

  4. Dual Intent: It is possible to apply for a Work Permit while also applying for permanent residency. This is known as "dual intent" and is allowed under Canadian immigration law.

  5. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): International students who graduate from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows them to work in Canada for up to three years.

  6. Spousal Work Permits: Spouses of skilled workers or international students may be eligible for an open Work Permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

Costs Associated with Work Permits

  • Work Permit Application Fee: CAD $155.
  • Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100.
  • Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 for a family.
  • Medical Exam: Costs vary by country but typically range from CAD $200 to $300.
  • Police Clearance Certificate: Costs vary by country.

Additional Tips

  1. Check Processing Times: Processing times can vary significantly depending on your country of residence and the type of Work Permit. Always check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information.
  2. Avoid Fraud: Be cautious of fraudulent job offers. Verify the legitimacy of the employer and job offer before applying.
  3. Understand Your Rights: As a foreign worker in Canada, you are protected under Canadian labor laws. Employers cannot withhold your passport or force you to work under unsafe conditions.
  4. Plan for Renewal: If you wish to extend your stay, apply for a renewal at least 30 days before your Work Permit expires.

Resources

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!