Work in Canada
Foreign nationals can work in Canada on a temporary basis under various programs including Employer-specific work permit, Open work permit, LMIA-exempt work permit, Without a work permit (work permit exemption).
Depending on your work authorization type, the applicant will have different conditions. In most cases, there is no limit on the number of extension of work authorization that may be submitted, however, the applicant need to justify their reason with each application.
Work authorization opens doors for permanent residency if the applicant qualifies and takes advantage of it.
If you are looking to work in Canada, you can apply by visiting our career page.
Authorization To Hire a Temporary Foreign Worker
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
In most cases, required to apply for a work permit
Unless you qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit, if you wish to work in Canada based on a work permit, you require an LMIA.
The employer who wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker(s) will apply to obtain an authorization to hire a foreign worker(s) from abroad.
The work permits that are supported by an LMIA are valid for up to 24 months and include the details and conditions of the employment based on the information provided by the employer when they apply for the LMIA.
Contact us to learn more about the LMIA.
Work Permit with Conditions
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Allows to work for an employer with specific conditions
Employer specific work permit is a work permit that has conditions, which are pre-determined by the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The LMIA is obtained first by the employer and used in the foreign worker’s work permit application. The LMIA will have all the employment conditions that will be reflected on the foreign worker’s work permit.
The conditions on the work permit include:
• The name of the employer
• Duration of employment
• Employment location (if applicable)
Looking to apply for a work permit? Contact us for assistance!
Work Permit Without Conditions
Open Work Permit
Allows for more flexibility and feedom
Unlike the employer-specific work permit, the open work permit doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:
• Are an international student who graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
• Applied for permanent residence in Canada
• A student who can no longer meet the study costs (destitute student)
• Are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
• Are a spouse/common-law partner of a skilled worker or an international student
• Are a spouse/common-law partner of a an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• Are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• Are under enforceable removal order
• Are a temporary resident permit holder
• Are a young worker participating in special programs
To find out if you meet any of the criteria to be eligible for any of these situations, contact us.
Work Permit Without an LMIA
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
LMIA-exempt work permit types
In some instances, employer specific work permit is exempt from having a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
In order to obtain a work permit that is exempt from needing an LMIA, you must be eligible for any of the codes under the regulation sections:
• R204: International agreements
• R205: Canadian Interest
• R206: No other means of support
• R207: Permanent residence applicants in Canada
• R208: Humanitarian reasons
Each of the regulation sections include multiple exemption codes that describe the situation an applicant doesn’t need an LMIA to apply for a work permit.
Wish to find out if you qualify for the exemption? Contact us for assistance!
Work Without a Work Permit
Work Permit Exemption
Who doesn't need a work permit
There are specific instances a foreign national doesn’t require a work permit in Canada.
Some of the popular authorizations to work without a work permit are:
• R186(a) Business visitor
• R186(f) On-campus employment
• R186(g) Performing artists
• R186(h) Athletes and team members
• R186(l) Religious leaders
• R186(p) Health care students
• R186(t) Emergency service providers
• R186(u) Implied status
• R186(v) Off-campus work
• R186(w) Off-campus work (transition to post-graduation status)
• R186(x) Registered Indians
• Assessing farm work
• Public policy: short-term work permit exemption
• Public policy: 120-day work permit exemption for researchers
Your authorization might not be listed here and you may qualify under this program.
To find out if you meet any of the criteria, contact us.
