Work in canada
Work Permit
A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada
01 Types of Work Permits
Canada offers two main types of work permits: Employer-Specific and Open Work Permits.
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Employer-Specific Work Permits are limited to one employer, job, and location, often requiring a positive LMIA.
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Open Work Permits allow work for any employer and are commonly issued to spouses of skilled workers or students, refugees, and certain permanent residency applicants.
02 Eligibility Requirements
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03 Application Process
The work permit application process varies by location and permit type.
You can apply online or through a visa center with documents like a passport, job offer, LMIA (if needed), and fees. Biometrics are often required, and processing times depend on your country and application stream.
04 Validity and Extensions
Work permits are temporary but may be extended under certain conditions.
Most work permits are valid for 1–2 years, but the duration depends on the job offer, LMIA validity, and passport expiry. Workers who wish to stay longer must apply to extend their permit before it expires. Some may also become eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, Canadian Experience Class, or Provincial Nominee Programs while working in Canada.
In certain cases, foreign nationals can legally work in Canada without a work permit. These situations are limited and apply to specific types of work or short-term roles. Some common examples include:
People attending meetings, conferences, or training without entering the Canadian labor market.
Religious leaders and guest speakers providing occasional services.
Short-term performers like musicians or theater artists participating in events.
Foreign journalists or news crews covering events in Canada.
The C11 Work Permit is a special category under Canada’s International Mobility Program (IMP) designed for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals who want to start or run a business in Canada without needing an LMIA
LMIA-Exempt: No need to prove no Canadian can do the job.
For Entrepreneurs: Ideal for those who want to establish or purchase a Canadian business.
Significant Benefit Requirement: Applicants must show their business will bring economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada.
Pathway to PR: Many successful C11 applicants later become eligible for permanent residency under programs like Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
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Foreign nationals with a business plan: Must present a clear and realistic plan to start or manage a business in Canada.
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Experienced business owners or managers: Individuals with prior ownership or leadership experience in a successful business.
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Self-employed professionals: Must show how their work provides economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Proves Need for a Foreign Worker
An LMIA is primarily designed to protect the Canadian labor market by ensuring that employers do not hire foreign workers unless absolutely necessary. To obtain a positive LMIA, the employer must demonstrate that there are no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents available for the job. This includes showing evidence of job advertisements, recruitment efforts, and reasons why local candidates were not suitable.
This process ensures that Canadian workers are given priority, and that hiring a foreign worker is a last resort. It also helps maintain fair wages and working conditions by preventing employers from bypassing local labor standards. In this way, the LMIA system balances the needs of employers with the protection of the domestic workforce.
Required for Most Employer-Specific Work Permits
A positive LMIA is a key requirement for most employer-specific work permits, which are tied to one job, one employer, and one location. Once the LMIA is approved, the foreign worker can use it to apply for a work permit that allows them to legally work in Canada under those specific terms.
Without an LMIA, most closed work permits cannot be issued unless the job falls under an LMIA-exempt category (such as through international agreements or programs offering significant benefits to Canada). Therefore, obtaining an LMIA is often a necessary first step for both employers and foreign workers seeking to establish a legal work relationship in Canada.
Employer Submits the Application
The LMIA application process is the responsibility of the Canadian employer, not the foreign worker. The employer must apply to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), submitting detailed documentation to prove that they’ve advertised the job widely, offered wages consistent with industry standards, and attempted to hire locally.
If ESDC determines that the hiring will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market, it will issue a positive LMIA. This document can then be used by the foreign worker to apply for a work permit. The process adds accountability and ensures that the employer is offering fair and legitimate employment opportunities to foreign candidates.
Under GTS, employers apply to ESDC with a Labour Market Benefits Plan to fast-track skilled foreign workers and support Canada’s innovation. .
A mandatory part of the GTS application, the LMBP outlines how the employer will contribute to the Canadian labor market — through job creation, training, or knowledge sharing.
Unlike regular LMIA streams, GTS does not require employers to prove they’ve advertised the job in Canada, which simplifies and speeds up the process.
Open work Permit
Success
"An Open Work Permit in Canada offers you the freedom to work with any employer, anywhere in the country. Whether you're looking for a job in tech, healthcare, or remote work, the opportunities are limitless. Embrace flexibility, build your career, and experience Canada’s welcoming, diverse workforce.
With an Open Work Permit, you’re free to explore a wide range of career opportunities across Canada. From vibrant cities to scenic landscapes, work where your skills are needed most. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your employer and advancing your career in a dynamic, inclusive environment.