- 1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA
- Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad
1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA
Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad
1011 Parsons Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0X2 - CANADA
Office # 6, Second Floor, Blook-D, Spring North Commercial, Phase-7, Bahria Town, Islamabad
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Work in Canada: Do you Need a Canadian Work Permit?
A work permit allows a non-Canadian citizen to work in Canada for a limited time. The country provides over 100 diverse pathways for foreign workers seeking opportunities.
These options are categorized into two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The key distinction is that the TFWP necessitates a labour market assessment, known as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Navigating Canada’s work permit options can be challenging, but we aim to simplify the process for you. The Millennium Immigration is a premier Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of experience. If you’d like to arrange a free telephone consultation with our work permit lawyers, please fill out our contact form.
Table of Contents
- Canadian Work Permit Types
- Evaluate Your Work Permit OptionsÂ
- Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Canadian Work Permit Types
Canada offers two main types of work permit programs:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for foreign nationals to obtain a work permit.
2. International Mobility Program (IMP): This program does not require an LMIA for foreign nationals to secure a work permit.
The LMIA’s purpose is for employers to prove to the Canadian government that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the existing workforce. The federal department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) aims to ensure that bringing in foreign workers does not displace Canadian workers or lower their wages. Those needing an LMIA are categorized under the TFWP.
While the LMIA process is standard, there are various LMIA-exempt work permits available due to free trade agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which allow foreign workers to apply for permits without their employers needing an LMIA. Additionally, there are several work permit options for foreign workers without a job offer, including working holidays, post-graduate work permits, and open spousal work permits. Those who do not require an LMIA fall under the IMP.
LMIA Required
These work permits necessitate that the employer secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment as part of the application process.
LMIA Exempt
In specific situations, individuals can work in Canada without the need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment beforehand.
CUSMA
These permits are granted under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (previously known as NAFTA), permitting work without the requirement of an LMIA.
Intra-Company Transfers
These permits enable a company to transfer specific employees from its international offices to Canada without the need for an LMIA.
Business Visitors
In many instances, business visitors can work in Canada without a work permit, provided they meet specific conditions and do not engage in the Canadian labor market.
Post-Graduation Work Permits
International students in Canada who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution may be eligible to work for a period of up to three years.