Canada Work-Permit

A Canada Work Permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer and duration. It is typically required unless the individual falls under an exemption category.

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Types of Canada Work Permits

There are two main types of work permits:

  1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)

    • Tied to a specific employer and job
    • The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases
    • Conditions such as employer name, job location, and work duration are specified

  2. Open Work Permit

    • Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions)
    • Does not require an LMIA or a job offer
    • Common types of open work permits include:
      • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
      • Spousal Open Work Permit (for spouses of students or skilled workers)
      • International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits

Eligibility for a Canada Work Permit

 Eligibility depends on the type of permit, but general requirements include:
 A valid job offer (for employer-specific permits)
 A positive LMIA (if required)
 Proof of qualifications and work experience
 Meeting health and security requirements 
 Demonstrating intent to leave Canada after the permit expires (unless   eligible for permanent residency)

How to Apply

  • Determine Permit Type – Employer-Specific or Open Work Permit
  • Obtain Necessary Documents – Job offer letter, LMIA (if needed), proof of qualifications
  • Submit Online or Paper Application via the IRCC website
  • Biometrics & Medical Exam (if required)
  • Wait for Processing (varies based on country and application type)
  • Receive Work Permit – Issued at a port of entry or sent via mail

Processing Time & Fees

  • Processing time varies by country and type of work permit (ranges from a few weeks to several months)
  • Fees depend on the type of permit

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Some work permits can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Express Entry
  • Atlantic Immigration Program
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