To engage in employment within Canada, obtaining a work permit is a fundamental requirement. Canada provides a diverse array of work and immigration pathways, with certain job categories exempted from the necessity of a work permit. The details encompassed in work permits are tailored to the specificities of the occupation and typically encompass:
Specifics of the employer
Nature and scope of employment
Location where employment will take place
Duration for which employment is authorized
In Canada, work permits generally fall into two principal categories:
Open Work Permit: Open work permits are further delineated into unrestricted and restricted variants. Unrestricted permits afford individuals the flexibility to engage in employment across any occupation and geographic location within Canada
Eligibility for Open Work Permit
being a prospective permanent resident, a dependent family member, the spouse of a skilled worker or international student, or participant in specialized programs.
Types of Open Work Permits:
Regular Work Permit
Post-Graduation Work Permits
Temporary Work Permits for Spouses/Common-Law Partners
Bridging Open Work Permit
Visa Programs Requiring Open Work Permits: A spectrum of visa programs, including the Working Holiday Visa, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class, International Experience Class, Young Professional Visa, and International Co-op Program, necessitate the acquisition of open work permits.
Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA) : This category of permit is intimately tied to specific employment conditions, encompassing details such as the employer’s identity, the duration of employment, and the precise location of work.
Eligibility for Employer-Specific Work Permits
Eligibility hinges upon factors including the nature of the occupation, financial stability, absence of a criminal record, security considerations, and health status. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration should they seek employment with ineligible employers or intend to engage in restricted service sectors.