Canada offers several job opportunities for foreigners, based on their skills, education and other qualifications. A work permit is mandatory for those foreigners who plan to work in Canada. In addition to this, you may also require an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), based on the job positions.
OPEN WORK PERMIT
EMPLOYER SPECIFIC WORK PERMIT
LMIA
Open Work Permit
Foreigners that are eligible for an Open Work permit:
Spouse/common-law partner being sponsored for Permanent Residence through an Inland Spousal Sponsorship Applicaton
Spouse/common-law partner of a Temporary Foreign Worker
I.e. if your spouse or common-law partner has a work permit, you can get an open work permit as well.
Spouse/common-law partners of International Students studying in Canada
International Students who recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution can apply for a Post-Graduation Open Work Permit
International Experience Canada (IEC) Candidates (Working Holiday)
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.
Those jobs which have high demand, high pay, or are of shorter duration do not require an LMIA. Most Canadian employers or owner oriented jobs require an LMIA, which is provided by the government after assessing their hiring policies. They should prove their attempt in hiring Canadian citizens or permanent residents before moving ahead to foreign workers. Most of the professional and highly paid jobs come under this category.
Jobs that do not require LMIA:
There are jobs that do not require an LMIA like –
International Agreements (NAFTA, CETA, GATS, Canada-Columbia FTA, Canada-Peru FTA)
Global Talent Stream (where employers require immediate hiring due to high growth in business)
Entrepreneurs/Self-Employed Candidates
Intra-Company Transferees
International Exchange Programs
Spouse and Dependents of Foreign Workers / Students
Post Grad Work Permit
Home Child Care Providers and Home Support Workers
French-Speaking Skilled Workers
Religious Workers
Academics
Provincial LMIA Exemptions
International Experience Class (A temporary work program for youth professionals between 18 to 35 years of age, from countries that have a bilateral youth mobility arrangement with Canada.
Also, there are jobs that do not require a work permit:
Athletes and team members
Aviation accident or incident inspector
Business visitor
Civil aviation inspector
Clergy
Convention organizers
Crew
Emergency service providers
Examiners and evaluators
Expert witnesses or investigators
Foreign government officers
Foreign representatives and Family members of foreign representatives
Health care students
Implied status
Judges, referees and similar officials
Military personnel
News reporters, media crews
On-campus employment and some Off-campus work
Performing artists
Public speakers
Those with Open Work Permits
International Experience Class
Full-time students
Looking to apply for a work permit? Contact us for assistance!