Work Permit

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada.There are 3 types of work permits:

1. Employer-specific work permit (LMIA Based)

An employer-specific work permit or LMIA based work permit, lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as

• the name of the specific employer you can work for
• how long you can work
• the location where you can work (if applicable)

 

2. Open work permit:

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that

• is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
• regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
• are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)
• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada
• applied for permanent residence in Canada
• are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
• are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
• are under an unenforceable removal order
• are a temporary resident permit holder
• are a young worker participating in special programs

 

3. Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Skilled Canadian work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B that is gained through the PGWPP helps students to qualify for permanent residence in Canada through the Canadian experience class under Express Entry.

Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a post-graduation work permit, the applicant must have valid temporary status or have left Canada. They must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI). They must also submit clear evidence that they meet all the following criteria:

• They have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible institution in Canada that is at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• They have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program or programs of study they have completed and submitted as part of their post-graduation work permit application. Exceptions can be made only for the following:
• leave from studies
• final academic session
• They have received a transcript and an official letter from the eligible DLI confirming that they have met the requirements to complete their program of study.