Work Visa

Canada provides different work permit options, catering to diverse needs and circumstances
These permits enable international students to work in Canada while pursuing their studies.
They come with specific conditions and may vary based on the educational institution and program.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

OPEN WORK PERMITS IN CANADA

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those on a list of employers with certain conditions, such as involvement in specific adult services.

You can obtain an open work permit in specific situations:

Post-Graduation Work Permit:
If you’re an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and
are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

Destitute Student:
If you’re a student who can no longer afford your studies.

Abuse or Risk of Abuse:
If you have an employer-specific work permit and are facing abuse or risk of abuse in relation
to your job in Canada.

Applied for Permanent Residence:
If you have an employer-specific work permit and are facing abuse or risk of abuse in relation
to your job in Canada.

Dependent Family Member:
If you’re a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.

Spouse or Partner:
If you’re the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker, international student, or an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

Refugee Status:
If you’re a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member.

Unenforceable Removal Order:
If you’re under an unenforceable removal order.

Temporary Resident Permit Holder:
If you hold a temporary resident permit.

Young Worker in Special Program:
If you’re a young worker participating in a special program.
Choosing the right work permit type is crucial, and open work permits offer flexibility in employment options under specific circumstances.

EMPLOYER-SPECIFIC WORK PERMIT

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada based on the conditions specified in your work permit. These conditions may include:

The name of the specific employer for whom you can work.
The duration of your authorized employment.
The location where you can work, if applicable.

Before applying for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must provide you with the following documents:

*This type of work permit is tied to a particular job and employer and is essential for individuals who have a specific job offer in Canada.

INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER (ICT) PROGRAM

The ICT program enables international companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to Canada, with the aim of boosting Canadian exports, enhancing competitiveness in global markets, and improving management effectiveness.

Transferees under this program are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) because they provide economic benefits to Canada through their expertise. However, they are required to obtain a work permit.

In essence, the ICT Program allows transferees to stay in Canada for a temporary period, and it may also offer a potential pathway to permanent residence for eligible individuals.

IN-LAND SPONSORSHIP WORK PERMIT

The Inland Sponsorship Work Permit is for individuals in Canada who are sponsored by their spouse or common-law partner. They can apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work in Canada. This work permit application should be submitted along with the sponsorship application and must include the work permit processing fee.

To be eligible for this work permit, the applicant must:

*If the sponsorship application has already been submitted without a work permit request, the work permit can still be added once the sponsorship file number is received.

NAFTA WORK PERMIT

Citizens of the United States or Mexico may be eligible to apply for a work permit through the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This program encompasses four main categories:

Working Holiday Program:

1. Business Visitors:
Designed for business professionals engaging in activities like research, production, marketing, and sales. Neither the applicant nor the business should have the intent to enter the Canadian labor market.

2. Professionals:
Eligible professionals with a job offer from a Canadian employer can apply without the need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

3. Intra-Company Transferees:
Aimed at professionals transferring from a foreign company to its Canadian branch. The job offer from the Canadian employer is exempt from LMIA requirements.

4. Traders & Investors:
Meant for executives and supervisors in the trading and investment sector.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC) PROGRAM

Canada has reciprocal agreements with 35 countries, enabling their nationals to apply for work permits through the IEC program. Eligibility criteria vary by nationality and participating countries include:

To be eligible for this work permit, the applicant must:

Working Holiday Program:

1. Offers an open work permit. Allows work for any employer in Canada (excluding Québec). Permit duration varies by country agreement.

2. Young Professionals Program:
Enables participants to gain professional work experience.
Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer (LMIA exempt).
Duration varies by country agreement.

3. International Coop Program:
Allows students to complete internships in Canada as part of their educational program from their home country.
Work permit duration is typically 6 months for all countries.

Recognized Organizations:

In addition to the 35 countries, Canada has agreements with recognized organizations offering IEC programs.
These organizations provide opportunities for individuals from countries not listed above to apply for Working Holiday or Young Professional work permits.
For instance, US citizens can apply for work permits via recognized organizations, as there is no specific mobility program between the US and Canada.