Work Permits
Canada offers different work permit options for foreign nationals who are eligible to work temporarily in Canada.
The right work permit depends on your circumstances, the type of work you will perform, your employer, and whether an exemption from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement applies.
At Tabula Rasa Immigration Services Inc., we help workers and employers identify the appropriate work permit pathway and prepare applications based on their circumstances.
Employer-Specific and Open Work Permits
Canada generally has two types of work permits:
Employer-Specific Work Permits authorize work according to the conditions listed on the permit, such as the employer, occupation or location. Depending on the situation, the employer may require an LMIA or may qualify for an LMIA exemption.
Open Work Permits allow eligible foreign nationals to work for most employers in Canada. Open work permits are available only in specific circumstances.
For current Government of Canada information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html
Work Permit Options
Depending on your circumstances, Canadian work authorization may include:
- LMIA-based work permits
- LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal or family open work permits
- Bridging Open Work Permits, where eligible
- International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Francophone Mobility
- Intra-company transfers and international agreement work permits
- Significant-benefit work permits, including applicable C10 or C11 situations
- Entrepreneur or self-employed work permit options where available
- Religious or charitable worker work permits
- Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permits
- Work permit extensions or changes in conditions
- Other specialized work permit categories
Eligibility and requirements differ considerably between categories and can change.
For detailed and current requirements, use IRCC’s work permit information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Eligible graduates of certain Canadian institutions and programs may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWP eligibility depends on current IRCC requirements and is not automatic simply because someone studied in Canada.
Official PGWP information:
LMIA and LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Some employer-specific work permits require the Canadian employer to first obtain a positive LMIA.
Other work permits may be LMIA-exempt under Canada’s International Mobility Program.
Determining whether an LMIA is required—or whether an exemption applies—is an important part of work permit strategy.
LMIA information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html
LMIA-exempt and special work permit instructions:
Vulnerable Workers
A worker in Canada who holds an employer-specific work permit and is experiencing abuse, or is at risk of abuse in relation to their employment, may be eligible for an Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers.
This is a temporary measure intended to help eligible workers leave an abusive employment situation.
Official information:
How Tabula Rasa Can Help
Our work permit services may include:
- Work permit eligibility and strategy
- LMIA-based work permits
- LMIA-exempt work permit assessment
- Employer-specific work permits
- Open work permits
- PGWP applications
- Significant-benefit and specialized work permit assessment
- Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permits
- Work permit extensions and changes
- Employer compliance and supporting documentation
- Refusal review and reapplication strategy
Our role is to identify the work permit category that may apply to your circumstances and help prepare a clear, well-supported application.
Need Help With a Canadian Work Permit?
Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to review your work permit options.
https://tabrasaimmigration.com/
For complete and current work permit requirements:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html