Working in Canada
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Working in Canada can be an exciting opportunity, but there are certain steps and considerations you need to keep in mind. Before legally working in Canada ensure you have the necessary work permit. The type of permit you need depends on the nature and duration of your work. Temporary foreign workers usually require a work permit, and there are different categories such as open work permits and employer-specific work permits.
General Eligibility
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Job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a Labour Market Impact
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Assessment (LMIA) if required. The LMIA ensures that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the position.
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Proof of your qualifications
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Work experience
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Language proficiency
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Demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
Prepare to work in Canada
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Get your credentials assessed: You’ll need to have your credentials assessed if you come to Canada to work in a certain profession or trade. You can start the process to get your credentials assessed and recognized before you arrive in Canada. This takes time and costs money.
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Improving your English and French: Canada has two official languages: English and French. English is the most commonly spoken language in most provinces and territories. English or French language skills are very important to help you settle in Canada.
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Job Search: Look for job opportunities that match your skills and qualifications. There are various online platforms, job boards, and company websites where you can find job listings. Networking is crucial in Canada. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals in your field.
Our Work Permit Services encompass:
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Expertly Crafted Cover Letters: Tailored to showcase how you fulfill job offer criteria and highlight your unique qualifications.
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Strategic Submission: We ensure your applications are submitted promptly and accurately to the appropriate governmental agencies.
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Progress Monitoring: Keeping a vigilant eye on your application, benchmarking its progress against others we've managed, to ensure efficiency.
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Proactive Delay Management: In case of processing slowdowns, we engage directly with the offices to expedite your application.
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Final Confirmation Pursuit: Our ultimate goal is the successful issuance of your Canada Work Permit, ensuring a smooth transition to your new opportunity.
Work Permit Stream
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation, providing flexibility and the ability to gain diverse work experience. ​
Employer Specific Work Permit
​An Employer-Specific Work Permit restricts you from working for a specific employer or in a particular occupation. This type of permit is typically tied to a job offer from a Canadian employer.
International Experience Program Canada
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers youth the chance to travel and work in Canada, providing three distinct work and travel experiences: Working Holiday: Suitable for those without a job offer in Canada, this category allows participants to work for multiple employers and in various locations. It offers an open work permit, enabling work for almost any employer in Canada​​. Young Professionals: For individuals with a job offer in Canada that contributes to their professional development. This category requires an employer-specific work permit. The job must be paid, non-self-employed, and comply with labour laws in the respective province or territory.​​ International Co-op (Internship): Tailored for post-secondary students needing an internship or work placement to complete their studies. Participants work for the same employer in the same location during their stay in Canada. This category also requires an employer-specific work permit, and the internship must be directly linked to the field of studies of the participant.
Work Without A Permit
Athlete or Coach Aviation Accident or Incident Investigator Business Visitors Civil Aviation Inspector Convention Organizer Crew Member Emergency Service Provider Examiner and Evaluator Expert Witness or Investigator Family Member of a Foreign Representative Foreign Government Officer or Representative Healthcare Student Judge, Referee, or similar official Military Personnel News Reporter or Film and Media Crew Producer or Staff Member Working on Advertisements Performing Artist Public Speaker Religious Leader Short-term Highly-skilled Worker Short-term Researcher Student Working Off-Campus or On-Campus
LMIA-EXEMPT WORK PERMITS
R204: International agreements – Canada-International Free Trade Agreements Canada-United States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTP) R204: International agreements - Canada-International Non-Trade Agreements Airline Telecommunication & Information Services (SITA) International Air Transport Association (IATA) R205: Canadian interests, reciprocal employment, research, competitiveness and public policy, charitable or religious work R206: No other means of support (e.g. refugee claimants, and persons under unenforceable removal orders) R207: Permanent residence applicants in Canada (e.g. spouse or common-law partner in Canada) R208: Humanitarian reasons
NAFTA WORK PERMITS
​Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Exemption: NAFTA removes the requirement for an LMIA for eligible business persons from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada engaged in trade or investment activities​​. Work Permit Exemptions for Business Visitors: Business visitors can engage in activities like research, marketing, and sales without needing a work permit​​. Professionals: They provide pre-arranged professional services and require a work permit but are exempt from the LMIA process​​. Intra-Company Transferees: Employees transferred to a Canadian enterprise in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacities are exempt from the LMIA but need a work permit​​. Traders and Investors: Engaged in substantial trade or investment, they are exempt from LMIA but must obtain a work permit and apply at a visa office before coming to Canada​.