A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada. It is an essential document for individuals who want to be employed in Canada on a temporary basis. Canada offers two types of work permits:

1. 1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)
   2. Open Work Permit

Here’s a comprehensive overview of both types, the application process, eligibility, and other relevant details:

1. Types of Work Permits:

A. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit):

An Employer-Specific Work Permit allows you to work for a specific employer in a specific position and location in Canada. To obtain this type of work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer.

• • Job Offer: You need a formal job offer from a Canadian employer before you can apply for this work permit.

• • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In many cases, the employer must apply for and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position. A positive LMIA is required for most employer-specific work permits.

Key Points:

• • You can only work for the employer who has provided the job offer.

• • The work permit is specific to the job, location, and employer.

B. Open Work Permit:

An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada and is not job-specific. It is a more flexible option and is available under specific conditions.

• • No Employer-Specific Restrictions: You can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, without the need for a job offer or LMIA.

• • Eligibility: Open work permits are typically available to certain individuals in specific circumstances, such as:
    • • Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students.
    • • Individuals applying for permanent residency under certain categories-PNP, CEC, etc
    • • Post-graduation work permit holders (after completing a program at a Designated Learning Institution).
    • • Those in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
    • • Certain young workers from other countries under international agreements (e.g., International Experience Canada).

Key Points:

• • You can work for any employer, but you are still restricted by the duration of your work permit.

• • Open work permits are ideal for those who do not yet have a job offer in Canada.

2. Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Work Permit:

To apply for a Canadian work permit, you must meet the following basic eligibility criteria (these may vary depending on the type of work permit you’re applying for):

• • Job Offer: For employer-specific work permits, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

• • LMIA: For employer-specific work permits, the employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.

• • Proof of Financial Support: You must show that you can support yourself (and any family members) during your stay in Canada and that you can return to your home country after your work permit expires.

• • Intention to Leave Canada: You must demonstrate that you will leave Canada once your work permit expires, unless you apply for a new permit or extend your status.

• • No Criminal Record: You may be required to provide a police certificate from your home country to show that you do not have a criminal history.

• • Medical Exam: Depending on your home country, you may need to undergo a medical examination to prove you are in good health.

3. Application Process for a Work Permit:

Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit):

1. 1. Obtain a Job Offer: You must secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must offer a position that requires a foreign worker.
   2. Employer’s LMIA: In many cases, the employer needs to apply for an LMIA. If the LMIA is approved, the employer will provide you with a copy of the LMIA.
   3. Submit Your Work Permit Application:
      • • You can apply online or submit a paper application. Create an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to apply online.
      • • Complete the required forms (including IMM 1295).
      • • Submit your passport-sized photos and any necessary supporting documents, including the LMIA (if applicable), job offer letter, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents.

   4. Wait for a Decision: After submitting your application, IRCC will process your application, and you may be asked to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo). The processing time varies, but it usually takes several weeks to a few months.
   5. Approval and Work Permit Issuance: If approved, you will receive a work permit and can enter Canada to start working for your employer. If you are outside Canada, you may be asked to provide additional documents at the port of entry (border).

B. Open Work Permit:

1. 1. Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet one of the specific criteria for an open work permit (e.g., spouse of an international student or skilled worker).

1. 1. Complete the Application:
      • • Apply online through the IRCC website or submit a paper application.
      • • Complete the appropriate forms, and submit supporting documents (e.g., proof of relationship if applying as a spouse, student enrollment letter, or proof of status in Canada).

   2. Biometrics: You may be required to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo), depending on your nationality.
   3. Processing Time: Processing times for open work permits can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
   4. Work Permit Issuance: If approved, you will receive your work permit, allowing you to work for any employer in Canada.

4. Work Permit Duration:

• • Employer-Specific Work Permits: These are usually issued for the length of your job offer or contract, but not for more than two years. You may be able to apply for an extension if necessary.

• • Open Work Permits: These are typically valid for one or two years, depending on the circumstances. For example, the spouse of an international student may have a permit that’s valid for the same length as the student’s program.

5. Work While Studying:

If you are an international student with a valid study permit in Canada, you may also be eligible to work on-campus or off-campus without the need for a separate work permit under certain conditions:

• • You are a full-time student enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

• • You may work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.

• • After completing your studies, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain work experience in Canada.

6. Work Permit Extensions:

If you wish to continue working in Canada after your work permit expires, you must apply for an extension before the permit expires. The extension process is similar to the original application, but you need to demonstrate that you are still employed in the same position and that your employer is continuing to meet the necessary requirements.

7. Work Permit Refusal:

Your application for a work permit can be refused for various reasons, such as:

• • Insufficient proof of financial support.

• • Not meeting the eligibility requirements (e.g., no valid job offer, no LMIA).

• • A history of violations (e.g., working illegally in Canada or overstaying a previous visa).

• • Failure to provide necessary documents or incomplete application.

If your work permit application is refused, you will receive a written explanation and may be able to appeal or reapply by addressing the concerns raised.

8. Temporary Work Permit to Permanent Residency:

A work permit can be a stepping stone to permanent residency in Canada. If you gain Canadian work experience, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs like:

• • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you work in Canada for at least one year (full-time) in a skilled occupation, you may qualify for permanent residency.

• • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces may nominate you for permanent residency based on your work in their province.

Key Takeaways:

• • A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis, either for a specific employer or in a more flexible, open capacity.

• • You need a job offer and in many cases an LMIA to obtain an employer-specific work permit.

• • Open work permits are available under specific circumstances, such as for spouses of skilled workers or students.

• • If you want to extend your stay or transition from a work permit to permanent residency, you can apply for extensions or explore programs like the Canadian Experience Class.

If you need help with a specific aspect of the work permit application process, feel free to ask!

How Ahmad Junaid Salik of Euro Consultants Canada Inc. will help you with your ‘Work Permit’ Application?

• Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC-IRB) since 2013 helping clients in all areas of Canadian Immigration and various types of work permits
• Vast Experience in handling Open and Closed Work permits. 
• Professional & Dedicated services
• Focused on client success
• Comprehensive service from Assessment to application filing and submission.