OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT: WORK IN CANADA
A WORK PERMIT IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT THAT GRANTS A FOREIGN NATIONAL AUTHORIZATION TO WORK IN CANADA TEMPORARILY.
Looking to Hire Foreign Workers or Apply for a Work Permit?
Whether you are:
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An employer seeking to hire foreign workers, or
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A skilled worker looking to obtain, extend, or change the conditions of a work permit.
How We Can Help
With various programs available for obtaining a work permit, determining the appropriate stream from the outset is crucial.
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Our immigration law firm is here to guide you through each step, helping you navigate the process confidently, effectively and efficiently.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
There are two main types of Canadian work permits:
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Employer-specific work permit: Allows you to work for a specific employer, at a specific location, and under certain conditions. Typically, a valid job offer is required, and in most cases, the employer must first apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, in some cases, a candidate may qualify for an LMIA exemption.
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Open work permit: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some restrictions. A job offer is not required to apply for this permit.
Processing times for work permits vary depending on factors like the country from which you are applying and the type of permit. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It is important to check the current estimated processing times on the IRCC website.
In many cases, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, and your dependent children may be eligible for study permits or visitor visas. This can depend on the type of work permit you have and the duration of your stay in Canada.
Working in Canada on a valid work permit can be a great pathway to permanent residency. Programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (part of Express Entry) allow individuals with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. Additionally, certain provincial nominee programs (PNPs) offer streams for foreign workers to transition to permanent residency.
Yes, you can apply to extend your work permit before it expires. If you submit your application before the expiration date, you may continue working under the same conditions of your current permit, benefiting from "implied status" until a decision is made. However, if your work permit expires without an extension application, you must stop working immediately. You may still restore your status by applying within 90 days of expiration, but if you miss this window, you will need to leave Canada and reapply from outside the country.
