Work in Canada

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The topic of employment in Canada is a common query among students and immigrants. Anyone residing in Canada, whether native-born or an immigrant, can attest to the challenges associated with job hunting in the country. Despite this, Canada continues to be an attractive choice for proficient overseas workers, contributing their expertise and experience to the Canadian economy.

What is a Work Permit

Work Permit in Canada is an official document that allows a foreign worker to work temporarily in Canada. It is issued by the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and is required for most foreign workers who do not have Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to work legally in the country.

A work permit in Canada provides the opportunity to work in the country for a specific period of time and in a specific position or with a specific employer. It is typically temporary and can be issued for several months or years, depending on specific conditions and requirements.

To obtain a work permit for employment in Canada, foreign workers typically require a job offer from a Canadian employer who must secure the necessary approval or legal authorization to hire them. This official document is known as a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which enables the Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker if there is a lack of suitable candidates among Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Once the employer obtains an LMIA, the worker can proceed to apply for a Work Permit. During the Work Permit application process, the foreign worker will need to submit various documents, including a letter from the Canadian employer containing the job offer, an employment contract, and a copy of the LMIA.


It is important to note that a work permit is not an immigration document and does not grant permanent residency or citizenship. It allows temporary work in Canada and has a limited validity period. If a foreign worker intends to permanently reside in Canada, they may need to initiate the immigration process, either independently or with the assistance of a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

There are two types of Work Permits available for foreign workers in Canada:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit: This permit is granted to foreign workers who have received a job offer from a specific Canadian employer. The employer must first obtain the necessary approval or authorization to hire the foreign worker, such as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Once the employer has obtained the LMIA, the foreign worker can proceed to apply for a Work Permit. This type of permit is only valid for employment with the designated employer and in the specified position.
2. Open Work Permit: An open work permit allows foreign workers to work in Canada for almost any employer, with a few exceptions such as employers blacklisted by the Government of Canada or those operating in the erotic services industry. Open Work Permits are available to specific categories of individuals, including graduates of accredited Canadian educational institutions, their spouses, spouses of foreign students or workers, refugees, and participants in special programs like International Experience Canada (IEC) and Intra-company Transfers, etc.

What is Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The LMIA, or Labor Market Impact Assessment, is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that is often required for a Canadian employer to hire a foreign worker when there is a shortage of suitable candidates among Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The purpose of the LMIA is to ensure that hiring a foreign worker does not hinder job opportunities for Canadian workers. Employers seeking to hire foreign workers must submit an application for an LMIA to ESDC, along with supporting documents that justify the need to recruit foreign professionals.

During the LMIA process, employers must demonstrate that:

• They have actively recruited in the Canadian labour market but have been unable to find suitable candidates.
• The salary and working conditions for the foreign worker comply with Canadian labour market norms.
• Hiring the foreign worker will have a positive impact on the Canadian labour market and economy.
• Obtaining a positive LMIA is one of the requirements for certain types of Work Permits. If an employer receives a positive LMIA decision, the foreign worker can then apply for a Work Permit to work for that specific employer.

However, there are exceptions where an LMIA is not required, such as:

• Open Work Permits, including permits for spouses/partners, graduates, refugees, and others.
• Intra-company work transfers within international companies.
• Youth mobility work programs, such as International Experience Canada (IEC) programs.
• It is important to note that the LMIA process entails compliance with specific rules and requirements. Consulting a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant can provide more detailed information and assistance for specific cases.

Work Permit Extension

To extend a work permit in Canada, it is necessary to follow a specific procedure. Here are the main steps typically required:

Application Submission: You must submit an application to extend your work visa at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current visa. You need to fill out the appropriate form, which can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Document Preparation: When submitting the application, you will need to provide certain documents to support your eligibility for the work permit extension. This may include a new letter from your employer confirming your continued employment, updated information on your salary, position, etc. Additional documents related to your status, such as a copy of your passport, photographs, and proof of financial sufficiency, may also be required.

Visa Fees Payment: When submitting the application, you may be required to pay visa fees. The fee amount can vary, so it is recommended to check the current information on the IRCC website.

Application Submission: After completing all the necessary forms and preparing the documents, you should submit your application and all relevant materials to the IRCC. Ensure that all forms and documents are accurately and completely filled out, following the specific instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Decision Waiting Period: After submitting the application, you will need to wait for a decision from the IRCC. This process typically takes several weeks or months. Your extension may be approved or denied. If you have submitted a timely application for a Work Permit extension and your current permit expires while your application is being processed, you are eligible to continue working under implied status until a decision is reached on your application.

It is important to note that the procedure for extending a work visa may vary depending on your specific situation and type of work visa. It is recommended to refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to obtain accurate information and instructions tailored to your situation.