Introduction

As one of the world’s largest and most developed economies, it’s no wonder many people choose Canada as their work destination. As of 2021, Canada is part of the top 10 world economies in terms of GDP. Canada provides a prosperous and welcoming working-environment with great priority in diversity, equality, and support. In order to work in Canada, a work permit is required. There are two types of work permits: Open work permit , and Employer-specific work permit . The latter may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Students with a study permit can apply for working on- and off-campus. Students may work on-campus without a work permit. Students with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) may work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks. Graduates from inside Canada can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Regardless, work permits are issued for a set time period and the only way to work permanently is to obtain a Permanent Resident status. The Canada work permit visa is a common tr to pr pathway. There are exemptions to the work permit depending on the circumstances. These can be found on the immigration website

Explanation

With some exceptions, a work permit is required to be eligible to work in Canada. A work permit is not a visa and does not grant travel to Canada. Along with the permit, a visa is required. The tr to pr pathway goes through getting a Canada work permit visa. The path for getting a work visa in Canada can be confusing and it is best to consult professionals to assist along the way. People entering Canada require a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). The eTA is valid for 5 years from the date of the issuance or until the passport expires.

The Canada open work permit is not job-specific and allows the individual to work in other fields as well. In contrast, the employer-specific work permit is limited to the individual’s field and requires an LMIA in most cases as well as a job offer. A positive LMIA is a confirmation letter which shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. This needs to be obtained before applying for a work permit. In order to change employers, a new work permit must be obtained. The work permit application can be done by hand or online for the Global Skills Strategy and the International Experience Canada Program. The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) is a faster and enhanced system by offering a 2-week processing time. The requirements for the GSS are mentioned below. The International Experience Canada Program (IEC) is a process for younger applicants aged 18 to 35 which provides the opportunity for work in Canada. The IEC has 3 pools: International Co-op (Internship), Young Professionals, Working Holiday. The International Co-op (Internship) is an employer-specific work permit directly linked to the individual’s field of study. This is for students who are registered at a post-secondary institute or have a work placement/internship. The Young Professionals, an employer-specific work permit, is to provide Canadian professional work experience to increase global competence. The Working Holiday, an open work permit, allows financial income while vacationing in Canada to fund the travel. Students can apply for working on- and off-campus. Students may work on-campus without a work permit. Students with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) may work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks. Graduates from inside Canada can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit up to 180 days after getting their degree/diploma, transcript, or official letter from their school. Permanent Residence is required for permanently staying in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class is an immigration program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

Requirements

What is required for obtaining the work permit?

prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home
no record of criminal activity
be in good health

For an employer-specific work permit, a job offer and an LMIA are also required.

Can apply for a work permit from inside Canada, if:

have a valid study or work permit
spouse, common-law partner, or parents have a valid study or work permit
eligible for a post-graduation work permit and the study permit is still valid
have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more
waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada
made a claim for refugee protection
recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (some exceptions)
a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under CUSMA

What is required for the Global Skills Strategy GSS?

Situation A:
Employer has a positive Global Talent Stream (GTS) LMIA
Situation B:
Have an offer exempt from LMIA

Have an occupation skill type 0 (management) or skill level A (professional)

Processing time

GSS – 2 weeks
IEC – 8 weeks
LMIA – 10 days to months

For a specific processing time, please visit the IRCC website

Fees and Expenses

Work permit (including extensions)	$155
Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists)	$465
Open work permit holder	$100
International Experience Canada	$156
Global Talent Stream (LMIA applications)	$1000
Biometric processing fee	$85

If your status in Canada has expired within the last 90 days, you will need to apply for restoration and pay a restoration fee of CAN$200. Total $355 for a work permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit:

$255 ($155 PGWP, $100 Open Work Permit Holder)
$350 (restoration fee for expired study permits)*

* Both fees apply to applicants with expired study permits.

Services

Rejection. Refusal. Damage control. These are things you hopefully would not face with hiring an immigration lawyer. Although hiring a lawyer is not required by law, the immigration process is difficult and often confusing. By consulting an immigration lawyer, you can put your mind at ease and let the professionals help you along the journey.

FAQ

Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
Yes, in most cases a work permit is required. Additionally, an LMIA may also be required.

When should I apply for a work permit?
Normally, the application is done prior to arrival in Canada.

What is the processing time for my permit?
For a specific processing time, please visit the IRCC website

What is an open work permit?
The post-graduation work permit is an open work permit, meaning individuals can work anywhere in any field in Canada.

What is an employer-specific work permit?
The employer-specific work permit is limited to the individual’s field and requires an LMIA in most cases as well as a job offer. A positive LMIA is a confirmation letter which shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job.

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
A positive LMIA is a confirmation letter which shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. This needs to be obtained before applying for a work permit.

What is the GSS process?
The Global Skills Strategy (GSS) is a faster and enhanced system by offering a 2-week processing time. The requirements for the GSS are mentioned below.

What is the IEC?
The International Experience Canada Program (IEC) is a process for younger applicants aged 18 to 35 which provides the opportunity for work in Canada. The IEC has 3 pools: International Co-op (Internship), Young Professionals, Working Holiday.

How much does a work permit cost?
The different fees are expressed below:

Work permit (including extensions)	$155
Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists)	$465
Open work permit holder	$100
International Experience Canada	$156
Global Talent Stream (LMIA applications)	$1000
Biometric processing fee	$85

Can I work full time during my studies?
Students with a Social Insurance Number (SIN) may work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks.

Can I work after finishing my program?
No, however you can apply for a post-graduation work permit.

What is the post-graduation work permit?
The post-Graduation Work Permit allows students who have completed their post-secondary studies to seek work for a specific period of time.

For how long can I get a post-graduation work permit?
The post-graduation work permit may be valid from 8 months to 3 years depending on the length of the study program.

Can I still apply for a post-graduation work permit after the study permit is expired?
If the study permit expires before applying, applicants have up to 90 days to apply for the PGWP AND restore the student status. If applicants do not apply after the 90 days, they must leave Canada.

What is the processing fee for the post-graduation work permit?
$255 ($155 PGWP, $100 Open Work Permit Holder) However, if the study permit is expired, an additional $350 restoration fee is also in order.

What is a TRV?
A Temporary Resident Visa is a visitor visa placed in the passport to show that the individual has met the requirements for admission to Canada.

What is an eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization is for foreign individuals with a visa exemption. The eTA is linked electronically to the passport and is valid for 5 years.

Do I need a TRV or an eTA to work in Canada?
Depending on your country of origin, you may need one or the other in addition to a study permit.

How can I know if I can apply for an eTA?
The list of countries with visa-exempt travellers can be found in the following link

Can I travel in/out of Canada with a TRV?
Depends on the TRV. Having a single-entry visa means you will need to get a new single-entry visa to come back. However, you can travel in/out of Canada with a multiple-entry temporary resident visa.

What is the Canadian Experience Class?
The CEC is an immigration program for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

What is the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
The FSW program is for skilled workers, who unlike the CEC, have foreign work experience and are planning on becoming permanent residents.

What is the Provincial Nominee Program?
The PNP is a set of programs specific to each province. These programs select applicants based on the specific needs of the respected province. The PNP is different in every province as the demands vary.

Work permit