Work permits and work visas allow you to work and earn a living in Canada. The Canadian federal government and Canadian provinces and territories have different programs aimed at bringing in individuals who would contribute positively to Canada economically, socially, and culturally. These programs have different work permits and work visas.

Labour Market Impact Assessment

A labour market opinion is an assessment of an intended occupation for a foreign worker that most employers will need to first obtain in order to hire a foreign worker in Canada. This can apply to an individual worker or many at a time, depending on the situation. A position labour market opinion confirms that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents readily available to fill the position and therefore authorizes the hiring of foreign workers.

Intra-Company Transferee

This program facilitates the transfer of employees between a foreign company and its branch in Canada. Companies who are eligible must have a qualifying relationship. Further, employees who wish to qualify must be considered executive, managerial or have specialized knowledge in order to obtain this labour market opinion exempt work permit.

Significant Benefit Work Permit

A Significant Benefit Work Permit is labour market opinion exempt if the applicant can demonstrate that their intended purpose or work in Canada will provide or maintain a significant social, cultural or economic benefit to Canada.

Live-In Caregiver Work Permit

This program facilities the entry and authorization to work for live-in caregivers in Canada. A Live-in caregiver is an individual who is qualitied to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision. Employers in Canada must first obtain a labour market opinion in order to hire a foreign live-in caregiver.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit grants authorization to work for any employer in Canada. Typically, work permits only allow work for a specific employer. An open work permit is not something you can apply for individually and is normally attached to another application already submitted and therefore does not require an employer to first obtain a labour market opinion.

Off Campus Work Permit

Those who have obtained authorization to study in Canada via a Study Permit are also authorized to work on campus as a provision of the study permit. However, those in Canada on a study permit may also apply for an off-campus work permit which would allow them to work for an employer, including those found off of campus.

Post Graduate Work Permit

Those who have been authorized to study in Canada and are continuing in a graduate program are also eligible to work off campus by obtaining this post graduate work permit. Post Graduate Work Permit allows a graduate student work for any employer and gain valuable work experience in Canada’s labour market.