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Work Permit

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. There are two types of work permits: employer-specific and open.

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An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada according to the specific conditions listed on your work permit, such as the name of the employer you can work for, how long you can work, and the location where you can work (if applicable). Before you can apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must provide you with a copy of your employment contract and either a copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers).

 

The offer of employment number can be obtained through the Employer Portal. If your employer does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must provide you with a copy of the employment contract.

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An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those that are listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or those that regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages. Open work permits are only available in specific situations.

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If you are coming to work in Canada, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study, or live with you while you work in Canada.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Canada work permit, you must meet certain requirements depending upon where and which type of work permit you are seeking. But regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, below are general requirements:

  • proving to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires

  • demonstrating that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any family members who will be accompanying you during your stay in Canada, as well as to return home

  • having no record of criminal activity (you may be required to provide a police clearance certificate)

  • not being a threat to Canada's security

  • being in good health (you may be required to undergo a medical exam)

  • not planning to work for an employer who is listed as "ineligible" on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or who regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages

  • providing any additional documents that an officer may request to prove your eligibility to enter Canada.

 

Eligibility requirements ​for inside Canada application

You can only apply for a Canada work permit from inside Canada if you meet one of the following conditions:

  • have a valid study or work permit

  • your spouse, common-law partner, or parents have a valid study or work permit

  • eligible for a post-graduation work permit and study permit is still valid

  • hold a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more

  • waiting for a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada

  • have made a claim for refugee protection

  • have been 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 (this does not apply to business visitors)

  • are a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

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If you meet one of these conditions, you may be eligible to apply for a Canada work permit from within the country. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and to ensure that you meet all of the necessary criteria before submitting your application. At JSSG Immigrations, we will assist you in understanding the complex requirement of the program and guide you for a smoother overall process.

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