Most foreign nationals need a work permit to legally work in Canada. Here’s a detailed guide through the types, eligibility, process, and next steps:
✨ Types of Work Permits
1. Employer‑Specific Work Permit
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Tied to a specific job, employer, location, and duration.
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Requires either a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an employer’s Offer of Employment Number.
2. Open Work Permit
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Allows work with almost any employer in Canada, except those deemed ineligible.
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Available under specific conditions—like being a recent graduate under the Post‑Graduation Work Permit Program.
📝 Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants generally must:
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Be awarded a job offer and, if needed, have their employer secure a positive LMIA.
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Demonstrate intent to leave Canada when their permit ends, pass security and medical checks, and show admissibility under Canadian law.
🚀 How to Apply
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Apply online—whether you’re inside or outside Canada.
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Provide all required documents, including LMIA or job offer documentation.
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Pay relevant fees, such as the work permit fee and the open permit holder fee, when applying.
Be sure to read the instruction guide carefully before submission.
⏳ What Happens After Applying
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The government will review your application for completeness and compliance, including any necessary medical exams which may add extra processing time.
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If approved, you’ll receive a Port-of-Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
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Your official work permit is issued at the Canadian border on your arrival day, specifying employment conditions and duration.
👨👩👧 Bringing Family
Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also be eligible to work, study, or live in Canada under your permit.
🔁 Extensions & Transitions
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You can extend or change your permit from within Canada if you remain in status under specified categories.
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Open work permits—such as those for post‑graduation or applicants for permanent residence—allow more flexibility in employment.
🌟 Why This Matters
Having the correct work permit ensures you remain compliant with Canadian immigration law. It protects your rights, determines your scope of work, and enables you to plan for family inclusion, career growth, and renewing permits.
✅ Work Permit Checklist
| Step | What You Need |
|---|---|
| 1 | A job offer and, if required, LMIA |
| 2 | A completed online application |
| 3 | Payment of the work permit fees |
| 4 | Medical exam results, if necessary |
| 5 | POE Letter, leading to permit issuance upon arrival |
Understanding the Canadian work permit application process helps you stay prepared, confident, and in control. At Global Hire Path, we guide you through every step—from matching you with an employer to completing your documentation, paying fees, booking biometrics, and even extending your permit once you’re in Canada.
