Work in Canada
Foreign workers require a valid work permit in order to be employed in Canada. With a few exceptions, most foreign temporary workers must possess this document in order to work. Depending on your country of residence or citizenship, you may also be required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
There are two different types of work permits:
- Open Work Permit
- Employer Specific Work Permit
Open Work Permit - A work permit that is valid in Canada means that you can work for Canada. This includes those who have failed to comply with the employment standards or those engaged in sexual activities such as strip clubs, escort services, and erotic massage shops. An open work permit isn't required to apply because it's non-job specific. Therefore, you won't need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The following situations may qualify you for an open work permit:
- Applicants for permanent residence who are in the process of applying for permanent residence,
- Applicants' dependent families,
- Partners and spouses of some international students and workers,
- Individuals and families who are refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons,
- Holders of temporary resident permits or
- Youth participating in special programs.
To qualify, you must meet additional requirements in each of these situations.
Employer-Specific Work Permit: A foreign worker with an employer-specific work permit can work for that company for a particular period of time. Depending on the type of work permit, it will state the employer you can work for, duration of work and location of work. It is common for closed-work permits to require a positive LMIA, which proves that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to perform the job.
You must meet certain conditions to be eligible to apply for a work permit. The work permit eligibility criteria vary depending on the country from which you apply.
General Requirements:
- It is essential that you prove you will leave the country after your work permit expires.
- Employees cannot work for employers who violate the employment standards or businesses who engage in sex trade, such as strip clubs, escort services, or massage parlors.
- Employees must also have their security clearance and background checks completed.
- Medical exams are required.
- It is required that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members throughout your stay in Canada.
From outside Canada: You can apply for a work permit through your visa office, depending on your country of origin or residence. In addition, you must have your police clearance certificate issued by your consulate and undergo a medical examination by a designated medical officer.
If Applying from Inside Canada: You are eligible to apply for a work permit while you are in Canada if:
- Either you or your spouse currently have a valid work or study permit in Canada.
- Either of you graduated from an accredited institution in Canada. Post-Graduate Work Permits are available to you.
- You've applied for permanent residency and you're waiting for a response. It is possible for you to apply for a Bridging Open work permit.
- The final decision on your refugee status inside Canada has yet to be made, or you have been granted the status of a convention refugee or protected person.
A work permit can be issued at your arrival in Canada if you hold a valid medical certificate and come from a visa-exempt country or if you are eligible to apply for an open work permit.