Work in Canada

Work in Canada
Turn your skills into opportunity — start your career journey in Canada.

Canada is one of the most attractive destinations in the world for people seeking better career opportunities and a higher quality of life. With its strong job market, safe environment, and inclusive culture, Canada welcomes skilled workers from around the globe.

Why Work in Canada?
  • Growing demand for talent in healthcare, trades, technology, logistics, and many other sectors.
  • Safe and fair working conditions protected by Canadian labor laws.
  • Competitive wages and benefits that provide financial security for workers and their families.
  • Pathway to permanent residence — many work permits open the door to staying in Canada long term.

Main Work Permit Options
  1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
  • Linked to one Canadian employer.
  • Usually requires a job offer supported by an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
2.Open Work Permit
  • Gives flexibility to work for almost any employer in Canada.
  • Available under programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or Spousal Open Work Permit.
3. International Mobility Programs
  • Certain categories allow work without an LMIA, such as intra-company transfers or special agreements between Canada and other countries.

How I Can Help You
Applying for a Canadian work permit involves strict requirements and detailed paperwork. Mistakes can delay or even refuse your application. As your immigration consultant, I will:
  • Assess your background and eligibility for different work permit options.
  • Guide you in preparing the correct documents and application forms.
  • Communicate with Canadian authorities on your behalf.
  • Help you plan the next steps toward permanent residence if that is your goal.
Starting a new career in Canada is a life-changing opportunity. I’ll make sure your application process is smooth, efficient, and gives you the best chance of success.
Work Permits In Canada

A work permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a specific period of time. It is not the same as permanent residency — instead, it gives you temporary status and employment rights.

Main Types of Work Permits
  • Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit
Authorizes you to work for a single employer, in a specific job, and location.
Often requires an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) — a government approval showing that no Canadian worker is available for the position.
  • Open Work Permit
Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada.
Does not require a job offer or LMIA.
Common examples: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students, and Spousal Open Work Permit for spouses/partners of eligible workers or students.
  • International Mobility Programs
Certain agreements and pilot programs let foreign nationals work without an LMIA.
Examples: CUSMA (Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement), Intra-Company Transfers, and Working Holiday permits under the International Experience Canada program.

Key Terms You Should Know
  • LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment): a document an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. It shows the job cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Closed Work Permit - another name for an employer-specific permit (restricted to one employer).
  • Open Work Permit - allows work for almost any employer in Canada (with limited exceptions).
  • PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) - for international students who have completed studies in Canada.
  • Spousal Open Work Permit - for spouses or partners of certain workers or students.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The first step for many foreign workers to secure a job offer in Canada.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that many Canadian employers must obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and confirms that hiring a foreign national will not negatively affect the Canadian job market.

What Does an LMIA Mean?
Positive LMIA: Shows there is a need for a foreign worker in the role, and no Canadian worker is available.
Negative LMIA: Means the position should be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident instead.

When is an LMIA Required?
Most employer-specific (closed) work permits require an LMIA.
Jobs in high-demand fields (such as healthcare, trades, agriculture) often use LMIA-supported permits.
Certain programs, like open work permits (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit, Spousal Work Permit), do not require an LMIA.

Why is LMIA Important for Foreign Workers?
A positive LMIA supports your work permit application.
In some cases, it also awards extra points in the Express Entry system, helping you qualify for permanent residence.
It provides assurance that your Canadian job offer is valid and government-approved.

Work Permit Extension in Canada
Stay in Canada legally and continue building your career without interruption.

If you are already working in Canada on a temporary work permit and wish to stay longer, you must apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires. Extending your status allows you to continue working legally in Canada without interruption.

When to Apply for an Extension
Your current work permit is about to expire.
You want to change employers, job position, or location (requires a new employer-specific permit).
You qualify for an open work permit after completing studies or as a spouse/partner of an eligible worker or student.

Important Rules
Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires to maintain legal status.
If you apply before expiry, you may continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made — this is called maintained status (formerly implied status).
If your permit expires before you apply, you may lose your right to work and will need to restore your status.

How I Can Help
Review your eligibility for extension or transition to a new type of work permit.
Prepare and submit your application on time with complete documentation.
Advise on long-term options, including pathways to permanent residence.

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