Work Permit
A work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to engage in employment while inside of Canada. Each year, Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers around the world.
Canada is a prime destination for many foreign nationals who are seeking employment opportunities. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step for those seeking to immigrate to the country permanently.
Who is eligible to work in Canada?
Most foreign nationals require a permit to be eligible to work in Canada, with some exemptions.
To apply for a work permit, most candidates will require a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are some exceptions to this requirement, where foreign workers can apply for a work permit without an LMIA, or a job offer. Examples of this include a recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI), or the spouse of someone already on a Canadian work or study permit.
The LMIA process is different depending on whether the targeted employee is classified as “high-wage” or “low-wage”. Temporary foreign workers being paid under the provincial/territorial median wage are considered low-wage, while those being paid at or above are considered high-wage. Depending on whether a prospective employee is classified as high-wage or low-wage, certain specific provisions apply.
Candidates who qualify to apply for a work permit must also meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Demonstrate their intent to leave once their work authorization expires; and
- Prove they have sufficient funds to support them and their family in Canada and to return home; and
- Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada; and
- Plan to work with an eligible employer; and
- Can provide any requested documents that may prove their eligibility to enter Canada
