A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work while in Canada. Every year, Canada issues approximately 500,000 work permits to temporary foreign workers from all over the world. Many foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada choose Canada as their destination. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step for those looking to permanently relocate to the country.

Canada work visas are issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TFWP is designed to help Canadian employers recruit foreign workers in response to labor market shortages.

There are 2 types of work permits

  • Employer-specific work permit
  • Open work permit

Employer-specific work permits

This Work permit is a document issued by the Federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national who is not a permanent resident, to work temporarily in Canada. Work permits specify the employer the foreign worker may work for, the length of time they are allowed to work in Canada, as well as any conditions or restrictions.

To apply for a Work permit, one may need to require:

  • A valid passport
  • Employer job offer letter
  • ESDC approved Labour Market Impact Assessment
  • Educational/Professional Credentials related to the job.
  • Experience certificates to prove the required experience in the Job
  • You also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members for a period of your stay in Canada

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any company or employer in Canada except for any kind of job that is restricted by the work permit conditions.

To apply for a Work permit, one may need a:

  • A valid passport
  • Experience certificates to prove the required experience in the Job
  • Educational/Professional Credentials related to the job.
  • If asked, prove that you do not have any criminal history or any serious medical conditions.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

  • Applied for permanent residence in Canada and met a certain condition.
  • A family member of a permanent residence applicant in Canada who met certain conditions.
  • International students graduated from a designated learning institution
  • Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker of the international student