work permit applications
A Work Permit is a temporary visa that allows individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work in Canada for a limited period of time. In order to obtain a work permit, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a job offer from a Canadian employer, having sufficient funds to support yourself while in Canada, being medically fit to travel, and having no criminal record.
If you are applying for an employer-specific work permit, also known as a 'closed work permit', your employer must first obtain a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) letter from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) before your application can be processed. An LMIA is designed to ensure that the employment of foreign workers will not have a negative impact on Canadian workers. Our firm can provide assistance in obtaining an LMIA letter to help ensure that your work permit application is successful.
In addition, your spouse and dependent children may also accompany you to Canada and can apply for open work permits if you are eligible. This will allow them to work for any employer in Canada for the duration of your work permit.
It is important to note that a work permit is a temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. However, once you have gained work experience in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.
At our firm, we can provide guidance and support throughout the work permit application process, including obtaining an LMIA letter, and assist you in exploring potential permanent residency options. Our experienced team can help ensure that your application meets all the necessary requirements for a successful outcome. We can also assist in addressing any challenges that may arise during the application process, such as responding to requests for additional information or addressing issues related to medical or criminal records.
For business work permits, please go to the 'Business' page.
What is a work permit?
A work permit is a temporary work authorization document that allows non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents to work in Canada for a limited period. A work permit is not a permanent residence status, and it will only allow you to stay in Canada until the expiry date mentioned on your work permit document.
There are two types of work permits - employer-specific and open. An employer-specific work permit is granted for a specific job with a specific employer in Canada, while an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.