If you’re a foreign national looking to work in Canada, you’ll need to acquire a work permit. This allows you to enter and stay in the country legally.
Obtaining a Canadian work permit is typically a two-step process. Firstly, you need to get a job offer.
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit is a temporary permit that is issued to a foreign national to allow them to work in Canada for a specific Canadian employer. This type of work permit is commonly referred to as a closed work permit, which means that it is tied to a particular employer, job, and location.
The process for obtaining an employer-specific work permit usually involves first securing an official job offer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). For some positions, LMIAs are not required, which can streamline the hiring process.
A number of trade agreements, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), allow certain jobs to be filled without a labour market impact assessment. These are called “LMIA-exempt” work permits and they can simplify the hiring process for both employers and foreign workers, thereby reducing costs and expediting the application process.
There are a number of ways to apply for an employer-specific work permit, including through the Global Talent Stream and International Experience Canada. If you are interested in working in Canada for an extended period, it is important to understand the different pathways available so that you can find the best fit for your needs and expectations.
Open work permit
If you’re a spouse or common-law partner of a temporary foreign worker, you may be eligible for an open work permit. This type of permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada if your spouse or common-law partner is sponsored under Inland Sponsorship Immigration.
To apply for an open work permit, you will need to create an account on the IRCC website. Once you have done this, you can submit your application online and upload all supporting documents.
The processing time for an open work permit depends on your country of citizenship. The average process takes between 3 and 27 weeks.
Alternatively, you can also apply for a closed work permit that doesn’t require a positive LMIA. These permits are often issued to technical workers, creative and performing artists, self-employed engineers and other similar occupations.
Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is a temporary work permit program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for specialized positions. It is a great way for Canadian companies to quickly access global talent and attract highly skilled workers to the country.
The process for hiring a foreign worker under this immigration program is complicated but can be done with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirms that there are no Canadians available to fill the position, enabling you to hire the foreign national.
Employers should start by creating a Labour Market Benefits Plan with ESDC during the Global Talent Stream application process. This plan should include a commitment to create jobs for Canadians and permanent residents and increase skills and training investments in your organization.
The Global Talent Stream is designed to attract the best and most highly-skilled foreign nationals in Canada for specialised jobs. These are jobs that require highly specialized experience and often pay a high salary.
Working Holidays
Working Holidays in Canada give you the opportunity to live, work and travel for up to 12 or 24 months (depending on your country of citizenship). They’re run by International Experience Canada, a program that allows young people from around the world to experience the Canadian way of life.
The process works on an ‘invitation to apply’ basis, with candidates creating a profile and then being entered into draws at regular intervals throughout the year. If successful, they’re invited to formally complete their applications for a visa.
The program offers a range of options for working and traveling in Canada, including seasonal jobs in tourism, hospitality and resorts, food and beverage, retail, event set up, manual labour, and more. There are also options for more professional employment, like working in agriculture, childcare, or health services.