Canada Work Permit: learn your options

There are basically two options of work permit in Canada: open or closed work permit. The eligibility requirements change depending on the type of permit you are applying to. Learn more about the most popular options that will allow you to work in Canada. 

Canada Open Work Permit: this type of permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. 

This is the most popular work permit among spouses of international students. If you are married or in a common law relationship with someone who is attending public college or university in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.

You can apply for an open work permit if you obtained a certificate, diploma or degree from an eligible institution in Canada. This work permit is called Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

If you applied for permanent residence in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a bridging work permit, which is a type of open work permit that allows you to keep working while immigration processes your PR application. 

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) allows you to apply for a Canada open work permit for your spouse or common-law partner. 

You may be eligible for a Working Holiday visa depending on your citizenship (Europeans, Australian, Chilean, etc). This type of work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. 

Closed Work Permit: this is an employer-specific work permit, so you will need to receive a valid job offer.

The majority of the closed work permits require a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) before you can submit your application. A LMIA is a document that allows your employer to give you a valid job offer. The employer is required to prove that your employment will have a positive impact on the local economy, and that a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident is not available to do the job. 

There are some LMIA-exempt work permits available that are still considered a closed work permit, because your employer will be specified on your document. The company will have to pay a compliance fee before you can apply for a work permit. 

Maritimes can assist with your work permit for Canada. Book an initial consultation today to learn more about your options and get the answers you need.