There are two types of work permit programs in Canada:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit

• International Mobility Program: An LMIA is not required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit

 

The purpose of the LMIA is for employers to demonstrate to the Canadian government that the hiring of a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on Canada's existing workforce. The federal department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) wants to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will not displace existing workers in Canada nor place downward pressures on their wages. Workers that need an LMIA fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

 

Although the LMIA process is the rule, there are many different LMIA-exempt work permits, resulting from free trade agreements, such as the former North American Free Trade Agreement, now known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. These free trade agreements enable foreign workers to apply for a work permit without their employer having to obtain an LMIA. In addition to these employer sponsored work permits, there are a number of work permit options available to foreign workers who do not yet have a job offer, including working holidays, post-graduate work permits, and open spousal work permits. Workers who do not need an LMIA fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

 

There are general requirements that all applicants must fulfil, and specific ones they need to fulfil based on the work permit stream they are applying under. For example, you are applying under a work permit stream that requires an LMIA, you need to submit the following documents to IRCC as part of your work permit application:

• a job offer letter

• employment contract

• a copy of the LMIA

• the LMIA number

 

Generally speaking, all applicants need to demonstrate they will leave Canada when their work permit expires, they have enough money to financially support themselves in Canada, they do not pose a risk to public health and safety, and will not work for ineligible employers or in ineligible occupations.

 

Some other types of Work Permits:

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CO-OP Work Permit

International students pursuing study programs in Canada that require a co-op internship program or work placement may apply for a co-op work permit. International students pursuing a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that requires a mandatory work placement or internship must apply for a co-op work permit in addition to a Canadian Study Permit. The co-op work permit is a separate work permit, unrelated to the authorization to work part-time that is generally included in Canadian study permits. It is important to note that an individual applying for a co-op work permit must hold a valid study permit.

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Work Permit Extension in Canada

If you are currently living in Canada as a foreign worker and planning to extend your stay as a worker we certainly can help you in that. We can also help us if you're looking to extend your stay by changing your conditions/status from a worker to student or visitor. Please contact us for further guidance.

Further we can guide if you would like to change condition or employer and get a work permit with new employer please call us today for all these queries.