Work in Canada

A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or under an open work authorization, depending on the program. Work permits are often issued for a defined period and may be tied to a particular job, location, or employer. For many individuals, working in Canada also provides valuable experience that can support future immigration opportunities, including pathways to permanent residency.

Types of Work Permits

Canada offers different types of work permits based on the applicant’s circumstances. Employer-specific work permits are issued for a particular job with a designated employer, while open work permits allow individuals to work for most employers in Canada. Work permits may also be available through international agreements, intra-company transfers, post-graduation programs, or spousal sponsorship pathways, depending on eligibility.

Preparing a Successful Application

Applying for a work permit requires careful preparation and accurate documentation. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet program requirements and provide supporting materials such as job offers, employer documents, and personal identification. Ensuring that the application is complete and clearly prepared can help reduce processing delays and improve the overall outcome of the submission.

Our firm helps businesses access global talent by navigating Canada’s complex immigration system with efficiency and compliance. We assist companies and professionals with a wide range of Canadian work permit applications, ensuring the right talent is placed in the right role at the right time. Our services include support for LMIA-based work permits, LMIA- exempt work permits, such as: Intra-Company Transfers (ICT), Trade Agreement work permits, Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), International Experience Class (IEC), Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

LMIA Based Work Permit

A foreign national must secure employment with a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC in order to be eligible to apply for a work permit.

The LMIA is a formal authorization issued to Canadian employers, confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the domestic labour market. To obtain this approval, the employer must demonstrate a genuine need for foreign talent and commit to offering wages and working conditions that meet or exceed the prevailing standards for the position.

Work permits issued under the TFWP are employer-specific, reflecting a highly regulated framework. This means the foreign worker’s work permit is “closed” work permit and the foreign worker is authorized to work exclusively for the employer named on the permit. Should the worker wish to change employer, a new process must be initiated: the prospective employer must first obtain a new LMIA, followed by the foreign national applyaing for and securing a new work permit.

Spouses and dependent children of the foreign worker may be eligible for open work permit and study permit/visitor records (as applicable).

LMIA Exempt Work Permit

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) represents a strategic framework within Canada’s immigration system, encompassing all work permit categories that are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement.

Designed to advance Canada’s broader economic, cultural, and international objectives, the IMP facilitates the entry of foreign nationals whose employment delivers significant reciprocal benefits. This includes professionals entering under international agreements, such as free trade agreements, as well as key personnel transferred within multinational organizations through intra-company transfers.

While exempt from the LMIA process, the IMP maintains a rigorous compliance structure. Employers engaging foreign talent under this program remain fully accountable to regulatory standards and are subject to the same compliance inspections and enforcement measures applicable under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

Multinational companies and Canadian businesses with global operations may transfer key personnel, including executives, senior managers, and employees with specialized proprietary knowledge, to Canada. This streamlined pathway facilitates the movement of essential talent to support business growth and continuity.

Main Requirements:

Currently employed by a multinational company;
Continuously employed by a multinational company outside Canada in a similar position for at least one year in the three-year period preceding the application.

ICT Start-up Requirements

Establish and register the new entity in Canada that is related to the foreign operations
Establish physical Canadian address
Create a business plan
Establish financial support of the new operations in Canada.

Free Trade Agreement Work Permits

Canada’s network of international free trade agreements offers a wide and expedited pathway for qualified professionals seeking temporary work authorization. Through these agreements, eligible foreign nationals may access streamlined entry into the Canadian labour market without the requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

To qualify, applicants must secure a valid offer of employment from a Canadian employer in an occupation covered by the applicable agreement and meet all admissibility requirements under Canadian immigration law.

Canada maintains a robust portfolio of free trade agreements with key global partners, including the United States and Mexico under the North American Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), as well as agreements with countries such as Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Jordan, and Israel, Honduras, Panama, Peru, South Korea, Ukraine.

A landmark development in this framework is the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into force in 2017. This agreement significantly enhances mobility for business visitors and select categories of skilled professionals, further strengthening Canada’s position within the global economy.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) offers an opportunity to transition from academic achievement to professional success within Canada.

This one-time, open work permit is available to eligible graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs), granting the flexibility to work for any employer in Canada. More than a work authorization, the PGWP serves as a strategic pathway—enabling graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience that can significantly strengthen future applications for permanent residence should they decide to pursue their permanent residency path in Canada.

The duration of a PGWP is aligned with the length of the completed program of study, with permits issued for up to a maximum of three years. To qualify, the program must be at least eight months in duration and meet all regulatory requirements.

Timing is critical. Applicants must submit their PGWP application within a prescribed period following the completion of their academic program, making careful planning and precise execution essential.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a government initiative designed to promote global mobility, cultural exchange, and professional development among young individuals worldwide. Through this program, eligible candidates are granted the unique opportunity to live, travel, and work in Canada—immersing themselves in one of the world’s most dynamic and diverse societies.

Beyond travel, IEC offers a transformative experience: participants gain valuable cross-cultural insight, enhance their professional profile, and build meaningful international connections that extend well beyond their time in Canada.

Eligible applicants are typically between the ages of 18 and 35 (with certain country-specific variations) and must meet defined criteria based on their country of citizenship and the category under which they apply.

Program Categories

Working Holiday

Designed for adventurous and career-minded individuals, who are international students or recent graduates, as well as young professionals the Working Holiday stream offers an open work permit, allowing participants the flexibility to work for almost any employer across Canada. This pathway is ideal for those seeking both professional experience and the freedom to explore the country. Depending on eligibility and nationality, permits may be issued for up to 24 months.

Young Professionals

Tailored for individuals seeking targeted career advancement, this category enables participants to gain valuable international experience with a specific Canadian employer. Positions must align with skilled occupations (classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification), ensuring that the experience contributes meaningfully to the applicant’s professional trajectory.

International Co-op (Internship)

This stream is reserved for post-secondary students who wish to complete a work placement in Canada as part of their academic program. Participants gain hands-on experience in their field of study while developing global perspective and professional competence within a Canadian workplace environment.

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify under the IEC program, applicants must:

Be between 18 and 35 years of age (depending on country-specific agreements);
Hold a valid passport for the duration of their stay;
Be a citizen of a country that maintains a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada;
Successfully pass medical and background (police) checks, where required;
Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves upon arrival in Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows certain applicants for permanent residence to continue working in Canada while their application is being processed. This applies to individuals who have applied under programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class, Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

This open work permit enables eligible foreign workers already in Canada to maintain legal work status and continue employment until a final decision is made on their permanent residence application.

From employer-based permits to open work permits, we help you prepare a complete application and avoid delays.

If you have any questions, book a consultation with our Immigration Consultant to discuss your options.

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