Work Permit

The foreign workers who wish to temporarily settle in Canada because of employment reasons will have to apply for an authorization to work in Canada which is a valid Work Permit.

Every year a large number of foreign workers come to Canada to work. A Work Permit is not issued to individuals who want to come to Canada to look for work. It is only issued once an offer of employment has been made. It is notable that a Work Permit is not an employment contract. It is strictly for the purpose of permitting a foreign national to work in Canada to fill the skill shortage and to enhance Canada’s economic growth.

There are various categories or provisions by which a foreign worker can seek a work permit in Canada

Work in Canada subject to a Labour Market Impact Assessment, LMIA (previously known as Labour Market Opinion or LMO) or ESDC confirmation

• International Treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
• Circumstances in which there is proof of Canadian Interests or Significant Benefit to Canada including intra-organization transfers, spousal programs and other circumstances in which there is a social, cultural or economic benefit to Canada
• Youth Program Visas such as the Student Work Away Program, Student Work Holiday Program and other led through organizations such as BUNAC, SWAP and IEC

Work Permits are always temporary but can be extended from Canada. A Work Permit generally consists of specific terms and conditions, including the start and end dates of the employment, the name of the employer, the job title and the location of employment. If the foreign national does not follow the terms and conditions set out in the Work Permit, he/she may be prosecuted and/or asked to leave Canada. The employer may also have to face disciplinary action or charges.

Get in touch with our Expert Team and get to know more about preparing applications and complete a list of the documents that are required for a work permit.