Work Permits
Most foreign nationals require a valid work permit to legally work in Canada. Canadian authorities divide work permits into two main types: those that require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and those that are exempt from it.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA is a document employers may need before hiring a foreign worker, proving there’s a genuine need for a foreign hire. Once the LMIA is approved, the worker can apply for a work permit with:
Job offer letter
Contract
Post-Graduation
Work Permit Program
Graduates from eligible Canadian institutions can get an open work permit to gain Canadian experience. This experience can help them apply for permanent residency later.
To qualify, you must:
Complete a program of at least 8 months at a DLI
Maintain full-time student status (with some exceptions)
Apply within 180 days of completing studies
Family Members of Foreign Workers
From January 30, 2023, most family members of foreign workers can apply for open work permits, with some exceptions for low-skilled workers.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you’ve applied for permanent residence, you may qualify for a BOWP to keep working while waiting for a decision.