To work in Canada, all foreign nationals (FN) must obtain a work permit that is supported by a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact assessment), unless they are exempt from needing one. To find out more about the LMIA process click HERE.

Basic requirements for all work permits

The following are examples of exemptions for LMIA supported work permits (for the full list Click Here).

* Spouse or common law partner of a LMIA supported work permit holder (NOC levels 00, 0, A, B).
* Spouse or common law partner of a full-time student who is a study permit holder.

Open work Permit 

Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign students are allowed to accept employment in the general labour market without the need for an LMIA. This exemption is intended for spouses who are not, themselves, full-time students.

Eligibility

Applicants must provide evidence that they are the spouse or common-law partner of a study permit holder who is a full-time student at either:

a public post-secondary institution, such as: a college, trade/technical school or a university

Spouses or common-law partners of full-time students are eligible for open or open/restricted work permits, depending on whether a medical examination has been passed. There is no need for an offer of employment before issuing a work permit.

Validity

Work permits may be issued with a validity date to coincide with the spouse’s study permit.

Before applying for a work permit, a person must know what stream (what kind) of work permit they are applying for.

* Post Graduate work permit.
* International experience Canada (IEC)
* Bridging Work permit.
* Spousal Open Work Permit
* LMIA exempt work permits (For Provincial Nominees)
* International Trades agreements (Such as NAFTA and GATS etc.).
* Intra Company transferees.

To find out more about which Work permit you may qualify for Consult us.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit

A work permit under this category is meant for youth between 18 and 35 years from a country of citizenship that has an agreement with Canada that allows applying for an IEC work permit. There are three categories, but not all three are applicable to all countries: working holiday, young professionals and international Co-op internship.

The working holiday category provides an open work permit, while the young professionals and the international Co-op internship provide employer-specific work permits.

It is important to keep updated, as the eligibility requirements for countries and categories are continuously changing.

For example, Chilean citizens may participate in IEC twice, under any of the three categories. Under the Young Professionals category, Chilean citizens, particularly post-secondary graduates, who wish to further their careers by gaining professional work experience in Canada for up to 12 months can submit their profile to the pool. To be eligible, the Chilean citizen must:

* Be of age between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive).
* Have a signed letter of offer or contract of employment in Canada—the employment offer must be in their field of expertise and enhance their professional development.
* Provide proof of financial resources to help cover expenses in Canada, and to purchase a departure ticket at the end of the authorized stay in Canada.
* Provide evidence of health insurance.
* Not be accompanied by dependents.
* Be admissible to Canada.

FAQS