Work Permits - how can you get one?
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by Rekha McNutt
There are many ways to get a work permit to work in Canada. Because of this, there is no simple answer to the question of “how do I get a work permit?”
Often times, the support of an employer (a job offer) is required. The job offer process itself depends on the job, the employer and the applicant’s country of origin, you may.
There are two types of work permits:
Open (unrestricted) work permits
Closed (restricted) work permits
This blog post will not delve into open work permits, which ware limited to a very narrow set of circumstances. The focus here will be closed work permits because that is what the majority of people will be able to get.
All closed work permits first involve finding an Employer. It can be difficult to find a job when you are not in Canada. Ways to do so can include:
family (or other) connections in Canada
connections via your foreign employer to transfer to a related company in Canada
coming to Canada as a visitor to network or meet individuals within these companies in person
contacting a recruiter who works in your field
apply directly to posts online on various career/recruitment websites
We cannot help you find a job but we can help the employer with the job offer process.
An employer may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (“LMIA”) before a job is offered to a foreign national. That process involves convincing the Canadian government that there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available to do the job. The LMIA process is long and complex.
Not all jobs require an LMIA. Examples include offers made by way of international trade agreements, intra-company transferees or reciprocal agreements.
Once the job offer is made, whether by way of an approved LMIA or proof of exemption, the foreign national applies for a work permit abroad (or sometimes at the port of entry depending on your country of nationality). In assessing the work permit application, an officer reviews a number of factors, including a determination of whether the person is qualified for the job being offered and that they are genuine temporary residents who will leave Canada at the end of their visa. Getting an LMIA or job offer does not guarantee that the work permit will be approved.
A work permit is granted if the officer approves the application and is usually valid for two years unless the offer is for a shorter duration.