REQUIREMENTS TO WORK IN CANADA
Temporary Worker Permit
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Most foreign workers will require a work permit to work in Canada. This permit will typically be an employer specific work permit.
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An employer specific work permit allows you to work in Canada with certain conditions on your work permit which includes:
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the name of the specific employer you can work for
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how long you can work
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the location where you can work (if applicable)
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In order to obtain an employer specific work permit, your employer in Canada will be required to get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This document is issued by the government and permits an employer to hire a foreign worker.
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Once you have received a positive LMIA from an employer, you can apply for a work permit to come to Canada to work legally.
Note: If your spouse, common-law partner, and or your dependent child(ren) wish to work in Canada temporarily while you are working in Canada temporarily, they may be eligible for an open work permit if certain requirements are met.
Post Graduate Student Work Permit
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A post graduation work permit allows students who have graduated from eligible Canadian designated learning institution (DLIs) to obtain an open work permit to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
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A student can only receive one post-graduation work permit in their lifetime.
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A post-graduation work permit may be issued based on the length of the study program for a minimum of 8 months up to a maximum of 3 years.
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To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
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currently hold a valid study permit;
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have graduated from an eligible institution in Canada where you studied full time for at least 8 months in duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate;
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must apply for your post graduation work permit within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your educational institution that you have met the requirements and are qualified to graduate from your program.
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Spousal Work Permit
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This is an open work permit and is generally granted for up to 2 years to the spouse where the holder of the permit can work for any employer or in any profession (unless it is regulated) without having to go through the process of getting approvals for a particular job.
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Requirements if the applicant would like to accompany someone who is studying in Canada:
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their spouse/partner must be on a valid study permit;
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be enrolled and attending school as a full-time student;
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be studying at an eligible post-secondary institution; and
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be medically admissible and have a clean criminal record.
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Requirements if the applicant would like to accompany someone who is working in Canada:
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their spouse/partner must be on a valid work permit.
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their spouse/partner must be working in a high level skilled job as per Canadian Government Regulations.
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their spouse/partner must have a valid work permit of at least 6 months.
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