Understanding Canadian Work Permits
Canada offers two main types of work permits, each designed for different circumstances:
Closed Work Permit
A closed work permit, also known as an employer-specific work permit, allows you to work for a specific employer in a specific location. This type typically requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or falls under an LMIA-exempt category.
Open Work Permit
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions). You may be eligible for an open work permit as a refugee claimant, under certain programs, or as the spouse or partner of a worker or student. Since January 21, 2025, spousal open work permits are limited: for spouses of students, to master's programs of 16 months or more, doctoral programs and certain professional programs; for spouses of workers, to workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or in listed TEER 2 or 3 occupations, with at least 16 months left on their permit when the spouse applies.
Our Work Permit Services
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine which work permit type best suits your situation
- LMIA Support: Guidance for employers through the Labour Market Impact Assessment process
- Documentation Review: Ensure all required documents are complete and properly formatted
- Application Preparation: Expert completion of all forms and supporting materials
- Job Offer Review: Verification that employment offers meet IRCC requirements
- Extension & Renewal: Assistance with extending or renewing existing work permits
- Compliance Guidance: Ongoing support to maintain your legal work status in Canada
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Canadian work permit, you generally need to demonstrate:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer (for closed permits)
- Proof that you will leave Canada at the end of your work period
- Sufficient funds to support yourself and family members
- No criminal record and willingness to provide police certificates
- Good health and willingness to complete medical examinations if required
- No risk to Canadian security
Working in Quebec
For an employer-specific work permit in Quebec, the employer's Labour Market Impact Assessment is assessed jointly by Service Canada and the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Francisation et de l'Intégration, and the worker needs a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for temporary work before applying for the permit. We handle both the federal and the Quebec steps.
Processing Times
Work permit processing times vary significantly based on the type of permit, your country of residence, and whether you're applying from within Canada or abroad. We'll provide you with current processing estimates and strategies to expedite your application when possible.