Work Permit

When crafting an optimal strategy for Work Permit applications, we carefully consider multiple variables, including whether your application is based on an LMIA or LMIA exemption, your country of residency, nationality, and personal immigration history. Our approach involves tailoring unique solutions for each client, taking into account their individual circumstances, with the ultimate goal of facilitating a swift transition to Canada.

There are two primary types of work permits:

1. Employer-Specific Permit: This permit authorizes you to work for a specific employer as specified on your permit, with additional conditions such as employment location and position. A temporary foreign worker holding this permit cannot accept employment with any other employer.
2. Open Work Permit: This type of permit allows you to work for any employer and in any location within Canada. It is not restricted by occupation or location. Open work permits are typically associated with spouses of skilled workers, students, and certain other categories. Additionally, since January 30th, 2023, spouses of non-skilled temporary foreign workers have been eligible to apply for this type of permit. Upon obtaining a Permanent Resident (PR) number and submitting a full PR application, you can also apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit.

Furthermore, work permits can be categorized into two main groups:

1. LMIA-Based Work Permit: LMIA, which stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, requires an application to be submitted to Service Canada. This is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and your company must advertise for 28 consecutive days before becoming eligible to apply for an LMIA.
2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permit: Many foreign workers do not require an LMIA and fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Various streams within the IMP are LMIA-exempt, such as the Francophone Mobility Program, Intra-Company Transfers, Young Professionals, and work permits issued under Free Trade Agreements. Legislative sections confirming LMIA exemption codes include A25.2 for Public Policies, R204 for International Agreements or Arrangements, R205 for Canadian Interests, R206 for No Other Means of Support, R207 for Permanent Residence Applicants in Canada, R207.1 for Vulnerable Workers, R208 for Humanitarian Reasons, and assistance at the port of entry (POE) through the International Mobility Workers Unit (IMWU).

With expertise in both LMIA and LMIA-exempt work permits, contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.