Work in Canada
Work in Canada
LMIA & Work Permit
In almost every situation a Canadian employer is required to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before they can proceed to hire international workers. The key component to obtain a positive LMIA is for the employer to prove there is no reasonable aspect of hiring a Canadian or Permanent Resident worker.
In a typical LMIA application, the following must be demonstrated:
- the employer exhausted its options to recruit and hire Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.
- the salary offered for the job is consistent with what would be paid to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
- the individual will bring to Canada certain benefits such as the creation of new jobs or transfer or skills and knowledge.
If the LMIA is given a positive status by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), it is provided to the foreign worker to submit with their application for a work permit, which is typically 1 year.
Our team can guide you through the complex LMIA process and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Open Work Permit (OWP)
This type of permit allows a foreign worker to work in any job without any restrictions. They key feature of the OWP is that the applicant does not need confirmation of employment or a LMIA. Essentially, once the applicant is issued the OWP, he/she can apply to any job in Canada.
Common examples of individuals who are eligible for the OWP:
- a spouse or common law partner being sponsored for PR through an inland spousal application.
- a spouse or common law partner of International Students actively studying in Canada o international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution may be eligible for a Post-Graduation OWP.
- a spouse or common law partner of a Temporary Foreign Worker.
Contact us to get more information regarding the OWP!
Work While Studying
International students with a valid study permit have the ability to work in Canada without applying for a work permit.
In addition, an international students spouse or common law partner is also entitled to work in Canada while their spouse is studying, this spouse would apply for an Open Work Permit.
Working Off-Campus
International students can qualify to work off campus without a work permit. This will allow them to:
- work a maximum of 20 hours per week during any academic session.
- work full time during scheduled breaks, i.e. winter/summer/spring breaks.
International students will be eligible to work off campus if:
- they are studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- hold a valid study permit.
- program must be a minimum of 6 months in duration and must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- be in good academic standing at their DLI.
Working On-Campus
Students who are enrolled in an educational program full-time may work on campus within the same institution without applying for a work permit.
In order to be eligible to work on campus, international students must:
- be a full time student.
- have a valid study permit.
Ineligible Students:
- visiting/exchange students at a DLI.
- students taking a general program/course.
- students enrolled in English/French language programs.
Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is an designed for international student graduated, allowing them to work in any job of their choice. The benefit of the PGWP is that no confirmation of job or LMIA is required.
To be eligible for the PGWP an applicant must:
- Have a valid study permit when you apply for the PGWP.
- Have studied full time for 8 months before the completion of their program and must graduate from:
- public post secondary educational institution.
- private post secondary, that meets the criteria.
- private education institution, which meets the criteria.
- Have completed and passed the program of study and been notified of your eligibility to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate.
- Apply for the PGWP within 90 days of receiving written confirmation from your institution that you have completed your program.
Please Note:
- It is crucial for your future to select the correct school/college/university, to ensure you will be eligible for the PGWP.