A Canadian work permit is a document that allows you to work in Canada. Foreign nationals may not work in Canada unless authorized.
There are several types of Canadian work permits. However, to make it easier they can be divided into 2 broad categories.
Open
There is no occupation or employer specific restriction. Therefore, you can work for any employer.
The most common example is the post graduate work permit (PGWP).
Closed
Due to restrictions, you may either have an employer specific work permit or an occupation specific.
The most common example is a LMIA based work permit.
Why choose Canada to work?
Service industry contributes over 70% to Canada’s GDP. Canada added over 200,000 new jobs in 2019 and has maintained over 2% growth rate. Canada’s need for skilled workers and openness towards newcomers make Canada a great place to work.
There are several ways to come to Canada for work. Your nationality is a major deciding factor in how easy or difficult it is for you come to Canada and work. For example, if your country has an agreement with Canada or you use a recognized organization, you may be eligible under the International Experience Canada. Further, North American Free Trade Agreement may also be an option to explore if you qualify. Also, there are other programs such as post graduate work permit, closed work permit based on LMIA, Intra-company transfer etc.
Canada Work Permit – Qualification Based Immigration
Dreaming of working in Canada can soon become a reality. With an aging population and not enough young people entering in to the workforce, the Canadian Government has created several classes of Canada Work Permits to help bring in experienced and qualified individuals in to Canada. This is being done in order to address the growing need for professionals in those sectors facing a shortage of skilled manpower.
Type of Work Permits Available
Depending on the country of your residence and your qualifications, there are multiple work visa options available.
Standard Work Permits – Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer
LMIA Exceptions
NAFTA Work Permits (For US and Mexican Citizens)
Post – Graduation Work Permits (Canadian Experience Class)
Intra Company Transfers
Applicants and Employers – Understanding Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and Canada Work Permit Connection
What is Labour Market Impact Assessment
Any Employer looking for hiring a Foreign Worker on Temporary or Permanent basis needs to get that Job Position assessed and approved from ‘Service Canada’. This is mandatory and has to be done. The official term for this approval is called as LMIA – Labour Market Impact Assessment.
LMIA was formerly known as LMO (Labour Market Opinion). There are a number of requirements for an organization to qualify for and obtain a Positive Approval/Confirmation LMIA. Some examples of these requirements are:
Demonstrated Skilled Shortages
Sufficient Recruitment Efforts to fill the position locally
Financial ability to pay the foreign worker(s)
Other relevant factors
Most of our business clients have discussed specifically that they have had difficulty to satisfy these specific requirements due to paucity of time or the complex nature of the process.
SM Immigrations. provides specialized and personalized services to the Organizations and Businesses to prepare a proficient application and represent the Organization with the Government Authorities effectively and efficiently. Please feel free to CONTACT US us for further information on Hiring Foreign Worker and the LMIA process.
LMIA and Canada Work Permit – The Connection
For any work related immigration, getting a Labour Market Impact Assessment from your future employer is essential. It is quite notable here that the approval of an LMIA does not guarantee the grant of a Work Permit to an applicant. The Canada Work Permit application is processed and decided upon by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) at the corresponding Visa Office (Overseas) or a local Case Processing Centre in Canada; in case the applicant is already present in Canada. So it is the CIC who evaluates the Work Permit Applicant on various parameters such as:
Requisite Education/Work Experience, Language skills and other requirements as set out in the LMIA approval
Proof of establishment in the home country (enough incentive to return to the home country within the authorized period of stay)
Other relevant factors
As mentioned, the Work Permit applicant has to qualify on his/her own merits despite the positive confirmation/approval of LMIA. This is only a step within the entire immigration process.
