Work in Canada: How to Obtain a Work Permit

Canada has over 100 different work permit options for global talent and employers. 

Canada operates the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The difference between the two programs is the TFWP requires a labour market test, known as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Navigate the CanadaVisa menu below to learn everything you need to know about working in Canada temporarily.

Canadian Work Permit Types

There are two types of work permit programs in Canada:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit
• International Mobility Program: An LMIA is not required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit

The purpose of the LMIA is for employers to demonstrate to the Canadian government that the hiring of a foreign worker will not harm Canada’s existing workforce. The federal department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) wants to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will not displace existing workers in Canada nor place downward pressures on their wages. Workers that need an LMIA fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Although the LMIA process is the rule, there are many different LMIA-exempt work permits, resulting from free trade agreements, such as the former North American Free Trade Agreement, now known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. These free trade agreements enable foreign workers to apply for a work permit without their employer having to obtain an LMIA. In addition to these employer-sponsored work permits, there are several work permit options available to foreign workers who do not yet have a job offer, including working holidays, post-graduate work permits, and open spousal work permits. Workers who do not need an LMIA fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP).

These are among the common scenarios under which one can work in Canada:

LMIA Required

These work permits require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment as part of the process.

LMIA Exempt

Certain circumstances allow for individuals to work in Canada without first obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

CUSMA

These are issued under the Canada-United-States-Mexico Agreement (formerly NAFTA), allowing work without an LMIA.

Intra-Company Transfers

These permits will allow a company to bring certain employees to Canada from its offices abroad without an LMIA.

Business Visitors

In many cases, business visitors may work in Canada without a work permit, so long as they meet certain conditions and don’t enter the Canadian labour market.

Post-Graduation Work Permits

After graduating from a Designated Learning Institution, international students in Canada may work for up to three years.

Evaluate Your Work Permit Options

I am a tech worker

Canada offers many different work permit pathways to global tech talent that have a job offer in the country including through free trade agreements such as CUSMA. One of the most prominent pathways is called the Global Talent Stream. The Global Talent Stream enables tech talent to obtain federal government authorization to work in Canada within one month. Please contact us if you are a worker or employer looking to obtain a work permit for tech talent through the Global Talent Stream or the plethora of other options that may be at your disposal.

I am in the TV and film industry

Labour Market Impact Assessments are not required for TV and film workers in Canada, but foreign workers and producers must still comply with Canada’s work permit requirements.

I would like to work in Canada as an entrepreneur

In addition to Entrepreneur Work Permits, be sure to look into Canada’s Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program if you have business management or entrepreneurial experience. You should also explore our page about International Business Start-ups In Canada to learn more about using an intra-company transfer work permit to start a new business in Canada.

I would like to work in Canada as a self-employed individual

Several programs allow self-employed individuals to work in Canada under certain circumstances. If you are looking to work in Canada on a self-employed basis, the process may be a bit complicated.

I am currently studying or have recently graduated from a Canadian educational institution

Depending on the amount of time that you have studied in Canada, you may be eligible for a Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This work permit is an excellent opportunity for you to develop Canadian experience, especially if you are looking to apply for Canadian immigration under Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, or through Quebec.