Work Permits
A work permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer and for a specific period of time. There are various types of work permits available, each tailored to different circumstances and types of employment. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Types of Work Permits
1- Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)
• Tied to one employer, one job, and one location.
• Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
• Commonly used under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
2- Open Work Permit
• Not job-specific and allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada.
• Does not require an LMIA.
• Commonly issued to:
• Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students.
• International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution.
• Refugee claimants and protected persons.
3- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• Available to graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions.
• Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada.
• Duration depends on the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.