What are the types of permits to work in Canada?

Living in Canada is almost a trend for foreigners from all over the world, and it is not for less being a country so developed, safe and with accessible immigration programs, but it is also a country with a high cost of living and it is necessary to work in legal conditions to be able to survive. A foreigner can work in Canada only if he/she is authorized by the government and has a work permit. 

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Here, it is very difficult for immigrants to work illegally or "in the black", as it usually happens in some countries with fewer controls in this regard, as well as with fewer job offers for foreigners. For this reason, it is pertinent to address the subject of the work permit and some important aspects that you should know so that you are not taken by surprise when you arrive and have to join the labor force, and also to avoid being swindled with excessive fees that do not correspond to those provided by the Canadian government. As this is a large and complex topic, in this Immiland article we will only mention the types of jobs, their characteristics and some requirements. Without further ado, let's get started!

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Types of permits in Canada and their characteristics

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Basically, we can speak of two types of permits to work in Canada, which encompass a variety of authorizations and the documents required to obtain them. These types are: 

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1. Open work permit:‍

With which you can work for any employer in Canada, in any province and any industry. It does not require a previous job offer to apply for it. Its duration varies according to your temporary visa or the documents associated with your trip.

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2. Closed or specific work permit:

With this permit, you may only work for a specific employer, in the province and position designated in the document. This type of permit is subdivided into:

• Closed work permit exempt from LMIA. 
• Closed work permit with positive LMIA.

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Obtaining a Canadian work permit involves a diverse process that varies depending on the specific type of authorization requested. For example, international students in Canada often receive a part-time work permit automatically along with their study permit.

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In most cases, closed work permit applications require an official job offer from a Canadian employer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even for those exempt from LMIA or work permit requirements, understanding the unique documentation needed to enter Canada is crucial. Request a quote for LMIA processing.

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When applying for an employer-supported work permit, there is an opportunity to include your spouse and dependent children on the application if the occupation you are engaged in is professional or technical(TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3). If your school-age children are in Canada, they can attend Canadian educational institutions without a separate study permit. In addition, your spouse or partner may qualify for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada.

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By applying for a closed Canadian work permit, your spouse can potentially obtain an open work permit. If eligible, your spouse must apply for their work permit, usually through online application processes in most cases. 

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What are the official fees for Canadian work permits?

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The cost of a Canadian work permit varies according to its type. For a closed work permit, the processing fee is $155.00 CAD per person, while an open work permit incurs a fee of $255.00 CAD per person. If you are restoring a work permit or applying as a performing group, additional fees will apply.

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What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?

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The documents required for a Canadian work permit application vary depending on the type of permit requested. Applicants may be required to submit the following documents:

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• Completed application forms.
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable).
• Proof of family member status (if applicable).
• Positive LMIA Labor Market Impact Assessment (if applicable).
• Written job offer (if applicable).
• CV/resume (We recommend that you prepare your resume in the Canadian style. Immiland has this service that will help you to have a fully functional CV for job search or educational purposes. Contract service.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Certificat d'acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable). 
• Proof that you meet the job requirements. See the services you should consider for Quebec. 
• Valid copy of your passport.
• Copy of educational credentials.
• Medical examination results (if requested).
• Proof of financial means to stay in Canada and return to the country of origin.
• Proof of payment of applicable government fees.
• Recent passport size photos.

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At Immiland, we offer you the best strategies and support material for your job offer, guide you in the creation of a successful migration plan to travel by way of work and help you to improve your profile. 

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We have available an advisory and administration service on a variety of Canadian visa types. Explore our web page in the labor department section, there you will find what you need to know as an employee in Canada. Click here.

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With love,

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Immiland