Frequently Asked Questions

Scoring is based on four broad categories:

• Basic human factors (age, education, languages, experience)
• Spouse or partner (if applicable)
• Skill transfer factors (combinations that increase your value)
• Additional factors (such as studies in Canada, siblings in Canada, valid job offer, provincial nomination)

The maximum total score is 1200 points.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if:

-You are an international student who graduated from a DLI and are eligible for the PGWP
-You are a student who can no longer meet the costs of your studies (indigent student - conditions apply)
-You have an employer specific work permit and are being abused or are at risk of being abused in connection with your work in Canada (conditions apply)
-You applied for permanent residence in Canada and are in the process.
-Is an immediate dependent relative of someone who applied for permanent residence
-Is the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student the spouse or common-law partner of an Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant.
-Is a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or family member.
-Are under an unenforceable removal order
-Are a holder of a temporary residence permit
-Are a youth worker participating in special international mobility programs (famously known as a working holiday)

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.

You can use this search tool by entering the name of your occupation or job duties. The tool will show you the closest NOC code along with its TEER category.

No, before you apply for a closed (employer-specific) work permit, your employer must give you:

-A copy of your employment contract or job offer
-1 of the following:
*A copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA)
*An offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)

Depending on the college selected, a clear example: for the September intake the deadlines (enrollment deadline) is March, however, programs close as they fill up and waiting until March could significantly decrease the programs that are still available.