Work Permit

Work permit allows applicants to stay and work in Canada for a specified period of time. Over the years this is one of the top listed path way to enter Canada and gain Canadian work experience. This further switch an option for the work permit holder to apply for Canadian PR claming their Canadian work experience points in CRS score, under CEC program.

There are two types of work permits:

  • Open Work Permit
  • Employer Specific Work Permits(LMIA based WP)

Vista team will thoroughly assess your case and determine if you meet the eligibility requirements and qualify for a work permit to work in Canada.

  • Temporary Foreign Workers
  • Caregivers
  • Business People
  • International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)
Express Entry | Provincial Nominee Program | Assessment Form

LMIA

In most of the cases, a foreign national requires a LMIA before applying for a Work Permit. A LMIA supported work permit allows the foreign national to enter & work in Canada. However, there are a number of exemptions to this rule. Before an applicant applies for a work visa, employer must obtain a positive LMIA. Canadian employers can hire a foreign worker for the purpose of filling the labor shortage where there are no Canadians or Permanent Residents who can perform the job for that occupation. Application for LMIA is assessed within Canada, Service Canada has solely discretion to make decision whether they accept or refuse LMIA application. There are several factors that are taken into consideration before issuing a confirmation letter. The process of LMIA is complicated and has been amended to make it difficult for employers to hire foreign workers from overseas unless all set out requirements meet the criteria. It is strongly recommended to hire a LMIA expert who can provide you guidance and advice with respect to LMIA application.

LMIA based Work Permits

A foreign national cannot apply for an LMIA. Rather, LMIAs are documents which must be applied for by a Canadian employer. While sometimes it is possible to hire a foreign worker who is exempt from needing an LMIA, or who is exempt from requiring a work permit, all streams of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) require that an employer obtain an LMIA in order to hire outside of Canada. As well, many of Canada’s immigration pathways to permanent residency require that applicants show a positive LMIA in order to claim points for a Canadian job offer.

LMIA Application

LMIA application procedures vary depending on the wage of the person being hired. Employers should consult the median hourly wages of their province or territory in order to determine whether their position is considered high-wage or low-wage, as low-wage positions will require the employer to meet additional criteria. There are specialized streams for employers wishing to obtain LMIAs for certain areas of employment.

Open Work Permit In Canada

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Because it is not job-specific, you will not need a LMIA when you apply for your work permit. An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for any Canadian employer he/she wants over a specified period of time. Some open work permits may restrict the kind of job or place in which the foreign national may work. A worker may apply for an open work permit from outside of Canada, within Canada or at a Canadian port of entry.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

  • An international student who graduated from a Canadian designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
  • Spouse of a Canadian Student
  • applied for permanent residence in Canada
  • are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence
  • are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
  • are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
  • are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member
  • are under an unenforceable removal order
  • are a temporary resident permit holder
  • are a young worker participating in special programs
  • are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)

Feel free to contact us if you need any help