Introduction
Are you looking for a job in Canada?
You will likely need a work permit to work in Canada unless you fall under an exemption or are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
There are over 50 different types of Canadian work permits, which can make it hard to identify and understand your options. Each type of work permit has its own set of requirements and the application process differs depending on the type of application you’re submitting.
Today we want to give you a quick overview so you know where to begin your journey of working in Canada. We’ll also share important considerations and tips in case you’re considering applying for permanent residence because the type of work permit you have can impact your eligibility and chance of success.
Overall requirements to enter Canada
You must be admissible to Canada to successfully obtain a work permit, regardless of the type of work permit. This means you:
- don’t have a criminal record;
- don’t present a security risk;
- don’t have a serious health condition that could be a danger to public health or safety or cause excessive demand on the health system;
- haven’t misrepresented material facts provided to IRCC;
- Will be able to financially support yourself and dependent family members;
- demonstrate you will respect the conditions of your entry to Canada, for example, you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
Inadmissibility can be overcome in some cases, such as having a criminal record (including any record that is equivalent to a criminal offence in Canada, regardless if it’s a criminal offence in the country where it occurred). Usually, inadmissibility must be addressed before applying for a work permit.
If you’re applying for a work permit with a job offer, you must demonstrate that you are qualified to perform the job offered (including having sufficient English or French language ability to fulfill the job duties). IRCC must also be convinced the job offer is genuine. For example, is there a demonstrated need for the position within the company and is the wage offered consistent with industry norms?
Other types of work permits might require you to prove that:
- your employment in Canada will create significant social, cultural or economic benefits, or
- reciprocal employment opportunities exist for Canadians outside Canada, or
- the nature of employment is covered under the provisions of a free trade agreement between your country of nationality and Canada.
Work permits fall under 2 broad categories:
- the International Mobility Program (IMP), and
- the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The International Mobility Program (IMP)
The IMP is a category of work permits exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Work permits issued under the IMP advance broader economic, cultural and social objectives and create other competitive advantages for Canada.
Some IMP work permits require a job offer and others do not. If you’re applying for an employer-specific work permit under the IMP, you need an offer of employment number and employer compliance receipt from the employer who has made the job offer. Open work permits give you authorization to work for any employer in Canada and don’t require a job offer.
Employer-specific work permits can be beneficial for your potential permanent residence application, whereas an open work permit offers less advantages.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The TFWP is an employer driven program. You can apply for a work permit under the TFWP if you have a job offer from a Canadian company that has been approved an LMIA through the TFWP. Employers must demonstrate they have been unsuccessful in filling the position domestically, and that hiring you will have a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market by filling a labour and/or skill shortages.
Generally, we recommend you explore all your options under the IMP and apply for a work permit under the TFWP if you don’t qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the IMP. However, a work permit issued under the TFWP can immediately increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence and you might choose to apply for a work permit in this program for that reason.
Comparing TFWP and IMP
IMP
TFWP
PROS
- Lower employer cost ($230)
- Faster, less complicated process
- Open work permit options
- Job offer not always required
- Immediate benefit to PR
CONS
- Benefits for permanent residence applicaton only after 1 year
- Not eligible for certain PR programs
- Higher employer cost ($1,000)
- Lengthy, complex process
- Only employer-specific work permits
- Job offer always required
TL:DR
There are over 50 different types of work permit. It’s important to consider your long-term goals when choosing a work permit. Start by considering your options under the IMP. Consider your options under the TFWP if you don’t have options under the IMP, unless you need an LMIA-based work permit to support your PR application.
Stay tuned for our upcoming posts where we’ll dive deeper into each program and uncover how to secure a work permit even without a job offer. Join us to navigate your journey to working in Canada more effectively!
Written on March 15, 2024 by Brooke Finlay
Curious about immigration strategies? Read our most comprehensive guide Immigrating to Canada: What’s in Store for 2024
