Work Visa

Types of Canadian Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit 
   • Tied to a specific employer, job, and location.
   • Often requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document proving that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the Canadian job market. Your employer applies for this through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
   • Examples include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) streams like High-Wage or Global Talent Stream.
2. Open Work Permit 
   • Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing an LMIA.
   • Available to specific groups, such as spouses of certain skilled workers or international students, or through programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for recent graduates from Canadian institutions.
   • As of January 21, 2025, eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) has been restricted to spouses of highly skilled workers (e.g., engineers, executives) or those in shortage occupations, and spouses of students in certain longer academic programs.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

• LMIA-exempt work permits for specific situations, such as: 
  • Intra-Company Transfers (ICT): For employees transferred to a Canadian branch of a multinational company.
  • Significant Benefit: For workers whose presence benefits Canada culturally or economically (e.g., film production workers).
• Tightened rules for ICTs were introduced in 2024 to ensure compliance.
  
  

  Working Holiday Visa (IEC) 

• Part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, offering open work permits to young adults (usually 18-35) from over 30 eligible countries.
• Requires proof of funds, health insurance, and a fee (around CAD $258 in 2025, subject to change).