The Canadian work permit is a temporary work permit in Canada. If you want to work temporarily in Canada, most foreign workers need a work permit.

According to the IRCC classification, all work permits are classified into 2 main categories: Open Work Permits and Employer-specific Work Permits.

The so-called Open Work Permit mainly means that there are no restrictions on job positions, working locations, and working units. Employer-specific, on the other hand, not only literally limits the work unit and location, but also limits the job position. This also means that this type of work permit is linked to the employer of the job and requires the cooperation of the employer to be eligible to apply.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) stating that an applicant can hire temporary workers overseas. That said, every Canadian employer needs to obtain an LMIA document to hire employees from overseas.

If an employer wants to hire a foreign worker, they must follow immigration regulations and only hire people who are authorized to work in the country. Many jobs and foreign workers need both an LMIA and a work permit, however some simply need only work permit.

Check the categories below to see if an LMIA and/or Work Permit are necessary.

LMIA Exempt Jobs

A positive LMIA may not always be necessary in order to be eligible to apply for a work permit. The following groups are free from this requirement; work permits can be issued in these cases without a positive LMIA.

1. International Agreements (NAFTA, CETA, GATS, Canada-Columbia FTA, Canada-Peru FTA)

2. Global Talent Stream

3. Entrepreneurs/Self-Employed Candidates

4. Intra-Company Transfers

5. International Exchange Programs

6. Spouse and Dependents Of Foreign Workers

7. French-Speaking Skilled Workers

8. Religous Workers

9. Academics

10. Provincial LMIA Exemptions

Work without a permit

The following groups does not need a permit to work:

1) Athletes and team members

2) Aviation accident or incident inspector

3) Business visitor

4) Civil aviation inspector

5) Clergy

6) Convention organizers

7) Crew

8) Emergency service providers

9) Examiners and evaluators

10) Expert witnesses or investigators

11) Foreign government officers

12) Foreign representatives and Family members of foreign representatives

13) Health care students

14) Implied status

15) Judges, referees and similar officials

16) Military personnel

17) News reporters, media crews

18) On-campus employment and some Off-campus work

19) Performing artists

20) Public speakers

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