
Work in Canada as a Foreign National
Canada offers a range of work opportunities for foreign nationals — whether you are seeking temporary employment, gaining Canadian experience, or transitioning toward permanent residency.
To work legally in Canada, most individuals require a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Types of Canadian Work Permits
There are two main categories of work permits:
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit):
Issued to individuals who have a job offer from a Canadian employer and, in most cases, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
This permit includes conditions such as:
● The employer’s name
● Duration of employment
● Job location and position
2. Open Work Permit:
This type of permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada and is issued only under specific circumstances, such as:
● Spouses of international students or skilled workers
● Recent graduates applying for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
● Vulnerable workers or those under humanitarian policies
Key Work Permit Streams
Canada processes work permits through two major programs:
A. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
For positions where Canadian employers must prove they were unable to hire a Canadian or permanent resident. This process involves obtaining a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Examples:
● Restaurant workers
● Truck drivers
● Agricultural workers
● Trades and skilled labor
B. International Mobility Program (IMP):
For positions exempt from the LMIA requirement, typically for reasons of Canadian interest, reciprocal agreements, or humanitarian considerations.
Examples:
● Intra-company transferees
● International experience programs (e.g., IEC)
● Spousal open work permits
● Research or academic exchanges
LMIA Explained
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers must obtain before hiring foreign workers under most TFWP streams. A positive LMIA proves that no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
We assist employers and candidates with LMIA-supported job offers and compliant application filing.
Work Permit Exemptions
In certain cases, foreign nationals may work in Canada without a permit, including:
● Performing artists
● Public speakers
● Business visitors
● Foreign government officers
● Emergency service providers
We help you assess whether your intended activity requires a permit.
How Sapra Immigration Can Help?
At Sapra Immigration Services Inc., we assist foreign nationals and Canadian employers with the entire work authorization process, including:
● LMIA applications and employer compliance support
● Employer-specific and open work permit applications
● LMIA-exempt permits under the IMP stream
● Permit extension, change of conditions, or restoration
● Strategic immigration planning to transition from work permit to permanent residency
Our services are led by a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to ensure full compliance and personalized support.