Working In Canada

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).

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

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

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.

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.

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.