Work Permits

A work permit for Canada can only be obtained if you have an approved offer of employment from Service Canada (HRSDC). Canada aims to attract temporary skilled workers to fill jobs that cannot be filled by permanent residents or Canadian citizens.

Work permits are issued on a temporary basis and tied to the specific employer sponsoring you. If your employment ends, your work visa becomes invalid, though you can apply to change your immigration status once inside Canada.

Documents Required to Apply from Outside Canada:

• Job offer from a Canadian employer approved by Service Canada (HRSDC)
• Completed application showing eligibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations
• Positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from HRSDC confirming the employer can hire a foreign worker

Eligibility to Apply from Inside Canada:

• You or your spouse/parent have a valid study or work permit
• You want to change jobs and need a new work permit
• You have a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more
• You are applying for permanent residence from inside Canada and meet specific stages

You must also possess the same documents required when applying from outside Canada. Not all employment offers will qualify; HRSDC�s role is to confirm your job benefits the Canadian labour market and poses no threat to local employment.

Employers experiencing skill shortages may hire foreign nationals with approved job offers. If you have such an offer, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit.

For further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

This visa may lead to permanent resident status, allowing you to live and work in Canada without requiring a job offer. Employers can sponsor your application to increase your points or speed up processing via an Approved Arranged Employment Opinion (AEO). Some may sponsor through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which requires working in the sponsoring province until you become a citizen.