Work Permit
Helping foreign workers gain legal employment opportunities and work permits across Canada.
Canada offers several types of work permits that allow foreign nationals to work legally in the country, depending on their situation, background, and immigration status.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to international students who have successfully graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This permit is an open work permit, which means graduates can work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
PGWPs provide graduates with valuable Canadian work experience, which is often an important step toward becoming eligible for Canada’s permanent residence programs.
Spousal Open Work Permit
If your spouse or partner is currently working or studying in Canada, or if you have applied to be sponsored for permanent residence by your spouse or partner, you may be eligible for a Spousal Open Work Permit.
This permit allows the spouse of certain temporary foreign workers or international students to work for any employer, in any location in Canada, with minimal restrictions. The spousal open work permit is designed to help families stay together during the immigration process and provides flexibility while permanent residence applications are being processed.
LMIA Work Permit
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive or negative impact on the Canadian labour market.
A positive LMIA confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job, allowing the employer to hire a foreign worker. A negative LMIA means the position should be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Foreign nationals cannot apply for an LMIA themselves; it is the responsibility of the Canadian employer. While some jobs may be LMIA-exempt, most streams under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) require an LMIA. Many permanent residence pathways also require a positive LMIA to claim points for a valid Canadian job offer.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals who are already working in Canada to extend their work authorization while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.
To be eligible, applicants must have submitted a permanent residence application and must currently hold a valid work permit. A successful BOWP application results in an open work permit, allowing the holder to work for multiple employers in various locations.
BOWPs are generally issued for up to 24 months. If permanent residence processing takes longer, extensions of up to 12 months may be granted. However, a BOWP cannot be issued beyond the validity of the applicant’s passport.
Work Permit Extension
A work permit extension allows foreign nationals already working in Canada to continue employment after their current work permit expires. Applying for an extension is essential to maintain legal status and avoid interruptions in employment.
Foreign workers must apply for an extension before their current permit expires to continue working legally while the new application is processed. This ensures compliance with Canadian immigration laws and provides stability for both the worker and the employer.
Start Your Work Permit Application
Whether you are a graduate, spouse, or skilled worker, our experts can guide you through the work permit process and help you work legally in Canada with confidence.