Canada admits over 90,000 temporary foreign workers each year. Temporary workers help fill Canada’s labour shortage. Most temporary workers require work authorization, but some do not.
To apply for a work permit, you must meet the following general requirements;
- Receive a job offer from a Canadian employer in a qualifying occupation
- Obtain a positive Labour Market Opinion (your employer must do this)
- Satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized period
- Show that you have enough money to support you and your family while in Canada
- Prove that you have no criminal history, or any serious medical conditions
Special Categories of Workers
Some workers have additional specific requirements
- Information Technology Workers
- Live-in Caregivers
- Business People
Eligibility to apply for inside Canada
You may only apply for a work permit from within Canada if;
- you have a valid study or work permit, or your spouse or parents have a study or work permit
- you have a work permit for one job but want to apply for a work permit for a different job
- you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six (6) months or more, or
- you are in Canada because you have already filed for permanent residence from inside Canada
Can my spouse obtain a work permit?
If you are married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an ‘open’ work permit. An open work permit authorizes the foreign worker to work anywhere without the restriction of working for a specific employer.
Contact our office for more information on applying for a work permit permit for Canada or complete our Free Eligibility Assessment.