Typically, a work permit is required from non-Canadian or permanent residents (foreign national) to work in Canada. However, foreign national may be able to work in Canada without a work permit under certain conditions. Though possible, but it is difficult especially in high skilled jobs for a foreign worker to get hired by a Canadian employer directly from their home country, because of the complex process the Canadian employer is required to go through. One of the documents any employer is required to provide to the government of Canada before hiring a foreign worker is, “Labour Market Impact Assessment” (LMIA).  A LMIA is a documents an employer is required to prove that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the work for which a foreign worker is being considered. 

There are two types of work permits

Open Work Permit (not LMIA based) – allows you to work for any employer except for specific employers who have once hired a foreign worker, but refused to meet the employment condition imposed by the government. Certain occupations (strippers, erotic dancers/massages and escort services) are not eligible.

Employer Specific Work Permit (mostly LMIA based)– allows you to work for a specific employers, at a specific location for a specific duration.

 Eligibility – depending on where you are when you apply for a work permit, you must meet certain requirements. No matter where you are applying from or the type of work permit being applied for, you must meet the following requirements:

• have a valid job offer from an eligible Canadian employer
• prove to the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the expiration of your work permit.
• show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and any family member during your stay in Canada and return back to your country at the expiration of your work permit
• not be a danger to Canada security
• have no criminal record (may be asked to provide police clearance certificate)
• be in good health (may have to take medical exam)
• plan not to work for an ineligible employer
• provide any documents demanded by an officer in order to be granted access to Canada.