The work permits in Canada are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The TFWP aims to assist Canadian employers in recruiting foreign workers when there is a shortage in the domestic labour market.
The Program consists of four components: high-skilled workers, low-skilled workers, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, and the Live-in Caregiver Program. Under the TFWP, foreign workers must have an approved job offer and a work permit to enter Canada.
The work permit acquired through the TFWP is categorized as a closed work permit. This type of work permit is issued to a foreign worker to work in a specific position and exclusively for a particular employer as stipulated in the LMIA.
The IRCC works in collaboration with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure that foreign workers are not taking jobs that could be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Canadian employers hiring foreign workers under the program must obtain prior approval, which can be achieved through a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application.
In certain circumstances, depending on various programs such as international mobility agreements, foreign workers may be eligible to work in Canada without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment.
An open work permit is not tied to a specific job. Consequently, when applying for this type of work permit, you are not required to provide a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), nor do you need evidence of an employer submitting a job offer through the Employer Portal or paying the employer compliance fee.
Blog: What is an Open Work Permit (OWP)? Who can apply for an OWP?
IF you are an international student, you may be eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for you to stay and gain work experience in Canada after completing your studies in Canada at a designated learning institution (DLI). The work experience you acquire during this time could potentially make you eligible for permanent residency.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Adjustments
Ineligibility for Specific Study Programs: From September 1, 2024, international students in certain curriculum licensing arrangement programs will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits.
Extended Opportunities for Master's Graduates: Graduates of master's and short graduate-level programs gain eligibility for a 3-year work permit, facilitating a smoother transition to the workforce.
If your spouse is presently employed or studying in Canada, or if you've applied for permanent residency sponsorship through your spouse or partner in Canada, you might qualify for an open work permit.
News Update: New Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits
New Restrictions: Open work permits for spouses will be limited to those enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs, aligning work permit eligibility with program intensity.
These changes reflect Canada's commitment to ensuring a positive and enriching experience for international students while curbing practices that exploit the system. As we navigate through these adjustments, it's essential for current and prospective students to stay informed and seek guidance to make well-informed decisions about their academic journey in Canada.