Work Permits & LMIA

1. Closed Work Permit

A closed work permit is employer-specific, meaning it allows you to work only for the employer who has offered you a job. If you’ve received a job offer from a Canadian employer, we can guide you through the application process to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

2. Open Work Permit

An open work permit provides the flexibility to work for most employers in Canada. Eligibility depends on specific factors, such as being the spouse of a skilled worker or international student, or participating in certain immigration programs. During your initial consultation, we will assess your eligibility and discuss the best pathway for you.

Some of the open work permits include:

• Post-graduation work permits

Canada offers incredible opportunities for international students to gain valuable work experience through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Eligible graduates can work in Canada for up to three years, depending on their program of study.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

1. Completion of an Eligible Program
   • Must have completed a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
2. Full-Time Student Status
   • You must have maintained full-time student status throughout your studies, except for your final semester or during an authorized leave.
3. Additional Criteria Based on Program Type.

If You Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher:

• Language Requirements: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French.
• Program Length: 8 months or longer, or 900 hours (in Quebec).
• Field of Study Requirements: None.

If You Graduated from Any Other University Program:

• Language Requirements: CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French across all four language abilities.
• Program Length: 8 months or longer.
• Field of Study Requirements:
  • If your study permit was submitted after November 1, 2024, your program must be in an eligible field of study.

If You Graduated from a College Program:

• Language Requirements: CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language abilities.
• Program Length: 8 months or longer.
• Field of Study Requirements:
  • If your study permit was submitted after November 1, 2024, your program must be in an eligible field of study.

Eligible Fields of Study (Effective November 1, 2024):
Graduates must meet specific field requirements to qualify under the PGWP program. Eligible fields include:

1. Agriculture and Agri-Food
2. Health Care
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
4. Trades
5. Transport

• Open work permits for family members

Canada offers open work permits to eligible family members of most foreign workers and international students, enabling them to work anywhere in the country without needing a job offer in advance.

To qualify, specific criteria must be met by both the primary applicant (the foreign worker or international student) and their family members. It’s essential that all eligibility requirements are satisfied to access this opportunity.

• Bridging open work permits (BOWP)

A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working in Canada while awaiting the outcome of your permanent residence (PR) application.

Eligibility
You may qualify for a BOWP if you have applied under one of the following permanent residence programs:

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades).
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Quebec Skilled Workers.
• Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or Home Support Worker Pilot.
• Caring for Children Class or Caring for People with High Medical Needs Class.
• Agri-Food Pilot.

Let us help you navigate the work permit application process and take the next step toward achieving your career goals in Canada. Contact us today to get started!