WORK PERMIT
Work permit: Who can apply – Canada.ca
In Canada, there are two main types of work permits for foreign workers:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit:
This type of work permit allows you to work in Canada based on specific conditions outlined in your work permit. These conditions include:
- The name of the specific employer you can work for.
- The duration of your work permit.
- The location where you can work (if applicable).
Before applying for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must provide you with one of the following:
- A copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- An offer of employment number(for LMIA-exempt workers). To obtain this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.
- If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal, they should give you a copy of the employment contract.
- Open Work Permit:
- An open work permit allows you to work for any employerin Canada, except for those listed as ineligible (such as employers who have failed to comply with conditions or regularly offer certain services).
- You can obtain an open work permit in specific situations.
- Some jobs may require a medical exam, and if you want to avoid medical conditions on your open work permit, you can get a medical exam from a panel physician.
- If you wish to bring your family with you, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study, or live with you while you work in Canada.
In Canada, international students have several options for work permits. Let’s explore them:
- Working on Campus: While studying, international students with a valid study permit can work on campus. They are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per weekduring the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks.
- Working off Campus: Study permit holders may be eligible to work off campus without a separate work permit as soon as they begin their studies in Canada. Eligible students can work for any eligible Canadian employer for up to 20 hours a weekwhile classes are in session. Changes to off-campus work hours may allow students to work more than 20 hours per week under a temporary public policy.
- Co-Op Students: International students enrolled in programs that require work placements (such as co-op or internships) can apply for a work permit. To qualify, they need a valid study permit and a letter from their school confirming the work placement requirement. The co-op placement or internship should total 50% or lessof their study program.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) validity is determined by several factors:
- A) For master’s degree programs:
- Graduates from programs less than 2 years may be eligible for a 3-year PGWP starting February 15, 2024.
- Ineligibility for PGWP if the program is less than 8 months.
- B) For all other programs:
- Ineligibility for PGWP if the program is less than 8 months.
- Eligibility for a PGWP valid for the same length as the study program if it’s at least 8 months but less than 2 years.
- Eligibility for a 3-year PGWP for programs lasting 2 years or more.
- C) If completing multiple programs:
- PGWP length may combine the durations of each program if they are at least 8 months long and meet eligibility criteria.
- Ineligibility for a PGWP if one was already received after completing an earlier program.
- D) Passport expiry:
- PGWP validity is until the passport’s expiry date.
- Extension of the passport may be necessary to obtain full PGWP validity.
