Understand your work-permit options, employer requirements, supporting documents, and the steps needed to work legally in Canada.
Most foreign nationals require authorization before working in Canada. The appropriate work permit depends on factors such as the employer, occupation, job location, immigration program, current status, family circumstances, and eligibility for any exemption.
Some workers require an employer-specific permit supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Other employer-specific permits may be LMIA-exempt, while open work permits are available only in particular situations defined by current immigration rules.
Yes Immigration helps workers and families understand the appropriate permit category, identify the employer and applicant requirements, and prepare an organized application.
You cannot freely choose between the two permit types. Your eligibility and employment circumstances determine which category may apply.
This permit authorizes employment according to the conditions shown on the document. These conditions may identify the employer, occupation, work location, and period of authorization.
An open work permit is not tied to one specific job and may authorize work for most compliant Canadian employers. Eligibility is limited to categories recognized under current immigration rules.
Before preparing an application, determine what authorizes the employer to hire and what makes the worker eligible to apply.
The employer may need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment confirming a need for a temporary foreign worker before the worker submits the work-permit application.
Certain employment situations may be exempt from an LMIA under the International Mobility Program or another applicable immigration provision.
Eligible applicants may qualify through categories involving graduation, family relationships, permanent-residence processing, vulnerable-worker protection, or other recognized situations.
Your document checklist depends on the permit type, country of application, occupation, employer, current status, and family circumstances.
Request a Document ReviewJob offer, employment agreement, position details, wages, duties, hours, and work location where applicable.
Positive LMIA, LMIA file number, offer-of-employment number, or proof of an applicable exemption.
Résumé, employment letters, education, licenses, certifications, and evidence that you can perform the job.
Passport, current immigration documents, application history, travel history, and legal-status evidence where applicable.
Marriage, common-law, birth, custody, and accompanying-family information where relevant.
Biometrics, medical examination, police records, financial evidence, or other documents may be requested.
A careful application starts by identifying the correct work authorization and clearly separating employer responsibilities from worker responsibilities.
Review your job, employer, occupation, current status, location, family circumstances, and immigration history.
Determine whether the situation involves an employer-specific permit, an LMIA exemption, or an open-permit category.
Where required, the employer completes the LMIA process or submits employment information through the applicable portal.
Organize employment, qualification, identity, status, family, medical, and supporting documents.
Submit the application through the appropriate process and complete biometrics or additional requests where applicable.
After approval, review your authorized employer, occupation, location, expiry date, and every other permit condition.
A work permit provides temporary authorization. You remain responsible for understanding its conditions and taking action before your authorization expires.
Check the employer, occupation, location, restrictions, and expiry date immediately after receiving the document.
Do not work outside the conditions of an employer-specific permit without obtaining the required authorization.
Review extension, restoration, employer-change, or other options early enough to protect your temporary status.
Eligible Canadian work experience may be relevant to programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or certain Provincial Nominee Program streams. However, holding a work permit or working in Canada does not automatically guarantee permanent residence.
Our services are personalized to your permit category, employment situation, current status, family, and long-term objectives.
Assess your employment circumstances and the potential work-permit categories relevant to your profile.
Identify whether an LMIA, employer-portal submission, offer number, or other employer action may be required.
Receive an organized list of applicant, employer, employment, identity, and supporting documentation.
Support with forms, employment details, supporting evidence, explanations, and final application review.
Review potential options involving extensions, employer changes, conditions, or restoration of status.
Clear updates and assistance with applicable requests or developments throughout the service engagement.
General answers about employer-specific permits, open permits, LMIAs, extensions, and Canadian work authorization.
Work-permit eligibility, open-permit categories, employer requirements, family eligibility, and temporary public policies can change. Verify current information through official Government of Canada sources.
Start with a personalized assessment and understand the employer, applicant, and documentation requirements for your situation.
Take the next step with personalized immigration guidance from Yes Immigration’s licensed professionals.
