Migrate as a worker
Options for work permits provide pathways for foreign individuals to engage in temporary employment within Canada. Each of these options has specific eligibility criteria, an application process, and a defined duration. These work permits play a substantial role in Canada's immigration system, as they contribute significantly to the country's workforce and economic development.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): The PGWP is a work permit granted to international students who have successfully completed eligible programs at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It affords them the opportunity to acquire valuable Canadian work experience following their graduation. The duration of the PGWP varies depending on the length of their study program, typically spanning from 8 months to 3 years.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): SOWP is a type of work permit designed for the spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary residents in Canada, such as international students or skilled workers. It is typically an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
- Regular Work Permits: These work permits are issued to individuals who have received a job offer from a Canadian employer. Various categories of work permits exist, including those requiring labor market impact assessments (LMIAs) and those exempt from LMIA requirements. LMIA is a process that assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. Some work permits may be employer or location-specific, while others are open permits, enabling the holder to work for any employer in the country.
- LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment): An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that permits Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there are no suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents available for the job. Employers must demonstrate a genuine need for hiring a foreign worker, and the LMIA process is in place to ensure that this hiring does not have adverse effects on the Canadian labor market.
