Navigating Canadian Work Permit: Canada is an ideal location for skilled workers looking to start their career in a foreign country. Canada is often referred to as the global job market for skilled immigrants. Canada is very welcoming to skilled immigrant workers who compensate for the skills shortages that are limiting its economic growth. This is why millions of skilled workers from all around the world apply to Canada as a destination each year.
To obtain a legal right to work in Canada, one needs a Canadian work permit, and the Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) system is how an applicant will navigate the system, especially with work permits. There are two kinds of Canadian Work permits – Employer-Specific Work Permits and Open Work Permits.
Choosing the correct pathway is essential for your Canadian Permanent Residency. There are different pathways for skilled workers with job offers and graduates who are applying for PGWP. Choose your pathway carefully. While Employer-Specific work permits provides stability, open work permits will give you flexibility.
Open Work Permit
This permit allows the skilled workers to work freely and flexibly. Individuals can work for any employer according to their skills. This gives them the opportunity to work freely without being tied to a single employer or a job. They can work at any company or at any location in Canada.
For those who want the freedom to explore a variety of career alternatives or switch employment without any issues, an open work permit is the best option.
According to IRCC guidelines, this permit does not restrict the work permit holder to a particular employer. However, there are some exceptions. The people who work in industries like striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages are deemed ineligible for open work permits.
The typical duration of an Open work permit ranges from a few months to three years. In some cases, it depends upon the applicant’s circumstances, while in some cases it depends on the applicant’s passport validity.
As open work permits are not job-specific, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) are not required. This is helpful for many people and can simplify their visa process.
The most common example of an open work permit is spousal visas or common-law partner permits for international students or skilled workers. These work permits allow the spouse or the common-law partner to work for any employer in Canada while their partner can study or work in Canada.
Another example is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). It allows the international graduates from designated learning institutions to gain Canadian work experience post-study. They can apply anywhere according to their qualifications to get the Canadian Work Experience.
For PGWP applicants, English proficiency is necessary. They can prove their English Language proficiency through tests like CELPIP and celpip.biz provides targeted preparation courses to help achieve the required scores.
Other individuals who can apply include temporary residents with a valid permit of six month. Protected people and refugees can also apply.
Additionally, eligible individuals also includes intra-company transferees under CUSMA. Open work permit holders have more independence and perform well in their fields.
Employer-Specific Canadian Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit, also known as a closed work permit, is in contrast to the open work permit. The employer-specific work permits restrict the individuals to work for a specific employer on a specific job, at a particular location, and for a defined period of time.
These conditions are listed on the work permit to ensure compliance with the regulations of IRCC. This permit is specifically designed for conditions where the Canadian employer is unable to find the local talent to fulfill the specific job requirements and can hire skilled immigrant workers for the job.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an essential requirement for most employer-specific permits. It is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which assesses the job offer’s impact on the domestic workforce.
However, there are exemptions for certain job roles, such as intra-company transfers, professionals under free trade agreements, or jobs in academia and research. The permit’s validity depends on the job offer, which is typically up to two years. There are extensions in some cases, depending upon the nature of the job.
The employer-specific work permit or closed work permit is mainly for skilled workers who apply under programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). For example, a software engineer who is offered a job position by a Toronto-based tech company will need an LMIA and an employment contract as proof to apply for the work permit by the tech company.
Language proficiency plays a crucial role in closed work permits. Many companies need employees who are fluent in English for effective communication. celpip.biz can assist you with CELPIP preparation to meet these language standards.
Employer-based permits are known for job security. The workers have stability but they can not change employer which limit their opportunities. If you are planning for a job change then you will need a new work permit. It can also cause instability in the stay of the workers.
Key Differences: A Comparison
To clearly demonstrate the differences between open and employer-based work permits, the following lists all key points based on IRCC data.
Aspect | Open Work Permit | Employer-Specific Work Permit |
Employer Flexibility | Work for any eligible employer | Restricted to one specific employer |
Job and Location | No restrictions (except ineligible industries) | Specific job, location, and duration listed |
LMIA Requirement | Usually not required | Often required, unless exempt |
Duration | Up to 3 years, based on eligibility | Tied to job offer, typically 1-2 years |
Eligibility Focus | Spouses, graduates, refugees, etc. | Job offer with LMIA or exemption |
Application Fee | $155 + $100 open holder fee | $155 (no additional holder fee) |
Mobility | High—easy to switch jobs | Low—new permit needed for changes |
This table clearly shows the Job flexibility by open work permit and structured employment by Employer-Specific work permit. An open work permit holder can easily switch from one field to other without reapplying for work permit while employer-specific work permit holder risks the invalidation of their current permit if they want to switch the jobs or leaves their job prematurely. .
Eligibility Criteria for Each Permit
Meeting IRCC’s general criteria is the first step toward qualifying for work permits:
- Demonstrating an intention to depart Canada after the permit has expired,
- Having enough money to support themselves,
- A clean criminal record,
- Remain in good health, and
- Not represent a security risk to Canada.
The specifics of qualifications require consideration of the classification of work permit.
Open work permits: Many applicants for open work permit also fall under specified categories. The spouses/common law partners of full-time students or skilled workers under NOC 0, A or B are eligible for open work permit if the primary applicant is on a valid permit.
- To qualify, you must have completed a program of study at a DLI,
- applied for your PGWP within 180 days of being informed that you graduated (official letter confirming completion or transcript will suffice),
- and hold a valid study permit.
- Refugees and protected individuals are also eligible, as well as the individuals who are in waiting for their permanent residence decision.
Employer-Specific permits require a valid job offer with positive LMIA or exemption code. Employers are generally required to show recruitment requirements and also that they followed the minimum wage laws. Exceptions include the individuals such as charity workers or emergency repair workers.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Application Process: Open Work Permit
- Determine Your Eligibility
- To determine your eligibility first select your category. Choose the right category from spouse/common-law partner of a worker or student, PGWP student or from refugee who are eligible for an open work permit.
- Gather Documents
- A Valid passport
- If applying from inside Canada; Proof of current temporary resident status is required.
- If applying as a spouse or common -law partner proof of relationship is required.
- For Post-Graduate Work Permit; academic transcripts/confirmation of completion are required/
- Any additional documentation required by your stream.
- Create an IRCC Online Account
- Create an official account on Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal and Register/sign in through the official Immigration.
- Complete the Online Application
- Select “Open Work Permit.”
- Use IMM1295 for outside Canada and IMM5710 for inside Canada.
- Fill all the required information and complete the form. Also upload copies of all documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Pay Your Fees
- Application Fee: CAD $155
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics: CAD $85 (if required).
- Submit and Track Your Application
- Submit your application through the official IRCC portal.
- You will receive email and SMS alerts and online status updates regarding your application.
- Processing time depends upon your application completeness and category. Usually processing time takes from 2 to 5 months.
- If your application is approved, you will receive either:
- A Letter of Introduction for those outside Canada, to be presented at the border
- Or the work permit if you’re already in Canada.
Employer-Specific Work Permit Application Process:
- Employer Prepares
- The employer receives a positive LMIA (if applicable) that demonstrates there are no suitable Canadian applicant available to fill the position.
- For LMIA-exempt positions, the employer submits an offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and receives a 7-digit employment number.
- Get a Job Offer
- Get a valid written job offer or a contract from the employer.
- Gather Documents
- Valid passport
- A Copy of LMIA (if applicable) OR LMIA-exemption document and the 7-digit employment number
- A Written job offer or contract
- Qualifications or experience proof for the specific job role
- Financial proof to support yourself during the Job stay
- Police clearance (if required)
- Medical exam results (if required).
- Complete IRCC Account Registration and Application
- Create an official account on IRCC official website and Register/login through IRCC’s secure portal.
- Complete application form IMM5710 for inside Canada or IMM1295 for outside Canada.
- Upload all required documents (PDF/JPEG), and verify all information.
- Pay Application Fees
- Application Fee: CAD $155
- Biometrics: CAD $85 (if required).
- Submit Application
- Submit your online application via IRCC portal.
- For some visa-exempt nationals, application can be made at a Canadian port of entry (see IRCC eligibility rules).
- Wait for Processing
- Processing times usually takes 2–4 months, and can be faster for certain categories or under international agreements.
- Decision & Permit Issuance
- Receive a Letter of Introduction if you are outside Canada; to be presented at entry.
- For applicants in Canada, receive the permit via mail or online account.
Impact on Permanent Residency Pathways
Work experience obtained via either type of permit contributes positively to Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in Express Entry.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit and will allow you to gain various types of experience that can reflect a significant number of adaptability points.
Work experience obtained under employer-specific conditions, especially in a high-demand occupation, may even lead to provincial nominations.
Whether to choose an open work permit versus an employer-specific work permit depends on your specific situation–there’s a choice of flexibility versus a more structured work experience.
As Canada continues changing overall policy paradigm, always remain engaged with developments related to immigration. Because language requirements can be essential to parts of your success, please visit celpip.biz if you require further assistance.
With the appropriate supporting documents you’ve and the appropriate skills, you can easily achieve your Canadian dream.
