Altec Insights | [Q&A] Six Common Questions about Canadian Work Permit

A Canadian work permit allows foreign nationals to temporarily work and live in Canada, enhancing their chances of obtaining permanent residency (PR) by gaining Canadian work experience.

1. What types of work permits are available?

Canadian work permits are broadly classified into two categories:

• Open Work Permit (OWP)

• Employer-specific/Closed Work Permit

An OWP allows the holder to work for most employers in most industries anywhere in Canada. In contrast, an employer-specific work permit only allows the holder to work for a designated employer and often specifies the job location and duration. These work permits are often referred to as Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) based work permits, as they usually require an LMIA to support the work permit application. An LMIA is the Canadian government’s method of assessing the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market.

2. How long does the application process take?

The processing time for work permits varies significantly depending on the program, type of work permit applied for, whether the applicant is inside or outside of Canada, and many other factors.

To address these multiple influences, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has developed a regularly updated processing time tool that also considers the department’s current capacity and application backlog.

3. Can visitors apply for a work permit?

Generally, visitors in Canada (those holding a visitor visa without a study or work permit) cannot apply for a work permit from within Canada.

However, due to temporary policy changes during the COVID-19 pandemic (expiring February 28, 2025), some visitors in Canada can now apply for an employer-specific work permit.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be physically in Canada when applying;

• Remain in Canada while the IRCC processes the application. If they leave during the process, they will no longer be eligible under this public policy;

• Apply for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025;

• Have valid visitor status at the time of applying;

• Restore their visitor status before applying for a work permit if it has expired.

A Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) holder is also eligible for this public policy. Quebec’s immigration authority issues the CSQ and indicates the holder has been selected to settle in Quebec.

4. Can application decisions be appealed?

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which outlines Canada’s immigration goals and guidelines, does not provide an appeal process for decisions on temporary resident (work/study permits or visitor visas) applications.

Instead, IRCC encourages applicants to reapply, stating that a new application may be reviewed by a different immigration officer.

If an applicant believes their application was not processed following procedural standards, they can seek a judicial review. This legal process involves the Canadian Federal Court reviewing the actions of the processing officer. In a judicial review, a Canadian lawyer will represent the applicant.

5. How to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged work permit?

Holders of a work permit who lose or no longer possess the physical permit must apply for a replacement.

In addition to filling out the application form, the holder will need to pay a fee for reprinting the work permit.

6. Can you apply for a work permit after arriving in Canada?

If necessary, IRCC encourages all newcomers to apply for a work permit before arriving in Canada.

However, some individuals may be eligible to apply for a work permit at a Canadian Port of Entry (POE). To qualify for a POE application, candidates must:

• Be from a visa-exempt country;

• Be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or not require a visitor visa to travel to Canada;

• Meet all other requirements depending on the type of work permit they are applying for.

Newcomers who meet the following conditions cannot apply for a work permit at a POE:

• Require a visitor visa to come to Canada;

• Are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP);

• Are citizens of a visa-required country;

• Are International Experience Canada (IEC) applicants but not citizens or permanent residents of the United States;

• Are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

Applicants at a Canadian POE may also need to undergo a medical exam to support their application.

Navigating Canadian Immigration with a Work Permit

Securing a work permit is a crucial step for many individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada. By obtaining Canadian work experience, foreign nationals can enhance their chances of transitioning to permanent residency. Here’s how navigating Canadian immigration with a work permit can be beneficial:

Pathway to Canadian Immigration

Working in Canada not only provides immediate employment opportunities but also serves as a significant advantage for those aiming for permanent residency. Programs such as the Express Entry system award additional points for Canadian work experience, making applicants more competitive. Moreover, provincial nominee programs (PNPs) often prioritize candidates with work experience in their province, offering a streamlined route to permanent residency.

Gaining Valuable Work Experience

A Canadian work permit allows individuals to gain relevant work experience, which is highly valued in the Canadian labor market. This experience can be crucial when applying for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which is designed specifically for those who have already worked in Canada. This practical experience also helps in understanding Canadian workplace culture and building a professional network, which can be beneficial for long-term career growth.

Opportunities for Spouses and Families

Holding a work permit in Canada can also open doors for your family. Spouses of work permit holders may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. This not only helps in the family’s financial stability but also aids in their overall integration into Canadian society. Children can benefit from attending Canadian schools, setting a strong foundation for their future.

Enhancing Immigration Prospects

Canadian work experience gained through a work permit significantly enhances your immigration prospects. For instance, having Canadian work experience can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score under the Express Entry system, increasing your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Additionally, many PNPs have specific streams for individuals with work experience in their province, further simplifying the immigration process.

Safety and Quality of Life

Canada is renowned for its high quality of life and safety, making it an attractive destination for workers from around the world. With its excellent healthcare system, robust labor laws, and multicultural environment, Canada ensures that foreign workers and their families can enjoy a secure and fulfilling life while they build their future in the country.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Canada offers numerous career growth opportunities for foreign workers. Many industries in Canada are actively seeking skilled workers, and having a work permit allows you to tap into these opportunities. Employers often look favorably upon candidates with Canadian work experience, recognizing their ability to adapt and thrive in the local work environment. This can lead to better job prospects and career advancements.

Navigating Canadian immigration with a work permit is a strategic approach to building a life in Canada. By gaining Canadian work experience, accessing various immigration programs, and ensuring a high quality of life for yourself and your family, you can lay a strong foundation for permanent residency and beyond.

At Altec Global, we are dedicated to helping individuals achieve their Canadian immigration dreams, no matter how challenging the circumstances may seem. If you need immigration assistance, we encourage you to contact our team for a personalized assessment.