Canada offers a variety of work permits that allow foreign nationals to work legally in the country, either temporarily or as a stepping stone toward permanent residence. The type of work permit issued depends on the applicant’s circumstances, job offer, and immigration pathway.
Open work permits allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada (with a few exceptions). These permits are not job-specific and do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Spouses of skilled workers, international students, or applicants in the PR process
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) for those waiting on PR decisions
International Experience Canada (IEC) participants
Vulnerable workers or humanitarian exemptions
Closed work permits are issued for a specific employer, job, and location. These require either:
An approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
An LMIA-exempt job offer under the International Mobility Program (IMP)
The worker is not allowed to change employers without applying for a new work permit.
Foreign workers hired through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Intra-company transferees
LMIA-exempt roles under free trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA)
Employer-specific roles under Global Talent Stream or caregiver programs
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that shows the employer tried to hire a Canadian but couldn’t find a suitable candidate.
Employer must submit an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
If approved, the LMIA is used to support the foreign worker’s work permit application
Common for high-wage, low-wage, agricultural, and seasonal roles
PGWPs are open work permits issued to international students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
Valid for up to 3 years, depending on program length
No job offer required
Helps graduates gain Canadian work experience for PR
Spouses of PGWP holders may also apply for open work permits
A BOWP allows eligible foreign nationals to continue working in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Must have applied under Express Entry or a qualifying PR stream
Current work permit must still be valid
Only available in specific cases (e.g., CEC, FSW, PNP with AOR)
Applying for a work permit is more than just filling out forms — it’s about presenting a strong, compliant application that meets IRCC requirements the first time. I provide:
Whether you’re a student graduate, a skilled professional, or an employer hiring international talent, I’ll guide you through the process for the right work permit — making it smooth, compliant, and stress-free. Book a Consultation Today and take the first step toward your Canadian work opportunity.
Whether you’re aiming for Permanent Residence, Temporary Residence, Canadian Citizenship, or any of our Other Services, April In The Rockies Immigration Solutions is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your free consultation today and let’s make your Canadian dream a reality.
