Canadian immigration system offers following different types of work permits
- Open work permit: For an open work permit, you need to have some relation to Canada i.e. previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc. An open work permit is issued by the Immigration Office to immigrants who wish to work for any employer for a certain amount of time. There are two subcategories for Open Work Permits (OWP) Unrestricted and Restricted Permits. The main difference between the two is that Unrestricted Permits allow you to work in any occupation and location, while the Restricted does not.
- LMIA work permits: Before an employer in Canada can hire a foreign worker, they have to get an LMIA. A positive LMIA, sometimes called a confirmation letter, proves that the employer has tried and failed to find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position, so they need to hire a foreign national instead.
- When a Canadian employer want to hire international candidate, the employer must get an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada. Only after getting that LMIA from the employer, the foreign national employee can apply for a work permit from IRCC. This type of work permit is usually employer and place specific, meaning you can only work for that employer at the location and duration mentioned in the work permit.
- LMIA exempt work permits: There are certain situations where a Canadian employer can offer a job to a foreign national without the requirement of getting a LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada. This exemption can be applied if the employer is able to prove that foreign national will bring an important social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada.
For example: - Technical workers, creative and performing artists, self-employed engineers, etc.
- Intra-company transferees with specialized knowledge that will contribute to the Canadian economy through their specialized skills and experience
- Workers under Mobilité francophone
Also Some international Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) contain provisions to make it easier for business people to work temporarily in the signed countries. While foreign workers covered by an applicable FTA still usually need a closed work permit, they are exempt from the LMIA requirement. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) are both examples.
Contact us today to see if you qualify and let us help you through the complex process. We will be happy to help you reunite your family in Canada.
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