Work in Canada | PGWP, LMIA, Open Work Permit

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PGWP - POST GRADUATE WORK PERMIT

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a type of work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to work in the country for a period of time after completing their studies.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international students must have completed a program of study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada that is at least 8 months long and have a valid study permit at the time of graduation. Additionally, the student must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of their program completion.

DURATION

The length of the PGWP is based on the length of the study program. If the program was at least 8 months long but less than 2 years, the PGWP will be issued for the same length of time as the program of study. If the program was 2 years or longer, the PGWP will be issued for a maximum of 3 years.

TIMELINE

International students must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of their program completion. The processing time for a PGWP application can vary depending on the workload of the immigration office where the application is being processed. It’s important to check the processing time before applying to ensure that the application can be submitted in time.

LOCATION

The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for a period of time after completing their studies. The student is free to work anywhere in Canada, and the permit is not tied to a specific employer or location.

BENEFITS

The PGWP allows international students to gain Canadian work experience and potentially improve their chances of immigrating to Canada permanently. It also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in their field of study, gain Canadian references, and improve their language skills. It also allows students to stay in Canada longer and explore the country more in-depth.

OWP - OPEN WORK PERMIT

A general/open work permit in Canada allows foreign nationals to work in Canada without a specific job offer or employer. This type of permit is not tied to a particular employer or job, and the holder can work for any employer in Canada, subject to certain conditions.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Meeting specific criteria under International Experience Canada program.
Being a student who has graduated from a Canadian educational institution.
Holding a valid temporary resident permit and being unable to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
Being a protected person (refugee claimant or person in need of protection).
Being a dependent family member of a foreign national who is in Canada for work or study.

Applicants for a general work permit must undergo medical exams, provide a police clearance certificate, and pay the necessary fees. Processing time for a general work permit can vary and may take several months.

Note: There are certain professions that are exempt from the requirement of a work permit, including U.S. citizens and Mexican nationals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

SWP - SPOUSAL WORK PERMIT

A spousal work permit in Canada allows the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign national who holds a valid work permit to work in Canada. This permit is typically valid for the same period as the principal worker’s permit. To be eligible, the foreign national must be married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, the principal worker must be employed in Canada in a job that is classified as skill type 0, A, or B under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. The spouse or common-law partner must also undergo medical exams, provide a police clearance certificate, and pay the necessary fees.

The spousal open work permit for skilled workers category is exempt from LMIA assessment under code C41
Application for spousal work permit can be made either inside or outside of Canada.
Processing time for spousal work permit varies and can take several months.
The spousal work permit is linked to the principal worker's status, meaning that if the principal worker loses their work permit, the spousal work permit is also no longer valid.
Both partners must provide evidence of their relationship (e.g. marriage certificate, common-law partnership document).
The spousal work permit may also be eligible for an open study permit, allowing the holder to study in Canada.
Spousal work permit holders can apply for Canadian permanent residency after being in Canada for a certain period of time.

LMIA - Labour Market Impact Assessment

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by the Government of Canada that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker. The LMIA process is used to assess the impact that the hiring of a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labour market. The process involves the employer providing information about the job offer, the foreign worker, and the recruitment efforts that have been made to fill the position with a Canadian worker. The information is then evaluated by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine if there is a genuine labour market need for the foreign worker. If a positive LMIA is issued, the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit.

TOP LMIA JOBS IN CANADA

SKILLED TRADES such as electricians, plumbers, and welders are in high demand and often require an LMIA.
HEALTHCARE: Including positions for nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, also frequently require an LMIA.
CONSTRUCTION: Including positions for heavy equipment operators and construction managers, also often require an LMIA.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Including positions for software developers, programmers, and systems administrators, also frequently require an LMIA.
SERVICE: Including positions for hotel and restaurant managers and other service industry professionals, also often require an LMIA.
WEB DESIGNERS: The Coronavirus pandemic opened the need for more online platforms as much as for specialized tech professionals, and it will only increase in the years to come as the world moves towards digitalization. Pathways such as the Global Talent Stream allow for expediting work permit processing for specialized professionals.