Work in Canada: Do you Need a Canadian Work Permit?

Canada has over 100 different work permit options for global talent and employers. Canada operates the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The difference between the two programs is the TFWP requires a labour market test, known as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Navigating Canada's work permit options can be difficult but we seek to make it as easy for you as possible. Cohen Immigration Law is a leading Canadian immigration law firm with over 45 years of expertise. Please complete our contact form if you wish to schedule a free telephone consultation with our work permit lawyers. Canadian Work Permit Types There are two types of work permit programs in Canada: Temporary Foreign Worker Program: A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit International Mobility Program: An LMIA is not required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit The purpose of the LMIA is for employers to demonstrate to the Canadian government that the hiring of a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on Canada's existing workforce. The federal department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) wants to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers will not displace existing workers in Canada nor place downward pressures on their wages. Workers that need an LMIA fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Although the LMIA process is the rule, there are many different LMIA-exempt work permits, resulting from free trade agreements, such as the former North American Free Trade Agreement, now known as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA. These free trade agreements enable foreign workers to apply for a work permit without their employer having to obtain an LMIA. In addition to these employer sponsored work permits, there are a number of work permit options available to foreign workers who do not yet have a job offer, including working holidays, post-graduate work permits, and open spousal work permits. Workers who do not need an LMIA fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP). These are among the common scenarios under which one can work in Canada: