DavyLaw Immigration

Work Permit

A work permit gives temporary residents the right to work in Canada. Our team of experienced professionals will help you acquire a work permit.

Requirements

Key Differences:

  • Job Offer Requirement: Required only for Closed WPs.
  • Employer Restrictions: Only Closed WPs restrict the applicant to a specific employer.
  • Application Process: Each work permit type has distinct eligibility criteria and application steps.

DavyLaw ensures a streamlined work permit application process by providing tailored legal guidance, ensuring compliance with Canadian immigration laws, and maximizing your chances of success.

Closed Work Permit

A Closed Work Permit, also known as an Employer Specific Work Permit, ties the holder to a particular employer, job position, and work location.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Valid Job Offer: A formal, written job offer from a Canadian employer is required.
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Most jobs require a positive LMIA to prove that no qualified Canadian workers are available.
  • Employment Agreement: Details of the job, including wages, duties, and working conditions, must be clearly outlined.
  • Industry-Specific Programs: Certain industries like agriculture or caregiving have specific work permit streams with tailored criteria.

Open Work Permit (OWP)

An Open Work Permit allows the holder to work for any Canadian employer, with a few exceptions. It does not require a specific job offer or an LMIA.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Spouses or Common-Law Partners: Of skilled workers or international students in Canada.
  • International Graduates: Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  • Refugee Claimants and Protected Persons: Those awaiting a decision on their status.
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): Applicants transitioning from temporary to permanent residence.
  • Special Programs: Participants in specific international agreements or humanitarian programs.

Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that enables international graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must have completed a study program at a DLI that was at least 8 months in duration and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • Full-Time Status: Maintained full-time student status in Canada during each semester of your study program, with exceptions for your final semester or if you took an approved leave from your studies.
  • Application Period: Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation from your institution (such as a transcript or an official letter) indicating that you’ve met the requirements for completing your program.
  • Valid Study Permit: Your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days before you apply for the PGWP.
  • Program Eligibility: Certain programs, such as English or French as a second language courses, general interest or self-improvement courses, and programs at a private career college, may not qualify for a PGWP.

Process

01. Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, our team conducts a thorough assessment of your immigration background, personal circumstances, and professional goals. We carefully analyze your eligibility for a Canadian work permit under various programs and identify the most suitable pathway based on your profile. We also walk you through each step of the process, explain timelines, and answer your questions to ensure you have a clear understanding from the start.

02. Document Collection

If you qualify to proceed, our team will guide you through the collection of all required documents needed for a strong and complete application. This includes personal identification, employment-related documents, proof of qualifications, and any additional supporting evidence. We provide customized checklists and work with you to ensure everything meets the strict requirements set by IRCC.

03. Submission to IRCC

Once all documents are reviewed, verified, and organized, we prepare and submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We ensure your application is complete, properly formatted, and professionally presented to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

04. Biometrics and Medical Examination

After submission, you may be required to complete biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and a medical examination, depending on your country of residence or type of work in Canada. Our team will provide you with clear instructions, help schedule appointments at authorized centers, and make sure you comply with all IRCC deadlines.

05. Receive Decision

Once IRCC processes your application, you will receive a decision. Our team will monitor the progress of your file, keep you updated throughout the process, and guide you on the next steps once a decision is made. If your application is approved, we’ll help you understand your work permit conditions and prepare for your arrival or continued stay in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

An employer-specific work permit restricts you to working for a particular employer, in a specific role, and often in a designated location. In contrast, an open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with certain exceptions, providing greater flexibility in employment opportunities.

After submission to IRCC, it usually takes up to 30 business days (6 weeks) to receive a decision. You can check the processing times here.

A job offer letter is a document provided by a Canadian employer to a temporary worker. It outlines the key details of the employment being offered. In general, a job offer letter—also referred to as an employment letter—is less comprehensive than a formal employment contract. The letter typically includes information such as:

  • The wage or salary being offered, along with any applicable deductions
  • A description of job duties and responsibilities

  • Conditions of employment, including hours of work and other relevant terms

Post Graduate Work Permit allows recent international university or college graduates to work in Canada. Anyone who graduated full-time studies at a university or college and wants to begin working in Canada is eligible to apply. Contact us to find out if you are eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit.

Yes, in many cases, spouses or common-law partners of work permit holders can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada. Eligibility depends on the type of work permit you hold and other factors.

For employer-specific work permits, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is required. However, open work permits do not require a job offer and are available in specific situations, such as for spouses of skilled workers or international students, and participants in certain programs like the International Experience Canada.

Yes, you can continue to work under certain conditions if you have applied for the renewal of your work permit before it expires.

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