Canadian Work Permits
Open Work Permit
What it is: Allows individuals to work for any employer in Canada without a job offer.
Requirements: Usually issued to spouses of skilled workers or students, PR applicants, refugees, or under special programs.
LMIA-Based Work Permit
What it is: A work permit that requires employer approval through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Requirements: The employer must prove no qualified Canadians are available. The worker must have a job offer and meet job-specific requirements.
International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit
What it is: A temporary work permit for youth from eligible countries.
Requirements: Must be 18-35 (age varies by country) and qualify under one of three streams: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or Co-op Internship.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
What it is: A permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian programs to gain work experience.
Requirements: Must have completed a program of at least 8 months at a designated learning institution (DLI) and apply within 180 days of graduation.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
What it is: Allows PR applicants to keep working while waiting for a decision.
Requirements: Must have applied for PR under an eligible program and hold a valid work permit or have had one in the last 12 months.
CUSMA (NAFTA) Work Permit
What it is: For U.S. and Mexican citizens working in Canada under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Requirements: Must qualify under specific categories, such as professionals, intra-company transferees, or traders/investors.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
What it is: Allows spouses of certain temporary residents to work in Canada.
Requirements: The applicant must be the spouse of a skilled worker, international student, or BOWP holder, and provide proof of relationship.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit
What it is: For employees transferring to a Canadian branch of their multinational company.
Requirements: Must have worked at least one year for the company abroad in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.