Work and Permits

Welcome to the gateway for Canadian work opportunities. To apply for a work permit, you must meet specific eligibility criteria, which may include job offers, language skills, and more. Contact us at Arsheen Immigration Services for a comprehensive assessment of your eligibility and personalized guidance on fulfilling the requirements for a work permit.
 
The five most common work permits in Canada are: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Open Work Permit, Employer-Specific Work Permit, International Experience Canada (IEC) Permit, Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Permit. Each has a list of eligibility criteria incumbent on the applicant. Get in touch for an assessment, and for expert help in filling and filing!

“Before applying for a work permit in Canada, it is crucial to determine if you are eligible”

The five most common work permits are:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Open Work Permit
  • Employer-Specific Work Permit
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) Permit
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Factors:

The applicant must not have previously been issued a PGWP.

The applicant must have had a valid study permit or been authorized to study without a permit under paragraphs R188(1)(a) and (b) within the 180 days preceding the PGWP application.

The applicant must have graduated from an eligible designated learning institution (DLI) and program. Programs delivered on behalf of a PGWP-eligible institution through a curriculum licensing agreement are not eligible unless they meet certain exceptions.

The applicant must have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program in Canada that was at least 8 months in duration and led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

The applicant must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program(s) completed, with exceptions allowed for leaves from studies, the final academic session, and special measures between March 1, 2020, and August 31, 2024.

The applicant must have received confirmation of program completion from the DLI, such as a transcript or an official letter.

The applicant must submit a work permit application within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.

A majority of the studies must have been completed in person in Canada, unless special measures apply.

Open Work Permit:

The eligibility factors for an open work permit in Canada can vary depending on the specific LMIA exemption category under which an applicant is applying. Generally, an open work permit allows a foreign national to work for any employer in Canada for a specified period of time, with certain restrictions that may apply to occupation or location but not the employer. Below are some of the common eligibility factors for various open work permit categories under the International Mobility Program (IMP):

[R206(a) or (b) – code S61 or S62]: Individuals who have made a refugee claim in Canada or are under an unenforceable removal order may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R207 – code A70]: Certain individuals who have applied for permanent residence from within Canada may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R207.1 – code A72]: Migrant workers in Canada who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse in the context of their employment may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R208(a) or (b) – code H81 or H82]: Individuals in Canada for humanitarian reasons may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(b) – code C21]: Participants in the IEC program, such as those on a Working Holiday, may receive an open work permit.

[R205(b) – code C20, R205(c)(ii) – codes C41/C46 or C47/C48]: Family members of military personnel stationed in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(b) – code C20]: Family members of foreign representatives accredited in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(b) – code C26]: Professional athletes playing for Canadian teams who need to support themselves through other work may be eligible for an open work permit.

Spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary workers, such as high-skilled workers [R205(c) – code C41], low-skilled workers [R205(c)(ii) – codes C47 and C48], and economic class permanent resident applicants nominated by a province [R205(c)(ii) – code C49], may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(c) – code C42]: Spouses or common-law partners of individuals holding a study permit in Canada may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(a) – code A75]: Individuals who have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision may be eligible for a bridging open work permit.

[R205(a) – A74]: Individuals included in a permanent residence application as a spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit under a public policy.

[R205(c) – C43]: Graduates from eligible Canadian designated learning institutions may be eligible for an open work permit after completing their studies.

[R205(c) – codes C32 and C33]: Participants in co-op programs at the post-secondary or secondary level may be eligible for an open work permit.

[R205(a) – codes C90 and C91]: Participants in these pilots may be eligible for an occupation-restricted open work permit.

[R205(a) – A76]: Individuals with a CSQ who are currently outside Quebec may be eligible for an open work permit.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for each category may have additional specific requirements. Applicants should consult an immigration consultant to review their eligibility and determine which options are best for them.