Temporary Work Permits for Foreign Nationals Who Want to Work in Canada

Canada offers you a vibrant economy if you are looking for better opportunities to grow your career. Canada boasts a safe and diverse working environment with strict labour laws and competitive wages. 

Are you looking to work in Canada? You’ll need a work permit from the government body of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you come to Canada. 

Temporary work permits authorize foreign nationals to work in Canada for a period of time. Work permits are issued based on grounds ranging from employment needs in Canada, work experience, education, bilateral agreements and pilot programs. 

Depending on authorization, work permits can allow for full or part-time employment. A work permit may also enable you to apply for permanent residency.

What are the Different Types of Work Permits?

You may apply for many types of work permits based on your situation such as:

Open Work Permit: An open work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for any employer and in any location.

A restricted open work permit may restrict an industry or occupation but allows you to work across Canada. All open work permits are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Post-Graduate Work Permit: Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is for international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI). 

Post-graduate work permits allow students to gain Canadian experience after completing their study program. This permit is valid for up to 3 years, and the duration is based on the length of your study program.

Work Permit Options for IT Workers: Work Permit Options for Information Technology (IT) workers in Canada have many specific work permit options. The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is for employers who wish to hire highly qualified and experienced professionals. 

The Intra-Company Transfer Program allows an international business with a parent, subsidiary, branch or an affiliate of that enterprise in Canada to bring an executive, senior manager or an employee with specialized knowledge to Canada on a temporary work permit.

Inland Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permit: The Inland Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permit is for the spouses of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. 

You must have a valid temporary residence permit and an application for permanent residency under process to be eligible to apply. 

Bridging Open Work Permit: You may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) if you have already applied for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Agri-Food Pilot, Home Child-Care Provider Pilot or the Home Support Worker Pilot Programs.

It is an open work permit, which allows you to continue to work while your permanent residency application is in process.

What are the Exceptions to Requiring a Work Permit?

Work Without a Work Permit: There are certain occupations and circumstances that allow a foreign national to work without a work permit in Canada. However, you will still be required to meet additional eligibility requirements.

Short-Term Work Permit Exemption: The Short-term work permit exemption for Canada is a program that facilitates the hiring of highly skilled professionals for a limited period of time. 

If your occupation is listed in skill type 0 (management occupations) or skill level A in the matrix of the NOC, you can be granted a permit for 15-30 consecutive days or a 120-day work permit if you are a researcher.