Work Permits: Your Path to Employment in Canada

Canada offers work permits to foreign nationals who wish to work in the country on a temporary basis, allowing them to gain valuable work experience, contribute to the economy, and, in some cases, transition to permanent residency. Securing the right work permit requires understanding eligibility requirements, meeting employer compliance obligations, and ensuring proper documentation.

At the Law Office of Tawfic Amandi, we provide expert legal guidance to help individuals and employers navigate the complex work permit process, obtain approvals efficiently, and ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

Canada offers different types of work permits depending on the individual's qualifications, job offers, and immigration status.

1. Employer-Specific Work Permits

An Employer-Specific Work Permit allows a foreign worker to work for a designated employer, in a specific position, and at an approved location. These permits are often issued under programs such as:

• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-Based Work Permits – Employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian job opportunities.
• Intra-Company Transfers – Multinational companies can transfer employees to their Canadian branch under specific conditions.
• International Trade Agreements (e.g., CUSMA/USMCA, CETA, CPTPP) – Work permits can be issued under trade agreements between Canada and other countries.

Employer-specific work permits require strict compliance with immigration laws, including fair wages, job duties, and employment conditions. Failure to meet these conditions can result in penalties for both the employer and the worker.

2. Open Work Permits

Unlike employer-specific work permits, an Open Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada, except those not complying with labor standards. These permits are available to:

• Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Work Permit or Study Permit Holders – If your spouse or partner is a student or skilled worker in Canada, you may qualify for an open work permit.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders – International students who graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada may obtain an open work permit to gain Canadian work experience.
• Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP) – Individuals transitioning to permanent residency through Express Entry or provincial nomination programs may receive a work permit while waiting for their PR application to be processed.

Open work permits provide greater flexibility, allowing individuals to change jobs without employer restrictions. However, eligibility depends on immigration status, program requirements, and government policies.

How We Can Help

At the Law Office of Tawfic Amandi, we offer comprehensive legal support to help individuals and employers successfully obtain work permits, comply with regulations, and resolve immigration challenges. Our services include:

✔ New Work Permit Applications – We assist with preparing and submitting work permit applications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with immigration laws.
✔ Work Permit Renewals & Extensions – We help clients renew or extend their work permits before expiration, avoiding gaps in employment status.
✔ Employer Compliance & LMIA Applications – For employer-specific permits, we guide businesses through the LMIA process, ensuring compliance with wage requirements, job offer conditions, and government regulations.
✔ Work Permit Refusal Appeals & Reconsiderations – If a work permit is denied, we analyze the refusal reasons, file reconsideration requests, or appeal the decision where possible.
✔ Transition to Permanent Residency – We assist skilled workers in using their Canadian work experience to apply for Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other PR pathways.

Start Your Canadian Work Journey Today

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent or an individual seeking work opportunities in Canada, having legal guidance ensures a smooth and successful application process.

📞 Contact the Law Office of Tawfic Amandi today for expert assistance with your work permit application.

Start your Canadian work journey today.