Canada is a great place to live and work as the second best county in the world. Canada welcomes over 250 000 immigrants each year, which makes it the number one choice for many foreign workers. Working in Canada can be a life changing experience with many benefits and opportunities for growth.

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permits.

1. Employer-specific work permit

An employer-specific work permit lets candidate work in Canada according to the conditions on work permit, such as: the name of the specific employer candidate can work for, how long candidate can work, and the location where candidate can work.

Before candidates submit application for an employer-specific work permit, the employer must complete certain steps and give candidates either a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment(LMIA) or an offer of employment number to include in the application.

2. Open work permit

An open work permit lets candidates work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.

Open work permit can only be applied in specific situations.


  • Criteria to be eligible
  • Criteria to be eligible if apply from inside Canada
  • Criteria to be eligible if apply at a port of entry (POE)
  • Prove to leave Canada when work permit expires.
  • Have enough money to take care of candidates and any family members during time in Canada and to return home.
  • Obey the law and have no record of criminal activity.
  • Not be a danger to Canada’s security.
  • Be in good health and have a medical exam (if required).
  • Not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions.
  • Not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
  • Give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove eligible to enter the country.
  • Have a valid study or work permit;
  • Spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit;
  • Eligible for a post-graduation work permit and study permit is still valid;
  • Have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more;
  • Waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada;
  • Made a claim for refugee protection;
  • Been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada;
  • Allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors); or
  • Be a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
  • Entering Canada from the United States.
  • Cannot travel from inside Canada to the port of entry, cannot “flagpole”.
  • Have a valid job offer.
  • Meet all other requirements to apply at the port of entry.

We offer our services in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. We serve major cities such as Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and regional areas such as Airdrie, Chestermere, and the Greater Toronto Area. Our services are provided to international customers originating from all over the world, including but not limited to: Express Entry | Family Sponsorship | Provincial Nominee Program | Self-Employed Persons Program | Business Startup Visa | Home Child Care Provider Pilot And Home Support Work Pilot Program | Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program | Agri-Food Pilot Program | Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program | Temporary Resident Visa | Study Permit | Work Permit | Labour Market Impact Assessment | Permanent Resident Card | Citizenship

The content details mentioned above only includes general information for your consideration. For more detailed information, please contact Maple Gate Immigration Consulting INC.


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