Work Permit
Types of Work Permit
To engage in employment in Canada, securing a work permit is essential. Canada offers a range of work and immigration options, with some employment categories exempt from the requirement of a work permit. The specifics of work permits vary based on the nature of the occupation and typically include details such as:
- Applicant’s employer
- Nature of employment
- Location of employment
- Duration of permitted employment
In Canada, there are generally two types of work permits:
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Open Work Permit
Open work permits are further classified into two types: restricted and unrestricted. Unrestricted permits grant individuals the freedom to work in any location and occupation, while restricted permits limit both location and occupation choices. Restricted permits exclude employment with specific ineligible employers or those involved in certain services.
Eligibility for Open Work Permit:
You may be eligible for an open work permit if you fall into categories such as being a permanent residency applicant, a dependent family member, a spouse of a skilled worker or international student, or part of special programs.
Types of Open Work Permits:
- Regular Work Permit
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Temporary Work Permits for Spouses/Common-Law Partners
- Youth Program Permit
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit
- Bridging Open Work Permit
Visa Programs that require Open Work Permits
Various visa programs, including the Working Holiday Visa, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Provincial Nominee Program, Canadian Experience Class, International Experience Class, Young Professional Visa, and International Co-op Program, utilize open work permits.
Employer-Specific Work Permit:
This type of permit ties employment to specific conditions such as the employer’s name, duration of employment, and location of employment.
Eligibility for Employer-Specific Work Permits
Eligibility is contingent on factors like the nature of the occupation, financial stability, criminal record, security concerns, and health status. Working for ineligible employers or engaging in specific services may disqualify an applicant.
Occupations that require Employer-Specific work permits
Several occupations, including academics, religious workers, entrepreneurs, athletes/coaches, agricultural workers, and those in the film industry, may require employer-specific work permits.
Other Types of Work Permits:
Student Dependent Work Permit:
Allows international students to apply for work permits for their dependent spouses and visit visas or study permits for their children during their study in Canada.
Spousal Work Permit:
Enables spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to apply for an open work permit, particularly if they are part of a spousal sponsorship application within Canada.
Work Permit Exemptions
Certain short-duration and legal jobs, such as aviation investigators, athletes and coaches of foreign teams, clergy members, expert witnesses, news reporters, film crew, performing artists, and health care students, do not require work permits.