A Canada work permit authorizes a foreign national to work for a Canadian employer, either under an employer-specific permit tied to a single job or an open permit that isn't tied to any one employer. Which route applies to you depends on your job offer, your employer's LMIA status, and whether you qualify for one of the LMIA-exempt categories under international agreements or intra-company transfer provisions.
- Best For
- Workers with a Canadian job offer, intra-company transferees, and recent PGWP holders.
- Key Distinction
- Employer-specific permits are tied to one job; open permits aren't tied to any employer.
- Good to Know
- The wrong stream can cost months of delay — matching your offer to the right category matters most.
Who This Is For
This service is for temporary foreign workers with a Canadian job offer, employees being transferred within a multinational company, and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders who need guidance on eligibility, extensions, or transitioning toward permanent residence.
How We Help
- Determining whether your job offer requires an LMIA or qualifies for an LMIA-exempt stream
- Reviewing employer compliance requirements before you commit to an offer
- Preparing employer-specific and open work permit applications, including extensions and restorations
- PGWP eligibility checks based on your Designated Learning Institution and program of study
- Mapping how your work permit fits into a longer-term PR strategy
What to Expect
Work permit rules vary significantly by category, and a permit approved under the wrong stream can cost you months of delay. We assess your specific job offer and background first, then build the application around the pathway that actually fits — not a generic template.