01
Employer-Specific Work Permits
Some workers require authorization connected to a specific Canadian employer, occupation and employment circumstances.
Work in Canada
Canadian work authorization depends on the work you intend to do.
A Canadian job opportunity does not by itself establish authorization to work. The appropriate immigration strategy depends on the worker, the employer, the position, the proposed activities in Canada and any applicable exemption or work-permit category.
Work authorization is fact-specific. A person may require an employer-specific work permit, qualify for an open work permit, fall within a work-permit exemption, or require a different immigration strategy depending on the circumstances.
Work Authorization Assessment
Employer & Worker Requirements
Application Preparation
Professional Representation
Work Authorization Options
Different work situations can require different immigration solutions.
Canadian work authorization is not one single application category. The legal and procedural route depends on the particular circumstances of the worker and the proposed Canadian activity.
02
Open Work Permits
Certain immigration categories may allow an eligible individual to obtain a work permit that is not restricted to one specific employer.
03
LMIA-Based Work Permits
In some cases, the Canadian employer may first need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment before the worker can pursue the related work permit.
04
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Certain work-permit categories may be exempt from the LMIA requirement where the applicable immigration provisions are satisfied.
05
Work-Permit Exempt Activities
Some specific activities can be performed in Canada without a work permit, but the exemption must actually apply to the proposed activity.
06
Work & Longer-Term Immigration Planning
For some clients, temporary work in Canada forms part of a broader immigration plan and should be assessed alongside potential future permanent residence options.
What We Assess
Work authorization depends on more than having an employer.
A proper assessment considers the individual, the Canadian organization, the proposed duties and the immigration framework that may apply.
Proposed Canadian activity
The actual work, duties and circumstances must be understood before determining whether work authorization is required and which process may apply.
Worker profile
Citizenship, residence, qualifications, employment background and immigration history may affect the available options.
Employer circumstances
The Canadian employer's role and any employer-side requirements must be identified for the applicable work-permit category.
LMIA requirements
The analysis should determine whether an LMIA is required or whether a recognized exemption may apply.
Timing & status
Current immigration status, intended entry dates and processing requirements can affect the appropriate sequence of steps.
Longer-term objectives
Where relevant, the immediate work strategy can also be considered in the context of future Canadian immigration planning.
Employer Involvement
Some work-permit processes involve obligations on both sides.
Depending on the category, a Canadian employer may need to complete steps before the foreign national submits a work-permit application. The worker's application and the employer's immigration-related obligations should therefore be assessed together where required.
- Job and role assessment The proposed employment must be reviewed in the context of the relevant immigration category.
- LMIA analysis Where applicable, the employer may need to pursue a Labour Market Impact Assessment before the work permit stage.
- LMIA-exempt employer steps Some LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits involve employer-side submissions or compliance requirements.
- Supporting documentation Offer details, employment documentation and evidence supporting the applicable category may be important to the application.
- Worker application Employer-side steps do not replace the worker's own immigration requirements or establish automatic approval.
Temporary Work & Permanent Residence
Permission to work and permanent residence are different immigration questions.
A Canadian work permit provides temporary work authorization under its applicable conditions. Permanent residence requires separate eligibility under a permanent immigration pathway.
Temporary Work Authorization
A work permit addresses permission to work.
The type and conditions of the authorization depend on the applicable work-permit category, exemption or immigration circumstances.
Permanent Residence Planning
Canadian work experience may be relevant, but it is not automatic permanent residence.
Where permanent residence is a longer-term objective, the client's profile should be assessed separately against potentially relevant permanent immigration pathways.
Working With Escanto
From work-authorization assessment to application strategy.
01
Understand the proposed work
We begin with the intended Canadian activity, position, employer relationship and the individual's immigration circumstances.
02
Identify the applicable framework
We assess whether a work permit is required and, where relevant, which employer-specific, open-permit, LMIA, exemption or other framework may apply.
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Determine employer-side requirements
Where the immigration category requires employer participation, the necessary employer-side steps are identified before the worker's application is finalized.
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Establish the professional mandate
Where Escanto is retained, the scope of advice, preparation or representation is documented.
05
Prepare and represent
The application or immigration process is handled within the agreed professional scope and based on the applicable requirements.
Determine what Canadian work authorization your circumstances may require.
A consultation can help identify the potentially applicable work-permit framework, employer requirements and immigration considerations before an application or employment plan moves forward.
Discuss Working in Canada