Frequently Asked Questions (Working In Canada)
How to get Labor market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
Canadian employers who want to employ a foreign worker in Canada must first obtain authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), known as a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Canadian employers must demonstrate that employing a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market in most cases, and that there is currently no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the position. This is typically accomplished by advertising the position on several venues, thus demonstrating there was no suitable Canadian for the job. A LMIA is a very rigorous and comprehensive process that is subject to a high level of scrutiny from the government, and thus must be completed without errors.
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Can you renew your work permit?
​If you have a work permit that is about to expire or if you need to make changes to the conditions of your work permit, you need to submit a new application at least 30 days before your work permit expires. You will not be allowed to extend your work permit beyond your passport's expiry date.
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What is difference between open and closed work permit?
An open work permit enables a foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada without the need of LMIA or a job offer.
Closed work permits on the other hand, requires a foreign worker to only work for the employer who has obtained a positive LMIA and provided them with a job offer. If a foreign worker is no longer going to work for this employer, they will need to apply to change the conditions of their work permit if they wish to continue to legally work in Canada.
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What details should the job offer letter contain, to be acceptable to IRCC?
A job offer letter explains the details of the job, outlining your pay, job duties, and conditions of employment. You need to include a copy of your job offer letter if you need to apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If an employer does not need an LMIA to hire you, they need to submit their offer of employment on the Canadian government's Employer Portal. After the submission, the portal will generate an offer of employment number that you need to apply for your work permit.
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Can I leave and then come back to Canada, while I am on a work permit?
Yes you can, but you will need a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to be able to travel back and forth (along with your valid work permit).
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Can your spouse or children accompany you on your work permit?
Yes, a spouse/common law partner and dependent children can accompany or follow a temporary worker to Canada. In many cases, persons entering Canada on a work permit may request that an open work permit be issued for their spouse/common law partner. In some instances, children may require a study permit to attend school in Canada.
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