For many foreign nationals, getting a Canadian work permit is the first step towards building a life in Canada. We can help you prepare your work permit application to ensure your desired outcome. We have decades of experience representing workers at all levels. We take great pride in our expertise and
If you are a citizen of any country with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement (for example, Mexico, South Korea, Honduras, Panama, Jordan, Columbia, Peru, Costa Rica, Chile, and Israel), as business immigration lawyers, we can assist you in filing for a Free Trade Agreement Work Permit. To be eligible, you must have an offer of employment from a Canadian employer.
In addition, our team is extensively skilled in dealing with spousal open work permits. A spousal work permit allows your spouse to work and live in Canada. It also allows your children to study in Canada at preschool, elementary, middle, or higher secondary school levels. Spousal work permits can be applied along with the principal work permit application.
We take great pride in our experience and are always eager to offer the best legal solutions to your immigration needs! If you or someone you know needs assistance applying for a work permit, feel free to contact our office.
Areas of Expertise
Canada's Tech Talent Strategy is a visionary approach aimed at attracting, retaining, and nurturing top talent in the tech industry. It highlights Canada’s commitment to becoming a global tech powerhouse and welcomes individuals eager to contribute their expertise and drive the growth of the tech ecosystem. Key highlights of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy Open work...
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Start-Up Business Class (Start-Up Visa Program) As a foreign entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, you may be eligible to immigrate to Canada through the Start-Up Visa program. This program is a popular pathway to Permanent Residency in Canada for foreign entrepreneurs. To be eligible under this program, your business idea must be innovative and...
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What is the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)? The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and skilled workers to immigrate to Alberta and contribute to the province's economy. The program offers various streams for different categories of applicants, including rural entrepreneurs, graduate entrepreneurs, experienced farmers, and foreign graduate entrepreneurs. AAIP...
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The International Mobility Program enables Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Assessment (LMIA). While an LMIA is usually required for a Canadian employer to hire a temporary foreign worker, this requirement has several exemptions. As a result, this requirement may vary depending on the nature of your business and long-term...
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For Canadian businesses seeking immediate access to international talent and highly skilled foreign labour, the federal Global Skill Strategy Program (GSS) is an ideal option to pool suitably skilled manpower for the growth of their business. Under this program, Canadian businesses can welcome new foreign workers to Canada in a month's time. This program is...
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As a Canadian employer, you must ensure that your employees are legally authorized to work in Canada. Therefore, you must be aware of all immigration options available to you. There are numerous immigration pathways for hiring foreign workers. But the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) is one of the leading immigration programs for Canadian employers...
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FAQs
Can I include my dependent children on my spousal open work permit application?
No, dependent children cannot be included on a spousal open work permit application. They must apply for their study permits or other appropriate immigration documents to accompany them to Canada.
Can I switch employers while holding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) work permit?
Yes, you can switch employers while holding an FTA work permit. However, you must notify the immigration authorities of the change and ensure that the new employment still falls within the eligible occupation category under the FTA agreement.
Can my dependent children study in Canada while I hold an FTA work permit?
Yes, dependent children of FTA work permit holders are generally eligible to study in Canada. They may need to apply for a study permit and provide supporting documents, such as proof of acceptance from a designated learning institution and evidence of financial support.
Can my spouse or common-law partner work in Canada if I hold a work permit under a different immigration category?
Yes, even if you hold a work permit under a different immigration category, your spouse or common-law partner may still be eligible for an open work permit. Various programs and options are available, and eligibility requirements will depend on the specific circumstances and immigration category.
Can I apply for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) work permit without a job offer from a Canadian employer?
No, a job offer from a Canadian employer is typically required to apply for an FTA work permit. The permit aims to facilitate employment opportunities in Canada under specific free trade agreements, and a job offer is a key requirement to demonstrate the need for foreign workers in eligible occupations.
Can I apply for a work permit without a job offer?
It depends on the type of work permit you are applying for. Some work permits, such as open work permits for spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, do not require a specific job offer. However, most work permits in Canada require a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
What is the difference between an LMIA and a work permit?
An LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market. A work permit, on the other hand, is the legal authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada. While an LMIA may be a requirement for some work permits, not all work permits require an LMIA.
Can I extend my work permit to continue working in Canada?
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your work permit to continue working in Canada. However, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for an extension and apply before
your current work permit expires.
Can I change employers while on a work permit?
It depends on the type of work permit you hold. If you have an employer-specific work permit, it is usually tied to a specific employer, and changing employers may require obtaining a
new work permit. However, if you have an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada without needing a new work permit.
Can I apply for permanent residency while on a work permit?
Yes, in many cases, individuals working in Canada on a valid work permit may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through various immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Program.
