Work Permits

Many foreign workers are seeking work permits that will enable them to work temporarily in Canada. The C2 Global Law immigration lawyers can assist you in obtaining a work visa (and a temporary resident visa – TRV - if required) providing you fall into an eligible category or provision and then meet the particular requirements of that specific category/provision. It is vitally important that you select the appropriate classification under which your application will be submitted. Applying under the wrong classification may result in a delay in processing or denial of your application for a work visa. The categories or provisions typically fall into one of several general classifications which may include but are not limited to:

• International Treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)
• Situations in which there is evidence of a significant benefit to Canada including intra-company transfers, spousal programs, and other circumstances in which there is a social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada confirmed offers of employment (also known as Service Canada Labour Market Opinions)
• Certain Information Technology Workers in the province of Quebec (program terminated in all other provinces; cases in process on or prior to this date will be processed to conclusion)
• Youth Program visas such as the Student Work Away Program, Student Work Holiday Program, and others conducted through organizations such as BUNAC, SWAP, and IEC

ON WHAT BASIS ARE WORK PERMITS GRANTED?

• As a rule work permits will only be granted by Canadian immigration authorities if supported by a positive "Labour Market Opinion" (LMO) letter issued by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), indicating that the proposed employment will not adversely affect Canadian workers.
• You must have a temporary offer of employment from a Canadian employer

CAN I REMAIN IN CANADA ON A PERMANENT BASIS WITH A WORK PERMIT?

No, a work permit is for foreign skilled workers who plan on working in Canada for a finite period of time. Should you wish to live and work in Canada on a permanent basis you must apply to be a permanent resident. However, once you are working in Canada on a temporary basis you may qualify for Canadian immigration under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), through a Skilled Worker category, or through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

WHAT IS AN OPEN WORK PERMIT?

An open work permit is not employer specific or job specific. It may be applied for by:

• The spouses or common-law partners of foreign temporary workers
• The spouses or common-law partners of foreign students
• International students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution

Put yourself in the hands of skilled professionals. Contact the C2 Global Law immigration lawyers as soon as you have a temporary offer of employment from a Canadian employer and we will assist you in obtaining your work permit as quickly as possible.