Canada Work Visa
A Work Permit lets you work in Canada temporarily and legally. We advise on all three main streams and manage the LMIA process end-to-end.
Canadian Work Permits — categories and requirements
A Canadian Work Permit is an authorization that lets you work legally and temporarily in Canada. There are several categories of work permits, each with its own conditions, eligibility rules and application path.
Types of work permits
1. Specific-Employer Work Permit
With this permit you are authorized to work only for one specific employer. To qualify, you need a job offer from an approved Canadian employer and, in most cases, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
2. Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, without needing an LMIA. It is typically issued to:
- International students after completing their studies (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
- Spouses of international students
- Spouses of foreign workers
- Refugees and protected persons
3. Owner/Operator Work Permit
This permit is designed for applicants who want to start or buy their own business in Canada — a form of entrepreneurship comparable to some provincial entrepreneur programs. A 12–24 month work permit is issued so you can launch or acquire a business and personally manage it. This route requires an LMIA, and you must own more than 50% of the business you create or purchase.
What is an LMIA?
If a Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign worker, they must first prove that they made genuine efforts to fill the position with a domestic (Canadian) worker. If no qualified local candidate is found — or none meets the required prerequisites — the employer is allowed to recruit a foreign worker.
This is the point at which Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews your file to confirm you have the skills and qualifications required for the role. If ESDC's assessment is positive, they will issue a positive LMIA, which means you are eligible for that position and the employer is authorized to hire you.
Choose your work-permit category
TIA handles every major Canadian work-permit route — closed and open permits, PGWP, LMIA, IMP and ICT. Pick the category that fits your situation to see the full guide.
Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit
Work in Canada for one named employer. Usually built on a positive LMIA obtained by the employer from ESDC.
Start with an assessment →Canadian Job Offer
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer accelerates your file and adds significant points to your immigration profile.
Start with an assessment →Companion Work Visa for Student's Spouse
The spouse of an international student can join in Canada and, in most cases, receive an Open Work Permit without needing an LMIA.
Start with an assessment →Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After eligible Canadian studies of 8+ months, work full-time anywhere in Canada with an open work permit — one of the strongest routes to PR.
Start with an assessment →Work Visa for Nurses
Complete pathway for foreign-trained and Canadian-trained nurses under NOC 3012 — including NNAS, registration, licensing and the LPN route.
Start with an assessment →LMIA — Labour Market Impact Assessment
Official ESDC report confirming that hiring you will have a neutral or positive impact on Canada's labour market — the key to most closed work permits.
Start with an assessment →International Mobility Program (IMP)
Family of LMIA-exempt work permits for candidates who bring significant benefit to Canada or are covered by an international trade agreement.
Start with an assessment →Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
Open a Canadian branch of your multinational company and transfer key executives, senior managers or specialized-knowledge staff to Canada.
Start with an assessment →What's included
- Employer-Specific Work Permit (usually with LMIA)
- Open Work Permit (post-grad, spouse of student/worker, refugees)
- Owner / Operator work permit — 12–24 months to run your own business
How TIA guides your file
Initial Assessment
We review your goals, background, immigration history, and available options.
Strategy & Document Plan
You receive a clear explanation of the recommended pathway and required documents.
Application Preparation
Your forms, letters, and supporting documents are organized and reviewed carefully.
Submission & Follow-Up
We support the process after submission and help you understand updates or further requests.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an LMIA?
How long does a work permit take?
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
Ready to explore this pathway?
Book a free initial consultation and get a clear next step for your case.
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