Working in Canada: work permits, PGWP and LMIA

An employer-specific work permit lets you work only under the conditions written on it, such as the employer’s name, the job and the location. An open work permit lets you work for most employers in Canada. Open permits are only available in certain situations, for example the Post-Graduation Work Permit and some permits for spouses.

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document that an employer in Canada may need before hiring a foreign worker. Employment and Social Development Canada issues it after checking that there is a need for the worker and that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available for the job. Some work permits are exempt from the LMIA.

You must apply within 180 days of getting confirmation that you completed your program, such as a final transcript or a letter from your school. You must also have held a valid study permit at some point during those 180 days. Check IRCC’s current PGWP page for the language and field-of-study rules that apply to you.

Usually yes, if you applied to extend before your current permit expired and you stay in Canada. This is called maintained status. You can keep working under the same conditions as your old permit until IRCC makes a decision. If your permit expired before you applied, different rules apply and you should stop working.

Yes, for many people. The Canadian Experience Class in Express Entry needs at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, plus a language test. Canadian work experience also adds CRS points, and many provincial nominee programs have streams for people already working in the province.