An Open Work Permit in Canada is a type of work permit that allows a foreign national to work for any Canadian employer, without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer from a specific employer. It is also called an unrestricted work permit, as it allows the holder to work in any job or industry in Canada, with some exceptions.
Open Work Permits are typically issued to certain groups of people, such as:
Open Work Permits have various validity periods, depending on the circumstances of the applicant. For example, a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may be issued an open work permit that is valid for the same period as the sponsor's status in Canada. An international student may be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit that is valid for up to three years, depending on the length of their program of study.
Overall, Open Work Permits provide greater flexibility and opportunity for foreign nationals who want to work in Canada, as they do not require a specific job offer or employer.
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In Canada, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by the government that assesses the impact that a foreign worker would have on the Canadian labour market. An LMIA is generally required for employers who want to hire foreign workers.
The LMIA process is designed to protect the Canadian labour market by ensuring that Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority for available jobs. Employers must demonstrate that they have made reasonable efforts to find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the position before seeking to hire a foreign worker.Once an employer has received a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can use this document to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It's important to note that the process for obtaining an LMIA-based work permit can be complex and time-consuming, and there are various factors that can affect the outcome of the application. It's also worth noting that certain categories of workers, such as international students and workers participating in international agreements such as the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), may be exempt from the LMIA requirement. It's always a good idea to consult with an immigration professional or lawyer for guidance on the process and that’s where the Arise Team comes in for you. We can help you navigate this process with the reassurance that we have strong experience and success stories with this program! Lets discuss your case together and we will let our expertise and experience in this subject matter speak for itself.
The process for obtaining an LMIA-based work permit in Canada typically involves the following steps:
The Canadian employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker must first apply to the government for an LMIA. This involves submitting various documents and demonstrating that the job offer meets certain criteria, such as offering wages and working conditions that are comparable to those offered to Canadian workers in similar occupations.
Once the employer has submitted the application, the government will assess it to determine whether the job offer is genuine and whether there are any Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are available to perform the job.
If the government approves the LMIA application, it will issue a positive LMIA. If the application is denied, the employer will be notified of the reasons why.
With a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This involves submitting various documents, including the LMIA and proof of qualifications and work experience.
If the application is approved, the foreign worker will be issued a work permit that is valid for the length of the job offer or contract, up to a maximum of two years.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of Canada's economic immigration programs, designed to attract skilled workers from around the world to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Under the FSWP, eligible candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the program, which include having at least one year of skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A or B occupation, as well as meeting the minimum language requirements in either English or French.
In addition, candidates must score a minimum of 67 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assesses a range of factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates who score the highest on the CRS are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for Canadian permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool.
Once an ITA is received, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application will be reviewed to ensure that all requirements have been met, and if approved, the applicant will receive confirmation of permanent residence and be able to move to Canada.
Overall, the FSWP is a highly competitive program, however it can provide a fast and efficient pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada. To help you understand the timelines of the process, we welcome you to book a meeting with!
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program is designed to allow international students who have completed a post-secondary educational program at a designated Canadian institution to remain in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must have completed a full-time program at a designated Canadian institution that is at least eight months in duration and leads to a diploma, degree, or certificate. The program must also be publicly funded, or at a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.
The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the program completed, with a minimum duration of eight months and a maximum duration of three years. The PGWP is an open work permit, which means that it allows international graduates to work for any Canadian employer, in any occupation, anywhere in Canada.
The PGWP is a popular pathway for international graduates to gain Canadian work experience and potentially qualify for permanent residence through Canadian immigration programs such as the Express Entry system or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
It is important to note that in order to be eligible for a PGWP, international students must apply within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of completing their program requirements and graduation. If you have any questions…we are here to help! Click here to schedule a consultation with our team of experts
The Caregiver Program is an immigration program designed to help Canadian families hire foreign workers to provide in-home care for children, the elderly, or people with disabilities. There are two streams under the Caregiver Program: the Caring for Children Program and the Caring for People with High Medical Needs Program.
To be eligible for the Caregiver Program, applicants must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet certain language and education requirements. They must also have at least two years of full-time work experience as a caregiver, either in Canada or abroad.
Under the program, caregivers initially receive a temporary work permit, allowing them to work in Canada for up to two years. After completing 24 months of eligible work, caregivers can apply for permanent residence through the Caregiver Program.
In June 2019, the Caregiver Program underwent changes, including the elimination of the previous "live-in" requirement, which previously required caregivers to live in the home of their employer. Now, caregivers have the option to live outside the employer's home if they choose to do so. The changes also introduced two new occupation-specific work permits for home child care providers and home support workers, which allow them to change employers if necessary.
The Caregiver Program provides an opportunity for foreign workers to gain valuable Canadian work experience and potentially obtain permanent residence in Canada. It also offers Canadian families access to much-needed in-home care services.
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