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Work Permits

Need a work permit in Canada? Many employers are seeking foreign workers to help alleviate current labour shortages. There are hundreds of job opportunities available in Canada - especially in hotels, restaurants, catering, retail and trades.
Please submit your profile to enter the resume pool where Canadian employers can search for potential employees.

Eligibility to apply from outside Canada

To apply for a work permit from outside Canada, you must submit the following documents:

  • A job offer from a Canadian employer.
  • A completed application that shows that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its regulations.
  • Written confirmation from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that the employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job. This confirmation is called a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).In most cases, it is up to your employer to get written confirmation. In some cases, you do not need a LMIA.

You must also do the following:

  • Ensure a visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your work permit.
  • Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while you are in Canada.
  • Respect the law and have no criminal record. You may have to provide a police clearance certificate.
  • Show that you are not a risk to the security of Canada.
  • Be in good health. You may have to have a medical examination.
  • Have eligibility to apply as you enter Canada.

You can apply for a work permit as you enter Canada, but only if you meet the following requirements:

  • You are from the United States, Greenland or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.
  • You do not need a medical examination (or you already have a medical certificate).
  • You do not need a temporary resident visa to visit Canada and your job does not require a LMIA from ESDC.
  • You hold a LMIA from ESDC.