Work Permit

Your gateway to working legally in Canada

Work permits allow holders to work in Canada for a given period of time and in some cases, under certain conditions. Whether you need an employer-specific work permit, an open work permit, or a post-graduation work permit, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate the process successfully.

Check Your Eligibility

What is a Work Permit?

Work permits allow foreign nationals to work in Canada for a given period of time under certain conditions. There are different types of work permits available depending on your situation. Some work permits are issued for a specific type of job with an employer, while others allow you to work for any employer in a given industry or sector.

There is also the open work permit that has no conditions and allows holders to work in any job and with any employer. At SGN Canada Immigration, we provide advice to our clients regarding how to obtain work permits in Canada. We also assist Canadian employers who are looking to hire foreign workers to successfully navigate the process.

Multiple Work Permit Types

Employer-specific, open, PGWP, and BOWP options available

Employer Support

We assist both workers and Canadian employers with LMIA

Family Inclusion

Bring your spouse and dependent children with you

Types of Work Permits

Different work permit options to suit your employment situation in Canada

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Allows you to work for a specific employer in a specific location for a specific period.

Valid job offer required
LMIA or LMIA exemption needed
Specific employer and location

Open Work Permit

Allows you to work for any employer in Canada (except those listed as ineligible).

No specific employer required
For spouses of skilled workers/students
Greater job flexibility

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions.

Graduated from eligible DLI
Open work permit type
Pathway to PR through Canadian experience

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

For those awaiting permanent residence decision who have valid work permits expiring soon.

Current work permit expiring within 4 months
Active PR application in progress
Continue working while awaiting PR decision

General Eligibility Requirements

Key requirements for obtaining a work permit in Canada

Valid Job Offer

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer for employer-specific work permits.

LMIA or Exemption

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or proof of LMIA exemption for certain work permits.

Qualifications

Relevant education, training, and work experience for the position offered.

Admissibility

Meet Canadian admissibility requirements including health, security, and financial criteria.

Application Process

We guide you through every step of your work permit application

Eligibility Assessment

We evaluate your situation to determine the most appropriate work permit type and assess your eligibility.

Document Preparation

We guide you in gathering and preparing all required documents including job offer letters, LMIA, and supporting credentials.

Application Submission

We prepare and submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Biometrics & Medical

If required, we guide you through biometrics collection and medical examination processes.

Application Processing

We monitor your application status and respond to any additional requests from IRCC.

Work Permit Approval

Upon approval, we guide you through receiving your work permit and preparing for your arrival in Canada.

Benefits of a Canadian Work Permit

Ability to work legally in Canada for a specified period

Potential pathway to permanent residency through programs like CEC

Opportunity to bring spouse and dependent children

Access to Canadian healthcare and social benefits

Gain valuable Canadian work experience

Networking opportunities in your industry

Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit and where you're applying from. Employer-specific work permits typically take 2-4 months, while some LMIA-exempt work permits may be processed faster. Our team ensures your application is complete and optimized for efficient processing.

Work Permit FAQ

Common Questions We Help With

Still have questions?

Talk to our team

Yes, we assist Canadian employers through the full LMIA application process, from confirming the position is genuine and advertised correctly to preparing the supporting documentation IRCC and Service Canada require to approve a foreign worker's hire.

In almost all cases, foreign nationals need a valid work permit before starting a job in Canada. We assess your job offer, qualifications, and circumstances to determine the right permit type — employer-specific, open, PGWP, or BOWP — and prepare a complete application on your behalf.

We regularly help recent graduates apply for a PGWP, confirming your program and institution meet eligibility rules, calculating your maximum permit length, and ensuring your application is submitted before your study permit expires.

Yes — if your current work permit is expiring within four months and you have an active permanent residence application in progress, we can help you apply for a BOWP so you can keep working without a gap in your status.