Work Permits
Expert guidance for foreign workers, recent graduates, and Canadian employers navigating work permit applications
Start Your Career in Canada
A Canadian work permit opens the door to professional opportunities, Canadian work experience, and often serves as a pathway to permanent residence. Whether you're a foreign national with a job offer, a recent graduate ready to launch your career, a spouse seeking to work while your partner studies or works in Canada, or an employer looking to hire international talent, we can help you navigate the work permit process.
At Fireweed Immigration, we understand that every work permit situation is unique. There are many types of work permits, each with specific requirements and processes. Our role is to help you understand which permit you need, ensure your application is complete and accurate, and guide you through to approval.
We work with both workers and employers, and we are committed to ethical practice that protects the rights and interests of foreign workers. As Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, we adhere to strict professional standards that require us to act in the best interests of our clients and ensure compliance with Canadian immigration law.
Who we Serve
We provide work permit services for:
Foreign workers with Canadian job offers seeking employer-specific work permits
International students who have graduated from Canadian institutions and want to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
Spouses and partners of Canadian workers, students, or permanent residents seeking open work permits
Workers needing work permit extensions or renewals to continue working in Canada
Individuals transitioning to permanent residence who need bridging open work permits while waiting for PR decisions
Vulnerable foreign workers seeking open work permits due to abuse or exploitation
Canadian employers looking to hire foreign workers and navigate LMIA and work permit requirements
Companies transferring employees to Canadian branches or subsidiaries
Understanding Work Permits
Which Work Permit Do You Need?
Open Work Permits
These permits allow you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions). You do not need a job offer or LMIA. Open work permits are available in specific circumstances, such as for spouses of skilled workers or students, post-graduation work permits, or for vulnerable workers.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
These permits allow you to work for a specific employer, in a specific location, and in a specific position. Most employer-specific work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
Canadian work permits fall into two main categories:
Our Work Permit Services
How we can help you
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Some work permits do not require an LMIA. Common LMIA-exempt categories include:
CUSMA/USMCA (formerly NAFTA) - for certain professionals from the US and Mexico
Intra-company transfers - transferring employees within the same company to a Canadian location
International agreements - work permits under free trade agreements (CETA, CPTPP, etc.)
Significant benefit - work that provides significant social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada
Canadian interests - reciprocal employment, charitable or religious work
Employer-Specific Work Permits (LMIA-Based)
If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may need an employer-specific work permit. In most cases, your employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
For Employers:
Advise on LMIA requirements and eligibility
Assist with LMIA applications to ESDC
Help you demonstrate recruitment efforts
Prepare supporting documentation
Guide you through compliance requirements
Support the work permit application once LMIA is approved
For Workers:
Assess your eligibility for an employer-specific work permit
Review your job offer and LMIA (if applicable)
Prepare your work permit application
Gather and organize supporting documents
Submit your application and track its progress
Respond to any additional requests from IRCC
We can help:
Determine if you qualify for an LMIA exemption
Prepare applications under the appropriate LMIA-exempt category
Demonstrate how you meet the specific requirements
Navigate complex LMIA-exempt streams
Spousal and Partner Open Work Permits
If your spouse or common-law partner is a skilled worker, international student, or permanent resident of Canada, you may be eligible for an open work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
If you've completed a program of study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI), you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This open work permit allows you to gain valuable Canadian work experience and is often a stepping stone to permanent residence.
We can help you:
Assess your PGWP eligibility based on your program and institution
Navigate the specific timing requirements (apply within 180 days of graduation)
Prepare your PGWP application accurately
Maximize the duration of your work permit based on program length
Understand how PGWP work experience can lead to permanent residence
PGWP is time-sensitive. Contact us as soon as you graduate or receive notification of program completion.
Eligibility:
Spouse/partner of a skilled worker in Canada (NOC 0, A, or B occupation)
Spouse/partner of an international student in a graduate-level program or certain other programs
Spouse/partner of a permanent residence applicant (inland sponsorship)
We help you:
Assess your eligibility for a spousal/partner open work permit
Prepare your application and supporting documents
Demonstrate your relationship and your partner's status in Canada
Ensure you can work legally while your partner studies or works
Work Permit Extensions & Renewals
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Bridging Open Work Permits
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LMIA Applications (For Employers)
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Vulnerable Open Work Permits
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Eligibility: General Work Permit Requirements
While requirements vary by work permit type, most applicants must:
Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (for employer-specific permits) or meet the criteria for an open work permit
Demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires (unless applying for PR)
Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family
Be admissible to Canada (no serious criminal record, pass medical exam if required)
Meet any additional requirements specific to your work permit category
We can assess your specific eligibility and help you understand what you need to provide.
Common Work Permit Challenges
We can handle challenging work permit cases, including:
Prior work permit refusals
Out-of-status situations (you lost legal status and need to restore it)
Changes in employment or employer
Transitioning between work permit types
LMIA appeals or reconsiderations
Work permits for occupations with additional requirements (regulated professions, etc.)
Dual intent (wanting to work temporarily while also applying for PR)
We Can Handle Complex Situations
If your situation is complicated, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to find solutions.
MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS
Staying Legal While You Work in Canada
Maintain Valid Status: Your work permit has an expiry date. You must apply for an extension before it expires or leave Canada. If you continue working after your permit expires without authorization, you are working illegally.
Implied Status: If you apply for an extension before your work permit expires, you have "implied status" - you can legally remain in Canada and continue working under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.
Apply Early: Processing times vary. Apply for extensions 3-4 months before your permit expires to avoid stress and potential gaps in your work authorization.
We help you stay on top of deadlines and maintain legal status throughout your time in Canada.
FAQs
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
It depends on the type of work permit. Employer-specific work permits require a job offer. Open work permits (such as PGWP, spousal open work permits, or vulnerable worker permits) do not require a job offer.
Can I change employers on a work permit?
If you have an employer-specific work permit, you can only work for the employer named on your permit. To change employers, you generally need to apply for a new work permit. If you have an open work permit, you can work for any employer (with some exceptions).
What exactly is an LMIA and do I need one?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that shows hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market. Most employer-specific work permits require an LMIA, but some are LMIA-exempt. We can help you determine if you need one.
How long does a work permit application take?
Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit and where you're applying from. Times range from a few weeks to several months. We provide current processing time estimates and track your application.
Can my spouse work if I have a work permit?
It depends. If you are a skilled worker (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) with a valid work permit, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. We can assess your spouse's eligibility.
What is a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)?
A PGWP is an open work permit available to international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian programs. The length of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program (up to 3 years). You must apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion.
You may be eligible for an open work permit for vulnerable workers, which allows you to leave an abusive employer and work elsewhere. Contact us immediately. Your safety and rights are our priority, and we can help you confidentially.
I'm experiencing abuse from my employer. What can I do?
Yes. Many work permit holders apply for permanent residence while working in Canada. Having a valid work permit and Canadian work experience can strengthen your PR application and may make you eligible for specific PR programs.
Can I apply for permanent residence while on a work permit?
We review the refusal reasons carefully and discuss your options, which may include reapplying with additional documentation, appealing (in some cases), or exploring alternative pathways. Not all refusals are final.
What happens if my work permit application is refused?
Ready to Work in Canada?
Whether you're a foreign worker with a job offer, a recent graduate, a spouse seeking work authorization, or an employer looking to hire international talent, we're here to guide you through the work permit process.
info@fireweedimmigration.ca