Work Permit

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway for skilled tradespeople to immigrate to Canada. You can apply for permanent residency if you have a trade qualification, work experience in a specific trade, and meet the language and other eligibility requirements. It’s an excellent opportunity to bring your skills to Canada and build a successful career.

It is a document that Canadian employers may need to obtain to hire foreign workers. As a worker, you cannot directly apply for an LMIA. Instead, your prospective employer must apply on your behalf. They must prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market and that no qualified Canadians are available for the job. If the LMIA is approved, you can apply for a work permit.

An Open Work Permit (OWP) allows foreigners to work in Canada in any job or occupation*. It eliminates the need for an LMIA or confirmation of employment. Eligible individuals include:

• Spouses/common-law partners being sponsored for Permanent Residence
• Spouses/common-law partners of Temporary Foreign Workers
• Spouses/common-law partners of International Student
• Recent graduates eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program International Experience Canada (IEC)

*Keep in mind that it is not possible to work with an employer who has been declared ineligible or to offer services of a sexual nature such as striptease, erotic dancing, escort services, or erotic massages.

International students can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after completing their post-secondary education in Canada. This permit functions as an Open Work Permit, granting them the freedom to work in any occupation they choose*. The application process for a Post Graduate Work Permit does not require an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or a confirmed job offer. It allows international students to explore various employment options and gain valuable work experience in Canada.

This is an option for individuals to migrate and work as caregivers, providing care to children, elderly individuals, or individuals with medical needs. This program allows caregivers to gain valuable work experience in Canada and eventually apply for permanent residency.

While the following programs are commonly chosen, other pathways are also available for international workers to build a future in Canada. At our firm, we can assist you in identifying the best program that aligns with your goals.