Requirements:

‣ Valid job offer from a Canadian Employer

• The offer must be in writing

• Specify the employer and the address

• Specify the duration of employment

• Specify the conditions of work (hours, location, etc)

• Specify wages

• Must be signed

‣ Positive or Neutral LMIA

An employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker must obtain a Positive or Neutral LMIA, which means that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian Labour Market.

• Business must be legitimate and in operation for at least past three years

• Language of the business must be English or French (the native language of the foreign worker cannot be the requirement for the job)

• Employer must advertise the position for a certain period of time to show attempts to hire Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents

• Employer must present transition plan

• Worker must demonstrate the ability to perform the job

After the graduation from the program leading to a diploma or a degree from a DLI, a graduate is eligible for a Post Graduation Work Permit. This work permit is issued only once, and it cannot be extended. Be aware that not all DLIs are eligible for PGWP!

Requirements:

• Graduation from a Canadian DLI (ESL/EL or general interest courses excluded)

• Apply within 180 days after receiving your transcripts

• Program duration no less than 8 months leading to a diploma or a degree (programs less than 8 months are not eligible for PGWP)

• Graduates from programs duration less than 2 years are eligible for an equal duration PGWP

• Program of 2 years allows for a PGWP for 3 years

This work permit is for spouses/common-law partners of international full-time students enrolled in DLIs in Canada in programs leading to a diploma or a degree.

Requirements:

• Spouses/common-law partners of student enrolled in Canadian DLIs on a full-time basis (ESL/FSL and general interest courses excluded)

• Spouse/common-law partner must pursue a course leading to a diploma or a degree

• Work permit duration for the student’s spouse equals in the duration to that of the study permit (duration of study in the DLI)

Once the student graduates and receives PGWP, spouse/common-law partner is eligible for Open Work Permit for the same duration as the principal Work permit holder

Students enrolled in the DLI in the program leading to a diploma or a degree with the co-op component must apply for a Co-Op Work Permit.

Requirements:

• Letter from the Institution stating that all students in the program are required to complete the co-op component of the program

• Co-op component cannot exceed 50% of the duration of the program

• Applicant must put DLI’s name in the Employer field of the application

This work permit is for those who applied for Permanent Residence and whose current work permit is about to expire.

Requirements:

• Applicant must live in Canada (outside Quebec)

• Applicant must have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less

• Applicant must be the principal applicant on permanent residence application

• The application for permanent residence must be submitted and must pass the completeness check

• Student unable to meet the costs of studies (destitute student)

• Worker on an employer-specific work permit who are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada

• Those who applied for permanent residence in Canada

• A dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence

• Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker

• Spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

• Refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member

• Individuals who are under an unenforceable removal order

• Temporary resident permit holders

• Young workers participating in special programs

If the current work permit is about to expire, it is important to apply for an extension. If the application is submitted on time, the worker is on the Implied Status (not out of status and can continue working until the decision on the application for extension is made).

Requirements:

• The applicant must have a valid work permit

• You must apply at least 30 days before the expiry of the current valid work permit

• Have a valid passport exceeding the duration of the work permit (work permit duration cannot exceed the validity of your passport)