Canada

Foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada.

There are 2 types of work permits.

• Employer-specific work permit
• Open work permit

Employer-specific work permit:

An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as

• the name of the specific employer you can work for
• how long you can work
• the location where you can work (if applicable)

Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you

• a copy of your employment contract
• 1 of the following:
• a copy of a labor market impact assessment (LMIA)
• an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)
• To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.

If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal

If your employer does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.

Open work permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that

• is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
• regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
• You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

Some jobs require a medical exam. If you don’t want medical conditions on your open work permit, you can get a medical exam from a panel physician.

If you want to bring your family with you Your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada.