What types of work permits are available in Canada?

Canada offers several types of work permits, including employer-specific (LMIA-based) work permits and open work permits. Employer-specific permits restrict you to one employer and role, while open work permits allow you to work for most employers in Canada. Eligibility depends on factors such as your job offer, occupation, education, and immigration status.

Do I need an LMIA to apply for a Canadian work permit?

Not always. Many work permits require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), but others are LMIA-exempt under programs such as the International Mobility Program (IMP), international trade agreements, intra-company transfers, Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), and spousal or dependent open work permits. Determining whether an LMIA is required is a critical step in the application process.

Can my spouse or partner work in Canada if I have a work permit?

In some cases, yes. Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers, international students, or permanent residence applicants may be eligible for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on factors such as the principal applicant’s occupation, permit validity, and immigration pathway. Dependent children are generally not eligible for open work permits.

What is a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)?

A Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to gain Canadian work experience. PGWPs are not job-specific and can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the completed study program.

Can I work while waiting for my work permit application to be processed?

In some situations, yes. Certain applicants — including PGWP applicants and individuals applying to extend or change their work permit from inside Canada — may be allowed to work while their application is being processed, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. Working without authorization can lead to serious immigration consequences.

Do I need a lawyer to apply for a Canadian work permit?

While a lawyer is not required, work permit applications are often refused due to incorrect classifications, missing documents, or misunderstandings about LMIA requirements and exemptions. A work permit lawyer can help assess eligibility, select the correct application pathway, and reduce the risk of delays, refusals, or status issues — especially for employers and applicants with complex circumstances.

What happens if my work permit application is refused?

A refusal does not always mean the end of your options. Depending on the reason for refusal, you may be able to reapply, request reconsideration, restore status, or pursue an alternative work permit or permanent residence pathway. Early legal advice is critical in these situations.

Work Permit Lawyer in Canada

At Ayodele Law, we help employers and foreign workers apply for, extend, or change Canadian work permits. Get clear legal guidance from a work permit lawyer near you.

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Navigate the Canadian Work Permit Process with Ayodele Law

Securing a Canadian work permit is often the first and most critical step toward working — and eventually settling — in Canada. Whether you are a foreign worker, international graduate, or Canadian employer, work permit applications involve strict eligibility rules, employer compliance requirements, and careful legal classification. At Ayodele Law, we help foreign workers and employers apply for, extend, and change Canadian work permits with clear, experienced legal guidance from a work permit lawyer near you, serving clients across Toronto and Canada.

Understanding Canadian Work Permits

A Canadian work permit is authorization issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific period of time. Some work permits are tied to a specific employer, while others allow greater flexibility.

Choosing the wrong work permit type, misunderstanding LMIA requirements, or applying from the wrong location can result in refusals, delays, or loss of legal status.

  
        Work Permit Type
      
        Who It’s For & Key Eligibility Considerations
      
        LMIA-Based Work Permit
      
        Employer-specific work permit for foreign workers with a valid job offer supported by a 
        positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eligibility depends on 
        employer compliance, recruitment efforts, prevailing wage requirements, and the genuineness 
        of the job offer.
      
        LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
      
        Issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) where hiring a foreign 
        worker serves Canada’s economic, social, or cultural interests. Eligibility may depend on 
        trade agreements, significant benefit exemptions, or public policy considerations.
      
        Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
      
        Open work permit for eligible international graduates of Canadian designated learning 
        institutions. Eligibility depends on program length, full-time study compliance, DLI status, 
        and applying within strict timelines after program completion.
      
        Dependent / Spousal Open Work Permit
      
        Open work permit available to spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers, 
        international students, or permanent residence applicants. Eligibility depends on the 
        principal applicant’s permit type, occupation, and remaining permit validity.
      
        Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
      
        Allows eligible permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while awaiting 
        a final decision on their PR application. Eligibility depends on having a valid PR file under 
        an approved economic immigration program.
      
        Co-op Work Permit
      
        Required for international students whose academic program includes a mandatory work 
        placement or internship. Eligibility depends on program requirements and confirmation from 
        the designated learning institution.
      
        Work Permit Extension
      
        For foreign workers seeking to extend or change conditions on an existing work permit. 
        Eligibility depends on continued employment, maintained status, and compliance with 
        original permit conditions.
      
        Status Restoration (Work Permit)
      
        Available to individuals who have lost temporary resident status and are applying within 
        the 90-day restoration period. Eligibility depends on the reason for status loss and the 
        ability to meet current work permit requirements.

Work Permit Type	Who It’s For & Key Eligibility Considerations
LMIA-Based Work Permit	Employer-specific work permit for foreign workers with a valid job offer supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Eligibility depends on employer compliance, recruitment efforts, prevailing wage requirements, and the genuineness of the job offer.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit	Issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) where hiring a foreign worker serves Canada’s economic, social, or cultural interests. Eligibility may depend on trade agreements, significant benefit exemptions, or public policy considerations.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)	Open work permit for eligible international graduates of Canadian designated learning institutions. Eligibility depends on program length, full-time study compliance, DLI status, and applying within strict timelines after program completion.
Dependent / Spousal Open Work Permit	Open work permit available to spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers, international students, or permanent residence applicants. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s permit type, occupation, and remaining permit validity.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)	Allows eligible permanent residence applicants to continue working in Canada while awaiting a final decision on their PR application. Eligibility depends on having a valid PR file under an approved economic immigration program.
Co-op Work Permit	Required for international students whose academic program includes a mandatory work placement or internship. Eligibility depends on program requirements and confirmation from the designated learning institution.
Work Permit Extension	For foreign workers seeking to extend or change conditions on an existing work permit. Eligibility depends on continued employment, maintained status, and compliance with original permit conditions.
Status Restoration (Work Permit)	Available to individuals who have lost temporary resident status and are applying within the 90-day restoration period. Eligibility depends on the reason for status loss and the ability to meet current work permit requirements.

What Type of Work Permits are in Canada?

How the Canadian Work Permit System Works

Canadian work permits are governed by multiple programs administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, in some cases, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The rules that apply depend not only on the type of work permit, but also on where you are applying from, the nature of the job offer, and your current immigration status.

Some work permits are issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and require an LMIA, while others fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and are exempt from LMIA requirements. Misunderstanding which program applies is one of the most common causes of refusals and delays.

Early legal assessment helps ensure the correct permit pathway is selected before an application is submitted.

General Work Permit Eligibility Requirements

While eligibility varies by permit type, most Canadian work permit applications require that the applicant:

Demonstrate intent to leave Canada when the permit expires
Show sufficient financial ability to support themselves
Be admissible to Canada (criminal and medical checks may apply)
Not work for an ineligible employer or in a prohibited occupation
Comply with past immigration conditions, if applicable

Additional eligibility factors may include:

Employer compliance requirements
Program-specific exemptions or public policies
Time limits on cumulative work authorization

Eligibility is assessed at the time of application, not retroactively.

Where Can You Apply for a Canadian Work Permit?

Applying From Outside Canada

You may apply from abroad if you:

Require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Need to complete a medical exam
Are applying through a Canadian visa office in your country

Applying From Inside Canada

You may apply from within Canada if you:

Hold a valid study or work permit
Are an eligible international graduate
Have submitted a permanent residence application
Are restoring or extending your status

Applying at a Port of Entry (POE)

Visa-exempt foreign nationals may apply at a port of entry in limited circumstances, provided all eligibility and documentation requirements are met.

Applying from the wrong location can result in refusal even if you are otherwise eligible.

Our Proven Work Permit Legal Process

At Ayodele Law, we provide structured, end-to-end legal support for work permit applications, extensions, and transitions to permanent residence.

  
        Step
      
        What We Do
      
        ✅ Eligibility Assessment
      
        We assess your background, immigration history, job offer, and long-term goals to 
        determine the correct Canadian work permit pathway and identify any potential risks 
        before an application is submitted.
      
        ✅ Job Offer & NOC Review
      
        We review job duties, wages, and employment terms to ensure they align with IRCC 
        requirements, including proper NOC classification and LMIA or exemption criteria.
      
        ✅ Work Permit Application
      
        We prepare and submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and 
        Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring all forms, fees, and supporting documents are 
        complete and compliant.
      
        ✅ Family & Employer Support
      
        We assist with spousal or dependent open work permits, employer compliance obligations, 
        and related applications connected to your work permit.
      
        ✅ IRCC Follow-Up & Next Steps
      
        We respond to IRCC or ESDC requests, monitor application progress, and advise on permit 
        extensions, status maintenance, or pathways to permanent residence.

Step	What We Do
✅ Eligibility Assessment	We assess your background, immigration history, job offer, and long-term goals to determine the correct Canadian work permit pathway and identify any potential risks before an application is submitted.
✅ Job Offer & NOC Review	We review job duties, wages, and employment terms to ensure they align with IRCC requirements, including proper NOC classification and LMIA or exemption criteria.
✅ Work Permit Application	We prepare and submit your work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ensuring all forms, fees, and supporting documents are complete and compliant.
✅ Family & Employer Support	We assist with spousal or dependent open work permits, employer compliance obligations, and related applications connected to your work permit.
✅ IRCC Follow-Up & Next Steps	We respond to IRCC or ESDC requests, monitor application progress, and advise on permit extensions, status maintenance, or pathways to permanent residence.

Common Work Permit Issues We Help Clients Avoid

Even strong applications can be refused due to preventable issues, including:

Applying for the wrong type of work permit
Incorrect assumptions about LMIA requirements or exemptions
Misclassified job duties or NOC codes
Missing medical, police, or biometrics requirements
Unauthorized work while waiting for a decision
Status lapses or missed extension deadlines

A refusal can affect future applications and status in Canada.

Work Permits as a Pathway to Permanent Residence

For many foreign workers, a Canadian work permit is not just about employment — it is a strategic step toward permanent residence.

Canadian work experience may support future applications under programs such as:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Caregiver pathways
Employer-supported permanent residence options

We help clients choose work permit strategies that align with long-term immigration goals, not just short-term authorization.

Why choose Ayodele Law as your work permit lawyer

Canadian work permit applications involve strict eligibility rules and evolving policies, and small mistakes—such as applying for the wrong permit type or misunderstanding LMIA requirements—can lead to refusals or loss of status. At Ayodele Law, our Toronto-based immigration law firm provides strategic, detail-focused guidance for foreign workers and employers navigating Canadian work permits, including LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt applications, open work permits, extensions, and pathways to permanent residence. Whether you’re searching for a work permit lawyer near you or need trusted legal support near me in Toronto or anywhere across Canada, we offer clear, personalized representation focused on protecting your status and long-term immigration goals.

Call 647-937-4330

From Our Clients

Tracy made the best decision for my case even though other lawyers recommended otherwise. She gave the best solution and that was indeed the best way. I got it finally and my work permit was extended. I advice you to use their services. They were patient and understanding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Humanitarian and Compassionate applications raise complex legal and personal questions. Below are answers to some of the most common concerns we hear from individuals and families considering an H&C application. If your situation is urgent or involves removal, inadmissibility, or children, it’s important to seek legal advice early.

Canada offers several types of work permits, including employer-specific (LMIA-based) work permits and open work permits. Employer-specific permits restrict you to one employer and role, while open work permits allow you to work for most employers in Canada. Eligibility depends on factors such as your job offer, occupation, education, and immigration status.
Not always. Many work permits require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), but others are LMIA-exempt under programs such as the International Mobility Program (IMP), international trade agreements, intra-company transfers, Post-Graduate Work Permits (PGWP), and spousal or dependent open work permits. Determining whether an LMIA is required is a critical step in the application process.
In some cases, yes. Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers, international students, or permanent residence applicants may be eligible for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on factors such as the principal applicant’s occupation, permit validity, and immigration pathway. Dependent children are generally not eligible for open work permits.
A Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows eligible international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to gain Canadian work experience. PGWPs are not job-specific and can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of the completed study program.
In some situations, yes. Certain applicants — including PGWP applicants and individuals applying to extend or change their work permit from inside Canada — may be allowed to work while their application is being processed, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements. Working without authorization can lead to serious immigration consequences.
While a lawyer is not required, work permit applications are often refused due to incorrect classifications, missing documents, or misunderstandings about LMIA requirements and exemptions. A work permit lawyer can help assess eligibility, select the correct application pathway, and reduce the risk of delays, refusals, or status issues — especially for employers and applicants with complex circumstances.
A refusal does not always mean the end of your options. Depending on the reason for refusal, you may be able to reapply, request reconsideration, restore status, or pursue an alternative work permit or permanent residence pathway. Early legal advice is critical in these situations.

Contact us

In person or virtual consultations available. Your case is important to us. We will get back to you within 24 hours of your submission.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 10am - 5pm
Telephone: 647-937-4330
Fax: 416-486-7747
Email: admin@ayodelelaw.ca