Canada is a great destination for people who are interested in working abroad, and the country is always looking for skilled foreign workers to help fill the gaps in its labour market. To be eligible to work in Canada, you need to apply for a work visa, but first, you need to determine which type of work visa is best for you.

There are two types of work permits available: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. With an employer-specific work permit, you can only work for the employer listed on the document. In contrast, an open work permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer, which makes it an excellent option for those who have entered Canada through the Express Entry process. However, if you apply through one of the Provincial Nominee Programs, you will need an employer-specific work permit because you are only allowed to work for a specific company in a particular province or territory.

The International Experience Class (IEC) and the International Mobility Program are two well-known open work permit programs. You do not need to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when requesting an open work permit in Canada. The employer-specific work permit has several streams available, and the type of employment offer accepted determines the candidate’s best course of action. For this work permit, an LMIA is required.

The Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is a permit created to allow international students to work in Canada for up to three years after obtaining a tertiary credential, such as a degree, diploma, or certificate, from a relevant Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Early application is critical because the PGWP’s processing time ranges from 80 to 180 days.

The Program for Temporary Foreign Workers is a program that benefits many Canadian businesses that need to fill positions that citizens or permanent residents cannot. For most occupations, companies are required to obtain an LMIA when they hire a foreign national.

The Home Support Pilot is a program that allows Canadian families to hire foreign nationals to care for elderly, children, or people with disabilities in private residences when Canadians and permanent residents are not available. The caregiver can live with the employer if they wish.

Before applying for a work visa, it’s essential to check your eligibility. Each program has specific requirements for participation, and you must have an employment offer from a Canadian employer to be eligible for a Canadian work permit. If you want to apply for an employer-specific work visa, you need an LMIA from your Canadian employer. If you need one, include a copy of your work permit application once it has been approved. However, if you are requesting an open work visa, there is no requirement to do this.

Finally, when you have determined which work permit program to apply for and have met all the requirements, you can apply for the right work visa. It’s best to apply online, as it saves you money on courier fees and ensures that your application is submitted on time. If you need help navigating the immigration processes, you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer. Once you have your work permit, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.