Open Work Permit
Work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a job offer or LMIA.
- Spousal open work permits
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Bridging open work permit
Work in Canada
Licensed consultants guiding workers and employers through every step of the work permit process.
Expert Guidance, Strong Results.
Larissa Castelluber, RCIC has helped professionals and families secure Canadian work authorization. Your application is built with precision to maximize your chances of approval.
Types of Work Permits
Understand the main pathways to legally work in Canada.
Closed Work Permit
Employer-specific permit that requires a valid job offer and LMIA approval.
- Tied to one employer & role
- Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Renewal tied to same employer
LMIA-Exempt
Employer-specific, using an exemption under the International Mobility Program.
- Intra-company transfers (ICT)
- Trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA)
- Francophone mobility
Why Choose Us for Your Work Permit?
Clear Requirements
We translate IRCC rules into simple steps. You see exactly what applies to your case and what documents to prepare.
LMIA Guidance
We coordinate with your employer, align job duties to the correct NOC, and guide LMIA or exemption pathways.
Compliance
From forms to submission to post-submission requests, we keep everything compliant and keep you informed.
The Work Permit Process
We guide you end-to-end so your application is complete and consistent.
1
Eligibility & Strategy
We confirm your category and outline the best path: employer-specific or open permit.
2
Job Offer & Employer
We align job duties with NOC and ensure employer compliance requirements are met.
3
LMIA or Exemption
We handle LMIA steps when required, or apply the correct exemption code when eligible.
4
Documents
Checklists tailored to your case: forms, proofs, translations and supporting evidence.
5
Review & Submit
Legal review to ensure consistency. We build your file and submit to IRCC.
6
Support
We track biometrics, portal messages and any requests until a final decision.
Work Permit Categories: What You Need to Know
Choosing the wrong category is one of the most common mistakes in work permit applications. Understanding the difference between LMIA-based and LMIA-exempt streams can save months of processing time and thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is an open work permit available to graduates of eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It allows full-time work for any employer. Duration matches the length of the program completed (up to 3 years for programs of 2+ years). The PGWP is a one-time document — once it expires, you cannot get another. It is the most common path from study permit to Canadian work experience for permanent residence.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The BOWP is available to workers who have applied for permanent residence and whose current work permit is about to expire. It bridges the gap between the expiry of a closed work permit and a PR decision. To qualify, you must have submitted a PR application under an eligible category (Express Entry, PNP) and meet the minimum stage requirements. Without a BOWP, a worker would need to stop working while waiting for a PR decision.
Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)
If you are an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker being transferred to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of your current employer, you may qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the ICT category. The company must demonstrate the corporate relationship and your role within it. ICT permits are employer-specific but bypass the lengthy LMIA process.
CUSMA / USMCA (Trade Agreements)
Citizens of the United States and Mexico can benefit from streamlined work permit processing under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Over 60 professional categories qualify, including engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, and more. The work permit is employer-specific and LMIA-exempt, with much faster processing than standard closed work permits.
LMIA-Based Closed Work Permit
When no exemption applies, an employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker. The LMIA confirms that no qualified Canadian worker is available for the position. The process involves advertising the job, reviewing Canadian applications, and paying an LMIA application fee. Once approved, the foreign worker uses the LMIA number to apply for a work permit.
Significant Benefit / LMIA-Exempt (IMP)
The International Mobility Program (IMP) covers a broad range of LMIA-exempt work situations where hiring the foreign worker benefits Canada in other ways — cultural, artistic, competitive, or reciprocal. Categories include working holiday participants (IEC), performers, athletes, religious workers, and more. Instead of an LMIA, employers submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee.
Applying from Inside vs. Outside Canada
Applying from Outside Canada
Most work permit applications are submitted online from outside Canada. Once approved, the officer at the port of entry issues the physical work permit document. Processing times vary by country and category. Applicants may need to attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) before or after submission.
Applying from Inside Canada
If you are already in Canada on a valid status (visitor, student, or worker), you may be able to apply for a new or extended work permit from within Canada. In some cases, you can start working immediately after submitting a complete renewal application — this is called "maintained status" or "implied status." Consult a RCIC to confirm whether your situation qualifies.
Port of Entry (POE) Processing
Some LMIA-exempt categories, particularly under CUSMA or IEC, allow applicants to apply for a work permit directly at the border or airport. This is called port of entry processing. The applicant must carry all supporting documents and meet the officer's requirements. If refused, the applicant cannot enter Canada — so proper preparation is essential.
How we can help
Before
- Confusing categories
- LMIA or exemption unclear
- Employer unsure of steps
- Time-consuming back-and-forth
- Risky assumptions
After
- Clear pathway and timing
- LMIA or exemption handled
- Employer guided and compliant
- Organized documents
- Confident submission
Complex case?
Book a consultation.
Work Permit Testimonials
Victor Garcia
★★★★★
My employer and I felt supported from day one. They handled the LMIA and my permit was approved quickly.
Daniel Ortiz
★★★★★
They aligned my job duties with the right NOC and explained every step. Smooth from start to finish.
Emma Garcia
★★★★★
Clear checklists and fast responses. I always knew what was happening with my file.
FAQ
What types of work permits exist?
There are employer-specific permits and open work permits. We help you identify the correct category for your case.
Do I always need an LMIA?
No. Some categories are LMIA-exempt (e.g., intra-company transferees, certain trade agreements, spouses in specific cases). We verify eligibility.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary by country and category. We set expectations based on current trends and keep you updated.
Can my spouse work?
Spouses may qualify for an open work permit depending on your program and location. We confirm details for your situation.
Can I extend my work permit or change employers?
In many cases yes. We review your status and plan the right steps to keep you compliant.
Have a Question?
If you don’t see your question in the FAQ, send it here and we’ll answer you shortly.
Additional Services
Comprehensive immigration solutions for every situation
Family Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, children, parents or grandparents
Learn MoreLMIA Services
Labour Market Impact Assessment for employers
Learn MoreHumanitarian & Compassionate
H&C applications for exceptional circumstances
Learn More