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Work Permit
Foreign workers require a work permit in order to work in Canada on a temporary basis. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is designed to enable Canadian employers to hire foreign workers in response to labour shortages.
You can apply for a work permit in the following streams:
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Temporary workers
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Business people
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Students
1. Temporary Worker
In most cases, you require a work permit in Canada. However, there are some scenarios where you may not need it. Click here to find out which occupations require a work permit. There are 2 types of work permits:
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open work permits
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employer-specific work permits
Click here to view which type of work permit you can apply for.
Whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada, you must meet all of the following requirements:
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prove that you will leave Canada once your permit expires
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prove that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family
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obey the law, engage in no criminal activity, and not be a danger to Canada's security
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be in good health (a medical exam may be required)
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not work for an ineligible employer
Additional requirements must be met depending on your situation.
2. Business People
Business people can work in Canada if they qualify under the following free trade agreements:
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North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
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Other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
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General Agreement on Trade and Services (GATS)
3. Students
International students in Canada can work on or off-campus if their study permit allows. Students can only start working once their studies have begun.
3.1 Work On-Campus
In order to work on-campus without a work permit, you must:
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be a full-time post-secondary student
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have a valid study permit
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have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
3.2 Work Off-Campus
In order to work off-campus without a work permit, you must:
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have a valid study permit that allows you to work off-campus
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be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution
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have started studying
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the study program must be at least 6 months long or lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate
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have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
3.2 Co-op or Internship
In order to work as a co-op student or intern, you can apply for a work permit if:
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you have a valid study permit
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the work is required to complete your study program
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you have a letter from your school confirming that the work term is required
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the co-op or internship totals 50% or less of the study program
3.3 Work Permit for a Spouse or Common-Law Partner
A student's spouse or common-law partner can apply for an open work permit if you:
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have a valid study permit
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are a full-time student at a public post-secondary school, private college-level school, or a Canadian private school that can legally reward degrees
Get Started
Contact us today to learn about which program is right for you!
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