In general, you must apply for a work permit before entering Canada. In some cases, the foreigner can present his request at the border. Due to COVID-19, we are temporarily allowing visitors to apply online for a work permit from within Canada.

An open work permit is a work permit that is not tied to a particular job. Due to the fact that it is not related to a given job, it is not necessary to obtain the following documents to apply for a work permit:

· a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada;

· Proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and has paid the Employer Compliance Fee.< /p>

In most cases, you will need to pay the open work permit holder fee at the same time as the work permit fee. Also review COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exemptions for Foreign Workers to learn how these measures may impact how you complete certain steps of the application process.

You may be eligible for an open work permit if:

· You are an international student, have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

· You are a student and are no longer able to pay the costs of your studies (poor student).

· You have a work permit linked to a specific employer and are the victim of violence or are at risk of violence in the course of your employment in Canada

· You have applied for permanent residence in Canada.

· You are a dependent family member of a person who has applied for permanent residence.

· You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or an international student.

· You are the spouse or common-law partner of a participant in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

· You are a refugee, asylum seeker, protected person or a member of their family.

· You are subject to a removal order that cannot be enforced.

· You are a holder of a temporary residence permit.

· You are a young worker participating in special programs.

In each of these situations, you must meet additional criteria to qualify.

A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker.

A positive LMIA indicates that you need to hire a foreign worker to do the job. It also indicates that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do so. A favorable LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one. Once the employer receives the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.

To apply for a work permit, a worker must have:

· a job offer letter;

· a contract;

· a copy of the LMIA;

· the LMIA number.