Canadian Work Permits — Choosing the Right Stream Matters
Canada offers dozens of work permit pathways, each with different eligibility, employer requirements, and durations. Choosing the wrong stream — or filing under the wrong category — is one of the most expensive mistakes applicants make. Our RCIC team analyzes your situation, identifies the correct stream, and prepares a compliant, complete work permit application.
THE TWO MAIN TYPES
Closed vs. Open Work Permits
All Canadian work permits fall into one of two broad categories: closed (employer-specific) or open. Within each, there are multiple sub-streams — and which stream you qualify for depends on your status, your employer, and the nature of the work.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
A closed work permit ties you to a specific Canadian employer, job, and (usually) location. To get one, your employer typically needs an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — though some closed permits are LMIA-exempt under IRPA international agreements.
~Tied to one employer, one job, one location
~Usually requires LMIA (TFWP) or LMIA-exemption (IMP)
~Can lead to PR via Express Entry CRS boost
~Most common for employer-driven Canadian immigration
Open Work Permit
An open work permit lets you work for nearly any Canadian employer, in nearly any role. Open permits are reserved for specific situations: post-graduation, spouses of skilled workers/students, bridging applicants, and a few humanitarian categories.
~Work for any eligible Canadian employer
~Not employer-specific, not tied to one job
~Includes PGWP, Spousal OWP, and Bridging OWP
~No LMIA required
ALL STREAMS
Work Permits We Handle
Below is a complete view of the work permit streams our team handles. Each links to a dedicated page with eligibility, documents, and process details.
LMIA (Closed / Employer-Specific)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is the path most employers take to hire a foreign worker. Our team handles the LMIA application on the employer side and the resulting work permit on the worker side. View LMIA details →
Post-Graduation Work Permit (Open)
For graduates of eligible Canadian post-secondary programs. Lasts up to 3 years and is the foundation of most international students' pathway to PR. View PGWP details →
Spousal Work Permit (Open)
For spouses of skilled foreign workers and certain international students. Allows the spouse to work for any Canadian employer while their partner is in Canada. View Spousal WP details →
Bridging Open Work Permit
For permanent residence applicants whose work permit is about to expire while their PR application is in process. Bridges the gap so you can keep working. View Bridging WP details →
International Mobility Program (LMIA-Exempt)
Includes CUSMA professionals, intra-company transferees, French Mobility, and others. Allows employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA, under reciprocal trade and immigration agreements.
Global Talent Stream (LMIA-Streamlined)
A 2-week processing service for high-skilled tech and STEM occupations, designed to help Canadian employers compete globally for top talent.