At GR Immigration Solutions, we guide you through the process of securing the right work permit for your situation. In Canada, there are three main categories of work permits:

Open Work Permits – Allow you to work for almost any employer in Canada without a specific job offer.

LMIA-Based Work Permits – Require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer to prove there is a need for a foreign worker.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits – Do not require an LMIA, often issued under specific international agreements or special programs.

Each category has multiple subcategories, with its own eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Where to Apply for a Work Permit:
The application process depends on your permit type:

1. Some must be submitted at a visa office overseas before traveling to Canada.
2. Others can be processed at a Canadian port of entry through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
3. Certain applications can only be made from within Canada.

With our expertise, GR Immigration Solutions ensures you choose the right work permit category, meet all eligibility requirements, and submit a strong application maximizing your chances of approval.

Open Work Permits

At GR Immigration Solutions, we help clients secure Open Work Permits one of the most flexible ways to work in Canada. This type of permit allows you to work in any occupation, in any location, and for almost any employer, without the employer needing special permission to hire you. It offers a significant advantage when job hunting, as you can apply for positions much like a Canadian citizen.

However, open work permits are only available under specific circumstances you cannot apply for one simply because you wish to work in Canada.

You may qualify for an Open Work Permit if you are:

• A spouse, common-law partner, or dependent child (18-22 years old) of a foreign worker in Canada.
• A spouse or common-law partner of an international student with a valid study permit.
• A principal applicant for certain categories of permanent residence in Canada.
• A spouse or common-law partner being sponsored for permanent residence via inland sponsorship.
• An International Experience Canada (IEC) participant, such as those on a Working Holiday Visa.
• An international graduate from a designated study program in Canada (eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit).
• A refugee claimant.

Validity Periods for Open Work Permits:

• Based on spouse’s status Matches the expiry date of the spouse’s work or study permit.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) Issued for up to 24 months for those who have applied for permanent residence from inside Canada.
• Inland spousal sponsorship open work permit Typically valid for 2 years.

With GR Immigration Solutions, you’ll get expert guidance to determine your eligibility, prepare a strong application, and secure your work permit so you can start your career in Canada with confidence.

LMIA Work Permits – Employer-Specific Opportunities in Canada

At GR Immigration Solutions, we guide both Canadian employers and foreign workers through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process a key step in hiring most types of foreign workers.

An LMIA is a formal application submitted by a Canadian employer to the Government of Canada, proving that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill a specific position. Once the application is approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA, allowing the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.

Applying for an LMIA-Based Work Permit
When you apply, you must show that:

• You meet the job requirements outlined in the employer’s LMIA application.
• You have a stable life outside Canada and intend to comply with Canadian immigration laws.

Important Details About LMIA Work Permits:

• This is an employer-specific (closed) work permit it clearly states your employer’s name, your work location, and your job title.
• You cannot change employers, locations, or job roles without obtaining a new LMIA and a new work permit.
• LMIA work permits are generally valid for 12 to 36 months, depending on the position and the LMIA approval details.

With GR Immigration Solutions, you’ll receive expert assistance in:

• Helping employers navigate LMIA requirements.
• Preparing strong work permit applications.
• Ensuring full compliance with all work permit conditions.

Whether you’re an employer seeking talent or a worker pursuing your Canadian career, we make the LMIA process smooth, compliant, and successful.

LMIA-Exempt Work Permits – Special Pathways to Work in Canada

At GR Immigration Solutions, we understand that not all Canadian work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Certain jobs, programs, and worker categories qualify for an LMIA exemption, allowing skilled professionals to work in Canada under unique arrangements.

Common LMIA-Exempt Categories Include:

• Intra-company transferees relocating within the same organization.
• Workers covered under international trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, GATS).
• Young Professionals or International Co-op participants under the IEC program.
• Provincial Nominee Program work permit holders.
• Francophone Mobility Program participants.
• Researchers and post-doctoral fellows.
• Religious workers.
• Reciprocal employment agreements where Canadians have similar opportunities abroad.
• Entrepreneurs launching a business in Canada.
• Employer Requirements
  Before applying, the Canadian employer must:
• Register with the IRCC Employer Portal.
• Submit an electronic job offer with the correct LMIA exemption code.
• Provide details explaining how the worker qualifies for the exemption.
• Once the job offer is submitted, IRCC issues a job offer number, which must be included in the worker’s application.

Worker Requirements
When applying for an LMIA-exempt work permit, you must:

• Provide proof of qualifications to perform the job.
• Demonstrate eligibility for the specific LMIA exemption claimed.

Key Details
An LMIA-exempt work permit is typically a closed work permit, meaning it will specify:

• The employer’s name.
• The authorized job.
• The location where you are permitted to work.

With GR Immigration Solutions, we ensure every step from identifying the right LMIA exemption to preparing a strong application is handled with precision and compliance.