A foreign individual (i.e., one who is not a Canadian permanent resident or citizen) who intends to work in Canada is typically required to possess a work permit or other authorization to legally do so. Such authorization may come in various forms, and often requires advance approval prior to being eligible to enter Canada for work. Significant complexity may surround the process of securing the proper authorization to work in Canada.
- International Treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);
- Situations in which there is evidence of a significant benefit to Canada, including intra-company transfers, spousal programs, and other circumstances in which there is a social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada; and
- Human Resources and Skills Development Canada confirmed offers of employment (also known as Service Canada Labour Market Opinions).
Obtaining a work permit is often a first step towards eventual immigration to Canada. Keeping your work permit current helps to ensure that a future immigration application to Canada will be simple and straightforward and not complicated by a loss of legal residency status.
