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Work visas
Work in Canada
Learn about the types of visas you need to work in Canada. FutureCan consultants will help you by understanding your scenario and adapting the steps based on your objective.
Types of visa
WORK VISA (W-1)
The W-1 Work Visa is an official permit that allows foreign workers to enter Canada with the status of worker. After obtaining this visa, the worker must have their Work Permit issued at the airport or at the land border (Port of Entry).
There are two main categories of work permit under the W-1 visa. The first is the Open Work Permit, which gives the holder the freedom to work for any employer in Canada. The second is the Employer-Specific Work Permit, which is tied to a specific employer.
Both options provide opportunities for international workers to contribute to the Canadian economy, while enjoying the rich culture and quality of life that Canada has to offer.
OPEN WORK PERMIT (OWP)
The Open Work Permit (OWP) is a document issued within Canada that grants certain foreigners the freedom to work for any employer in the country. This permit opens doors to a wide range of job opportunities in various industries.
To be eligible for the OWP, you must be the spouse of an international student enrolled full-time at a Canadian college or university, and your spouse's program must entitle you to apply for a PGWP. Alternatively, you may also be eligible if you are the spouse of a person who has worker status with a job offer.
The OWP is an excellent and flexible way for foreigners to enter the Canadian labor market, allowing them to contribute to and benefit from the country's vibrant economy.
WORK DURING YOUR STUDIES
For individuals who don't fit the eligibility criteria for other types of work visas, enrolling in college can be one of the most affordable ways to obtain permission to work legally in Canada. The Study Permit offers a valuable opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain work experience during their studies.
Through the Study Permit, students are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week. The length of validity of this visa is directly linked to the period of study. This approach allows international students to gain valuable practical experience while benefiting from a high-quality education in Canada.
Co-Op Work Permit (SW-1)
The Co-Op Work Permit (SW-1) is intended for students applying for a study visa for undergraduate or graduate programs that include a compulsory internship (Internship/Co-op) as a component of the course.
When applying for this type of visa, the student will receive the SW-1 visa. Upon arrival in Canada, the Co-op Work Permit will be issued. This ensures that the international student can fulfill all the practical requirements of their academic program, providing valuable experience in the Canadian job market.
POSTGRADUATE WORK PERMIT (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a type of permit that allows international students who have graduated from specific higher education institutions in Canada to stay and work in the country for any employer. The work period can vary from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the case, after completing their studies.
The PGWP is an opportunity for recent graduates to continue building their career in Canada, gaining experience in the job market and contributing to the local economy.
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN CANADA - IEC
The International Youth Experience in Canada (IEC) program offers young people aged 18 to 35 from specific countries that have an agreement with Canada the unique chance to travel and work in the country. This program covers several categories, including Young Professionals, Working Holiday Visa and International Co-op.
Currently, Brazil is not included in the list of countries participating in this agreement. However, if you have a second citizenship from one of the partner countries, such as Portugal or Italy, you may be eligible for this work permit. The IEC represents an opportunity for the younger generation to explore Canada while gaining valuable international work experience.
BOWP - BRIDGING OPEN WORK PERMIT
The BOWP is a type of work permit that allows applicants for permanent residence to work for any employer in Canada while waiting for the process to be completed and for their permanent residence document (CO-PR) to be issued.
To qualify, you must have received the Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) document confirming your application for permanent residence. Be aware that in this case the spouse is not entitled to the BOWP. The main applicant must have a job offer that falls under the NOC 0, A or B codes. This ensures that the skills and competencies of foreign workers are effectively used in the Canadian economy during the waiting period for permanent residence status.
PERMIT FOR SHORT-TERM PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES (WX-1)
The WX-1 is a special type of permit for professionals who wish to carry out a specific activity in Canada for a short period of time. This permit is suitable for individuals such as speakers, singers, performing artists, among others, who temporarily need to be in the country to exercise their profession or talent. With the WX-1, professionals gain the freedom to express and share their skills and knowledge on Canadian soil, enriching the country's cultural and professional diversity.
PERMISSION FOR RELIGIOUS WORK
The Religious Work Permit is an authorization granted to foreigners whose purpose of work in Canada is directly related to activities of a religious nature. This permit is suitable for individuals whose duties involve participating in, propagating or teaching specific beliefs within the religious community where they will be working. Generally, the employers who apply for this permit are religious institutions established locally in Canada, looking for employees who have specific skills or knowledge within their religious creed or dogma. Thus, the Religious Work Permit is a way of ensuring that the diversity of religious beliefs and practices is respected and promoted in Canada.
CAREGIVER - TEMPORARY WORKER
The Caregiver Temporary Worker visa is aimed at foreign caregivers who have a job offer in occupations classified under NOC 44100 (In-Home Child Care Provider) or NOC 44101 (In-Home Support Worker). This visa is ideal if you don't meet the requirements to apply directly for permanent residence as a caregiver, but want to gain experience in the Canadian job market.
SOWP - SPOUSE OPEN WORK PERMIT
The Spousal Extended Work Permit (SOWP) is a type of permit that allows a person to work for any employer in Canada. Generally, your spouse or family member is eligible for a work permit, allowing them to work full-time while you study or work.
SPECIFIC WORK PERMIT FOR AN EMPLOYER
This category of permit allows you to work for a specific employer who has an approved Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a provincial nomination. It is important to emphasize that, in this circumstance, your employment relationship will be strictly linked to this employer.
If you change jobs, you will need to apply for another work permit immediately. This ensures that you remain in compliance with Canadian immigration laws, protecting both your legal status in the country and your rights as a worker.
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Clarification of specific doubts about your profile and process;
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Express Entry points simulation;
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Strategy for approvals of temporary applications inside and outside Canada;
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Silver
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Clarification of specific doubts about your profile and process;
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Express Entry points simulation;
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Strategy for approvals of temporary applications inside and outside Canada;
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Immigration profile analysis for federal and provincial processes;
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Immigration profile analysis for family sponsorship processes;
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NOC search;
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Reapplication strategy after denied application;
up to 40 minutes + email
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Gold
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Clarification of specific doubts about your profile and process;
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Express Entry points simulation;
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Strategy for approvals of temporary applications inside and outside Canada;
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Immigration profile analysis for federal and provincial processes;
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Immigration profile analysis for family sponsorship processes;
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NOC search;
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Reapplication strategy after denied application;
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Direct e-mail with the consultant for up to 7 calendar days after the consultation, to clarify any specific doubts.
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Answering questions about filling in the forms;
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Clarification of doubts about the organization of documentation;
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Clarification of doubts about the documents that need to be sent;
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Clarification of doubts about sworn translations;
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Direct e-mail with the consultant for up to 7 calendar days after the consultation, to clarify any specific doubts.
up to 50 minutes
Consultation
Business
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Consultation aimed at candidates who would like to start an innovative company in Canada through Startup Visa.
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Analysis of company information to ascertain the possibility of a successful Startup Visa application for applicants outside Canada;
FAQ
Yes, with this document, you have the freedom to work for different employers in different locations across Canada.
The Employer-Specific Work Permit is assigned to a specific employer, identified during the LMIA process or exempt from an LMIA. Therefore, it is not permitted to work for an employer other than the one indicated in this document.
The duration of the PGWP is determined by the length of your study program, ranging from a minimum of 8 months to a maximum of 3 years. For example, if you complete a one-year course, you can apply for a one-year PGWP. For programs of 2 years or more, a 3-year PGWP can be requested.
Applications for visas or work permits do not require financial proof. However, if a member of your family is applying for a Visitor Record or Study Permit, it is advisable to provide this proof, as such applications often require it.
If you are applying for a visa or work permit for childcare, primary or secondary education or healthcare positions, you will need to include a medical examination to avoid restrictions on your work permit.
For those applying from abroad, the medical exam is mandatory for stays of more than 6 months. For internal applications, currently only work permits for Child Care, Caregiver and other health areas require the Medical Exam, even if the applicant is in Canada.
