Work in Canada
These follow the Spousal Open Work Permit model, and the spousal page itself lives in its own model doc. Each page carries the site-wide ProfessionalService and Person schema and a FAQPage schema built from its own FAQ, so the build notes here stay short. PGWP language and field rules, LMIA compliance fees, and BOWP fees all change, so reconfirm figures marked current against canada.ca at build time.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Do I need a job offer?
For a closed work permit, generally yes.
Do I need an LMIA, or is there an exemption?
It depends on the category. Many International Mobility Program streams are LMIA-exempt.
Can I switch employers on a closed permit?
Not freely. You usually need a new work permit before starting with a different employer.
What is the employer's compliance fee?
For an LMIA-exempt, employer-specific offer, the employer submits the offer through the Employer Portal and pays a $230 compliance fee before you apply.
Can my spouse work?
Only if your occupation meets the current spousal open work permit TEER rules. See that page for the detail.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Do I need a language test?
Yes, for applications since November 2024. CLB 7 for degree graduates, CLB 5 for college graduates, in all four skills.
Does my field of study matter?
Only for non-degree programs. Degree graduates can study any field.
How long will my PGWP be?
It follows your program length, up to three years. Master's graduates can get three years regardless.
Can I get a second PGWP later?
No. It is a one-time, lifetime permit.
When do I apply?
Within 180 days of your program completion letter, online.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Who can get a BOWP?
A principal PR applicant in Canada, on a valid work permit, whose eligible federal PR application is in processing.
Does an Express Entry profile qualify me?
No. You need the PR application itself submitted and accepted into processing.
How long is it valid?
Commonly up to two years, and you can apply for a second one if your PR is still pending.
Can I travel while it is pending?
Leaving Canada before a decision can end your work authorization, so plan travel carefully.
Does a provincial nomination qualify?
Usually, as long as the nomination does not tie you to a specific employer.
Business & LMIA-Exempt Work (ICT, C-10/C-11)
What is an LMIA-exempt work permit?
A work permit issued under the International Mobility Program where no LMIA is needed because the work benefits Canada.
What is an intra-company transfer?
A permit for an employee transferred into a Canadian branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, usually an executive, manager, or specialized-knowledge worker.
Can I get a work permit as a business owner?
Possibly, under C-11, if you can show the business benefits Canada and your role justifies the permit.
Does the employer still have obligations?
Yes. For an employer-specific exempt offer, the employer submits it through the Employer Portal and pays the $230 compliance fee.
Is this faster than an LMIA?
Often, because there is no LMIA step, but only if the exemption is properly justified.