Canada Work Permit
OVERVIEW OF THE CANADIAN WORK PERMIT
Canada is a prime destination for many individuals seeking employment opportunities due to its strong and diverse economy, high workplace standards, and welcoming attitude to immigrants. Anyone wishing to work needs the right permit, and some foreign nationals are eligible for the work permit.
The Canadian work permit allows temporary foreign workers, business people, students (co-op work permit for a co-op program), agricultural workers, and caregivers in the live-in caregiver program for children and those with high medical needs to work in Canada.
With a valid status, you can partake in activities that you:
- Are paid to do with money or commission
- Are not paid to do but:
- is a job you will usually be paid for or
- counts as a valuable work experience as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
HOW TO GET PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR) IN CANADA ON A WORK PERMIT
It may be possible for you to obtain PR depending on the type of work permit or foreign skilled worker program you apply for.
This route is typically not available to temporary foreign workers, who have permission to stay in Canada for a time-limited period. Previously, there was the TR to PR pathway which most people with a work permit used to obtain permanent residence but that closed in 2021.
Now, if you are on a work permit, you’d typically have to apply for an immigration program like the Canadian Experience Class to obtain PR. This page outlines the type of main four Canadian immigration programs that lead to permanent residency in Canada.
Note that submitting a permanent residence application via a work permit is not the only route available. You may be able to apply under the Family Sponsorship, Self-Employed Persons Program, or other routes (e.g., Canadian Family Visas).