There are two main Categories of Work Permits in Canada

-No Permit Required (Work Permit Exemption)

-Work Permit Required

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1. No Permit Required (Work Permit Exemption - IRPR 186 and IRPR 187)

According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), the following scenarios allow individuals to legally work in Canada without obtaining a work permit:

• IRPR 186 and IRPR 187 detail exemptions applicable to specific short-term or agreement-based work situations.

• Eligibility depends on the individual's qualifications and the nature of the work.

 

2. Work Permit Required (IRPR 197)

Work permits are further categorized into two types:

• LMIA-Exempt (Labour Market Impact Assessment Exemption): The employer does not need to apply for an LMIA to support the work permit application.

• LMIA Required: The employer must provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) as part of the application.

 

(1) LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Categories

The following scenarios qualify for an LMIA-exempt work permit:

• IRPR 204 Free Trade Agreements (e.g., CUSMA): Covers work under international agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

• IRPR 205 Canadian Interests: Applies to work that significantly benefits Canada’s cultural, economic, or social interests.

• IRPR 206 No Other Support: For applicants in exceptional circumstances without alternative support.

• IRPR 207 In-Canada PR Applicants in Specific Programs: For individuals already in Canada with ongoing permanent residence applications.

• IRPR 208 Humanitarian Considerations: For applicants requiring work authorization for humanitarian reasons.

 

(2) LMIA-Required Work Permit Categories

For the following categories, employers must provide an LMIA as part of the work permit application:

• Global Talent Stream (GTS): A fast-track program for high-tech or innovative roles.

• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: Covers seasonal agricultural workers.

• Agricultural Stream: For non-seasonal agricultural jobs.

• High-Wage and Low-Wage Streams: Work permit pathways based on the wage level of the position.

• LMIA Supporting PR Points: Certain LMIA-supported jobs can add points in the Express Entry system.

• Caregiver Streams: Designed for applicants working as caregivers.

• Academics, Physicians, Skilled Professionals, and Nurses: For roles in healthcare, research, or academic positions.

 

For further guidance or to assess your eligibility for a work permit, feel free to contact a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) Howard.