Work Permits are required for foreign nationals who want to work during their time in Canada. Canadian Work Permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and give authorization for someone to work legally in Canada. The Work Permit is going to explain the type of work the individual named can perform, the employer(s) they can provide labour, where they are going to work and how long they are given permission to work.
FAQS
Does Ackah Law Help Find Jobs in Canada or the U.S.?
No. Ackah Law does not provide recruitment or job placement services in Canada or the U.S. Once you have a job offer or an employer prepared to support your application, the firm can assess the appropriate Canadian work permit or U.S. immigration pathway and assist with the legal process.
Do all Canadian work permits require an LMIA?
No. Some employer-specific permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment, while others are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program or a free trade agreement. Open work permits also do not require an LMIA. Ackah Law can assess the position, applicant and employer to identify the appropriate work permit category.
What is the International Mobility Program?
The International Mobility Program allows employers to hire eligible temporary foreign workers without a Labour Market Impact Assessment. It covers categories such as intra-company transfers, workers covered by free trade agreements, significant-benefit applicants and reciprocal employment arrangements. Each category has its own requirements, and an LMIA exemption does not automatically mean a work permit exemption.
What Is an Open Work Permit and Who Qualifies for One?
An open work permit allows someone to work for most eligible Canadian employers without being tied to one job. Eligibility is limited to specific situations, including qualifying post-graduation work permit holders, certain spouses, Working Holiday participants and eligible permanent residence applicants seeking a bridging open work permit. Requirements vary by category.
What Is a USMCA Work Permit?
A USMCA work permit, called a CUSMA work permit in Canada, is an LMIA-exempt work permit available to eligible U.S. and Mexican citizens under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement, formerly NAFTA.
CUSMA includes professionals, intra-company transferees, traders and investors. Business visitors may also enter under CUSMA but generally do not require a work permit. Some visa-exempt applicants may apply at a Canadian port of entry, but eligibility must be confirmed before travelling.
Who Qualifies for a USMCA Work Permit in Canada?
U.S. and Mexican citizens may qualify if they meet the requirements of a CUSMA professional, intra-company transferee, trader or investor category.
Professional applicants generally require pre-arranged Canadian employment in an eligible occupation and the education, credentials or licence required for that profession. Other categories have their own employment, corporate, trade or investment requirements. Ackah Law can assess your circumstances, identify the appropriate CUSMA category and help prepare the supporting documentation.
Which Occupations Qualify Under USMCA?
The CUSMA professional category covers a specific list of occupations, including accountants, architects, computer systems analysts, engineers, lawyers, management consultants, scientists, certain medical professionals and post-secondary teachers.
Each occupation has its own education and credential requirements. Applicants in regulated professions may also require provincial or territorial licensing, and a job title alone does not establish eligibility.
Review Ackah Law’s USMCA professional occupations list, or ask the firm to compare your position, duties and qualifications with the applicable requirements.
What Is the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement Work Permit?
The Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement allows eligible Chilean citizens to work in Canada without their employer first obtaining an LMIA. Covered categories include professionals, intra-company transferees, traders and investors, while qualified business visitors may not need a work permit. Ackah Law can review the proposed role and employment arrangement to determine whether the CCFTA requirements are met.
What Is the GATS Work Permit?
The General Agreement on Trade in Services can provide LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permits to certain professionals and intra-company transferees from World Trade Organization member countries. Applicants must meet the requirements for their category, which may include an eligible occupation, education, licensing and a Canadian service contract. GATS also covers qualified business visitors, but they generally do not need a work permit.
What Is the CETA Work Permit?
The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement provides LMIA-exempt work permit pathways for eligible citizens of EU member states. Categories include investors, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, engineering and scientific technologists and intra-company transferees. Business visitors may enter without a work permit for eligible activities. Ackah Law can assess whether your nationality, role and employment arrangement meet the CETA requirements.
What Is the CPTPP Work Permit?
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership provides LMIA-exempt work permit pathways for eligible business people from participating countries. Depending on the applicant’s nationality and the country-specific commitments, categories may include investors, professionals, technicians and intra-company transferees. Qualified business visitors may enter without a work permit, but not every category is available to every participating country.
What Is an Employer Compliance Fee and When Does It Apply?
An employer hiring a worker through an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt category generally must submit an offer through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the CAD $230 employer compliance fee before the worker applies. The employer then provides the offer of employment number for the application. Some employers and categories are exempt, and the fee does not apply to open work permits.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Canadian Work Permit?
Canadian work permit processing times range from weeks to several months depending on the permit category, where you apply, application volumes, biometrics and whether additional checks are required. Some eligible applicants may apply at a port of entry, including under certain free trade agreement categories. Ackah Law can help you choose the appropriate route and avoid preventable delays.
What Happens if My Work Permit Expires While I Am Waiting for My Renewal?
If you applied before your permit expired and remain in Canada, maintained status generally allows you to stay and keep working under the same conditions while IRCC decides. Leaving Canada can affect your authorization to work after returning. If you missed the deadline, stop working and contact Ackah Law promptly to review whether restoration or another option is available.
How Much Will Legal Services Cost?
The cost depends on the type and complexity of your immigration matter. Standard cases may be handled for a flat fee, while complex files or standalone legal advice may be billed hourly or per consultation. Government filing fees and other costs may be separate, so Ackah Law provides a tailored quote and explains what is included before work begins.
Does Ackah Law Offer Flat-Fee Pricing?
Yes. Ackah Law offers flat-fee pricing for standard immigration cases. Complex matters may be billed hourly or per consultation, while government filing fees and other disbursements may be separate. The firm explains what is included in the quoted fee and provides an estimate of any additional costs.
Are Ackah Law’s Legal Fees All-Inclusive?
Legal fees are generally separate from government application fees and third-party expenses unless your engagement agreement states otherwise. Third-party costs may include translations, credential assessments, medical examinations or other services required for your application.
Before proceeding, ask Ackah Law for a clear breakdown of the legal fees and any expected government or third-party costs.
Can I Pay My Legal Fees in Instalments?
Available payment arrangements depend on the type of matter and Ackah Law’s current payment policies. Ask the firm whether instalments are available for your case and confirm the payment schedule and applicable terms before proceeding.
