Work in Canada — Employer & Open Permit Routes

From the UAE, GCC, India and Sri Lanka, you can work in Canada via employer-specific permits (LMIA, ICT, Global Talent Stream) or open permits such as SOWP and PGWP. We map the right route, prepare decision-ready files, and align your work plan with future PR options.

Related pages: Skilled PR (Express Entry & PNP) · Student Visa · Visit Visa · Investor & Business · Start-Up Visa (Incubator)

LMIA Work Permit

Employer-specific permit supported by a positive/neutral LMIA from ESDC. Suits roles without an exemption and where labour-market need is proven.

  • Employer applies for LMIA (recruitment/benefits plan as required)
  • You apply to IRCC with LMIA/offer number
  • Work permit issued at entry (if visa required, TRV is placed in passport)

Tip: GTS (below) can accelerate certain tech LMIAs.

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

LMIA-exempt transfer for managers, executives or specialized knowledge staff moving to a related Canadian entity.

  • Qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, affiliate)
  • Role fits ICT category; evidence of duties & prior employment
  • Employer letter + corporate docs; you apply to IRCC

Often used by multinational firms for UAE-to-Canada moves.

Global Talent Stream (GTS)

Expedited LMIA for in-demand tech roles with service standards and a Labour Market Benefits Plan.

  • Employer qualifies under Category A/B
  • Faster employer side; IRCC timelines still apply to your permit

Great for software, data, cloud, AI, and engineering roles.

Open Permits: SOWP & PGWP

SOWP allows spouses/partners of eligible students/workers to work. PGWP allows eligible graduates to gain Canadian experience after study.

  • SOWP validity tied to the principal’s status
  • PGWP length depends on program & rules; usually once per lifetime

Open permits are not employer-tied (easier job moves).

Typical Documents

  • Valid passport & photos
  • Job offer, LMIA/offer number or proof of LMIA-exemption (e.g., ICT)
  • Experience letters matching duties (NOC/TEER mapping)
  • Education & professional licenses (if applicable)
  • Police certificate(s) & medical exam (as required)
  • Proof you meet job requirements (and funds if requested)
  • Accurate IRCC forms, biometrics, and applicable fees

We time biometrics/medicals to avoid expiry before decision.

From Work Permit to PR

Canadian experience from LMIA/ICT/GTS, SOWP, or PGWP often feeds into Express Entry (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program. With the right timing, you can secure PR while working.

  • CRS boosts: Canadian experience, higher language scores, French, spouse factors
  • PNP: Target provinces that match your role/experience
Open 7 days — Monday to Sunday (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM)

Need help with a Canada Work Permit? Ask our Expert

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Canada Work Permit — FAQs

Employer-specific: LMIA, Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), Global Talent Stream. Open permits: SOWP (spouses/partners) and PGWP (eligible graduates).
No. ICTs and some agreements are LMIA-exempt. Tech roles can use Global Talent Stream (expedited LMIA).
You transfer to a related Canadian entity as a manager/executive/specialized knowledge worker; usually LMIA-exempt with corporate proof.
An expedited LMIA route for select tech roles; employer files with a benefits plan. Your permit still goes through IRCC processing.
Spouses/partners of many students/workers (SOWP) and eligible Canadian graduates (PGWP). Open permits are not tied to one employer.
Passport, photos, job offer & LMIA or proof of exemption, experience letters, education, police, medicals (as required), accurate forms and fees.
Varies by stream, your country of residence, completeness, and background checks. GTS can be faster for employers; IRCC timelines still apply.
Not always. Employers may require it; strong language scores help later for PR (Express Entry/PNP).
Yes, many workers can bring dependants. Spouses may be eligible for SOWP; children for study permits/visitor records as applicable.
Use your Canadian work experience for CEC or a PNP. We plan language, role, and province strategy to maximize chances.
Open permits allow changes. Employer-specific permits are tied to one employer; changing usually needs a new authorization.
If you study in Canada, on-campus/off-campus work rules apply. After graduating, PGWP may let you work full-time (if eligible). See the Student page.
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