WORKING TEMPORARILY IN CANADA

Some temporary workers require a work permit and some do not. For some categories of workers, permits are approved more quickly.

You almost always have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Sometimes, you can apply from inside or as you enter Canada.

Eligibility to apply from outside Canada

To apply for a work permit from outside Canada, you must submit the following documents:

• A job offer from a Canadian employer.
• A completed application, that shows that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and
• Written confirmation from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) that the employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job. This confirmation is called a positive labour market opinion.

Eligibility to apply from inside Canada

You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if:

• You have a valid study or work permit, or your spouse or parents have a study or work permit.
• You have a work permit for one job but want to apply for a work permit for a different job.
• You have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more or
• You are in Canada because you have already applied for permanent residence from inside Canada.