To work legally in Canada, you typically need one of the following types of work visas or permits:

1. Temporary Work Permit

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: This permit allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada. It is also known as a closed work permit and includes details such as the employer’s name, location of work, and the duration of your employment.
• Open Work Permit: This type of permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions). It is not job-specific, so you don’t need a job offer when applying for this permit. Common examples include the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and permits for spouses or common-law partners of international students and skilled workers.

2. Permanent Resident Visa

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Part of the Express Entry system, this program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Also part of the Express Entry system, this program is for individuals who have recent Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Different provinces and territories in Canada have their own immigration programs targeting certain groups, such as skilled workers, semi-skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. Being nominated by a province can help you obtain permanent residence.

3. International Mobility Program (IMP)

• This program allows employers to hire temporary workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Examples include intra-company transferees, workers under trade agreements like NAFTA (now USMCA), and participants in International Experience Canada (IEC).

4. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

• This program allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers to fill gaps in the agricultural labor market, particularly for seasonal work such as planting or harvesting crops.

5. Global Talent Stream

• Part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, this stream is designed to help Canadian employers hire highly skilled foreign talent quickly to fill critical skills shortages, especially in tech and innovative sectors.

6. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• This permit allows graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. The length of the permit depends on the length of the study program.

Conclusion

To legally work in Canada, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for each type of visa or permit. Consulting the official Government of Canada immigration website or seeking advice from a certified immigration consultant can help you determine the best pathway based on your situation.