Work Permit Eligibility Calculator — Canada

Not always. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for most employer-specific work permits — it confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill the position. However, many categories are LMIA-exempt: intracompany transferees, CUSMA/USMCA professionals (TN), post-graduation work permits (PGWP), International Experience Canada (IEC), spousal open work permits, and workers whose employment provides a significant benefit to Canada under IRPA R205.

The PGWP is an open work permit (not tied to a specific employer) issued to international graduates of eligible Canadian public post-secondary institutions. The permit length corresponds to your study program duration, up to a maximum of 3 years (for programs 2+ years long). You can work for any employer anywhere in Canada. The PGWP is a major pathway to Express Entry, as Canadian work experience earns CRS points and qualifies for the Canadian Experience Class.

Yes. TN status allows US and Mexican citizens to work in Canada in CUSMA-listed professions without an LMIA. While TN is a temporary status, TN holders who accumulate at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, which is a direct pathway to permanent residence. The transition from TN worker to Canadian PR is common for skilled US and Mexican professionals.