A work permit in Canada is an official document issued by the Canadian government that authorizes foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific period of time. Work permits are required for most foreign nationals who want to work in Canada, except for some specific situations where they may be exempt, such as individuals with diplomatic status or international students with certain study permits.
There are different types of work permits, including open work permits and employer-specific work permits, depending on the individual's qualifications and circumstances. Open work permits allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada, while employer-specific work permits are tied to a particular employer and job. Work permits are temporary and usually have an expiry date, but they can be extended or renewed in certain circumstances.
To obtain a work permit, foreign nationals must typically apply through the Canadian government's immigration system and meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a job offer from a Canadian employer, demonstrating that they will leave Canada when their permit expires, and in some cases, passing medical and security checks.