Work in Canada

Empowering Skilled Workers, Entrepreneurs & Professionals to Build a Future in Canada

At TENTACULAR IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS LTD, we provide regulated, strategic guidance for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals seeking to contribute meaningfully to the Canadian economy. Whether you're pursuing a temporary work permit or aiming for permanent residency, we help you navigate federal and provincial immigration pathways with clarity and compliance.

Let us support your transition — from global talent to Canadian resident — with legal insight, personalized planning, and care at every step.

Work Permit Types

Choose the right work permit pathway based on your situation and career goals

Employer-Specific Work Permits

Ideal for individuals with a job offer from a single Canadian employer

This permit type is tied to the specific job, employer, and location listed in the application.

Key Requirements:

Valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or employer offer number
Formal employment offer from a Canadian employer
Compliance with conditions regarding employer, job role, and location

Best For:

Skilled workers hired for specific roles in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, tech, and caregiving where designated employment is required.

Open Work Permits

Work Without Job Restrictions

Open work permits allow eligible individuals to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a specific job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Key Requirements:

No job offer required — enjoy flexibility in choosing employers and industries
Online application process — most eligible applicants apply from within Canada
Pathway support — open work permits often serve as stepping stones to permanent residency

Best For:

Graduates, spouses of students/workers, PR applicants, and vulnerable workers.

Who Can Apply for Open Work Permits?

Open work permits provide flexibility to work for almost any employer in Canada

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Graduates applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit

Spouses of International Students

Spouses/partners of eligible students in master's, doctoral, or select professional programs

Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

Spouses/partners of high-skilled foreign workers in TEER 0–1 jobs or designated TEER 2–3 occupations

PR Applicants from Inside Canada

Individuals applying for permanent residence from inside Canada (family sponsorship or Express Entry)

Vulnerable Workers

Workers under employer-specific permits experiencing abuse or risk of abuse

Family Permit Update (Effective January 21, 2025)

Recent changes limit open work permit eligibility for family members to:

New Limitations:

  • Spouses/common-law partners of students in graduate-level or professional programs
  • Spouses/common-law partners of workers in high-demand occupations

High-Demand Occupations:

  • Science and technology
  • Health care and education
  • Skilled trades and construction

Important Note:

Dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits unless they were included in applications submitted before January 21, 2025.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

Work, travel, and gain valuable experience in Canada

About IEC

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a temporary work permit initiative that allows young adults from partner countries to live and work in Canada for a limited time. It's designed to promote cultural exchange and build international career experience.

Who Can Apply?

Youth aged 18–35 (age limit depends on your country of citizenship) from countries that have bilateral youth mobility agreements with Canada.

Working Holiday

Open work permit

Flexible job opportunities to help fund your travel

Great for those without a job offer in advance

Young Professionals

Employer-specific work permit

For career-related experience in your field of study or training

Requires a valid job offer in Canada

International Co-op (Internship)

Employer-specific work permit

For students seeking work placements related to their academic program

Must be registered in a post-secondary institution

Other Work Permit Options

Specialized work permit pathways for different professional situations

Global Skills Strategy (GSS)

Fast-track your work permit with GSS

Designed for high-skilled workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations

Available with or without an LMIA (based on exemption eligibility)
Employers submit the job offer through the Employer Portal
Processing time: 2 weeks for eligible applications

Ideal for: Tech professionals and specialized talent in fast-paced sectors

LMIA Required

No (If Exempt)

Duration

2 weeks processing

Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)

Transfer key personnel within your multinational company

For executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers

Requires a qualifying relationship between the foreign and Canadian entities
Must have 1+ year full-time experience with the company abroad
Valid for 1–3 years, renewable up to 7 years total

Ideal for: Relocating leadership and experts—LMIA-exempt under IMP

LMIA Required

No

Duration

1-3 years (Up to 7)

C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit

Launch or manage your own business in Canada

For entrepreneurs, business buyers, and investors

Must have 50%+ ownership and active role in business operations
Must demonstrate a significant benefit to Canada
LMIA not required (applied under R205(a), C11 of the IMP)

Ideal for: Supports long-term PR plans while building your business

LMIA Required

No

Duration

Up to 2 years

C10 Significant Benefit Work Permit

For individuals who contribute to Canada's broader interests

Applies to entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals

Must demonstrate cultural, social, or economic value to Canada
Typically issued for 1 year and can be renewed
Also LMIA-exempt, under R205(a), C10

Ideal for: Innovators and non-traditional professionals making an impact

LMIA Required

No

Duration

1 year (renewable)

Additional Work Permit Routes

Other LMIA-exempt pathways include:

CUSMA, CETA, & FTAs (for professionals, investors, and business visitors)
Bridging Open Work Permits (for inland PR applicants)

How to Apply

Step-by-step application process for different work permit types

Employer-Specific Work Permits

1

Obtain a valid LMIA or employer offer number

2

Receive signed employment contract and supporting documents

3

Submit your work permit application online or from within Canada

Open Work Permits

1

Prepare your eligibility documents (e.g., PGWP, spouse status, PR application)

2

Apply online through the IRCC portal

3

We provide tailored assistance at every stage to ensure compliance and success

Expert Application Support

We provide tailored assistance at every stage of the application to ensure compliance and success.

Compare Your Path

Quick comparison of work permit options to help you choose the right pathway

Permit Type
LMIA Required
Best For
Typical Duration
GSS
No (If Exempt)
High-Skilled Talent
2 weeks processing
ICT
No
Intra-Company
1-3 years (Up to 7)
C11
No
Entrepreneurs/Business
Up to 2 years
C10
No
Significant Benefits
1 year (renewable)
IEC & FTA-based
No
Youth, Professionals
Varies

Ready to Start Working in Canada?

Whether you need an employer-specific permit, open work permit, or specialized pathway, we're here to guide you through the process with expert knowledge and personalized support.

From global talent to Canadian resident — let us support your transition with legal insight and personalized planning.