Individuals who have been working for companies or organizations in Dubai often look for other opportunities in different countries. One of the best options is Canada, mostly because it offers a wide range of opportunities to develop your career as well as gain experience and find lasting positions.
That said, the rules differ depending on what country one is in. In Canada, for instance, not using the system of work visas the same way that the USA does and especially its H-1B and L-1 visas for foreign workers.
Canada has two main types of work permits. Each type applies to different employment and immigration circumstances, they are:
- Employer-Specific Work Permits and
- Open Work Permits.
With this guide, Bright Star Visa, the best visa consultant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi helps you understand different types of work permits in Canada and their relevant permit subcategories.
Types Of Work Permits In Canada For Dubai Employees
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
An Employer-Specific Work Permit, also commonly called a closed work permit, allows a foreign national to work in Canada under the conditions mentioned on the permit.
The permit may specify the employer, occupation, work location, and other employment conditions. A Canadian job offer is required to apply for this type of work permit.
For employees working in Dubai who secure employment with a Canadian company, an Employer-Specific Work Permit may be the most relevant option.
Subcategories Of Employer-Specific Work Permits
Employer-specific permits can generally be understood based on whether the Canadian employer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
A. LMIA-Based Employer-Specific Work Permit
An LMIA-based Employer-Specific Work Permit is issued when the Canadian employer’s job offer requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
The employer must generally complete the LMIA process before the foreign employee submits the work permit application. Once the required employment documents are available, the eligible foreign worker can apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit.
Dubai employees with a confirmed Canadian job offer may fall under this type when an LMIA is required for their employment.
B. LMIA-Exempt Employer-Specific Work Permit
Labor Market Impact Assessment-Exempt Employer-Specific Work Permit (simply LMIA-Exempt) is related to a particular Canadian job provider but the employer is not required to do a Labor Market Impact Assessment in case he qualifies for the appropriate LMIA exemption.
The worker must still meet the applicable work permit requirements and have the required employment documentation.
This permit remains employer-specific. Therefore, the employee must follow the employer and employment conditions mentioned on the work permit.
2. Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows eligible foreign nationals to work for most compliant employers in Canada.
Unlike an Employer-Specific Work Permit, an Open Work Permit is not tied to one particular employer. Applicants generally do not need a job offer to apply.
However, Open Work Permits are available only in specific circumstances. A person cannot simply choose an Open Work Permit because they prefer greater employment flexibility.
Subcategories of Open Work Permits
Several named and situation-specific permits fall under the Open Work Permit category.
A. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an Open Work Permit available to eligible graduates of certain Canadian designated learning institutions and eligible study programs.
Dubai residents who move to Canada for higher education may qualify for a PGWP after completing their studies, provided they meet the current eligibility requirements.
The permit allows eligible graduates to gain professional work experience in Canada.
B. Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The Bridging Open Work Permit is available to certain eligible permanent residence applicants.
It allows qualified applicants to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application.
This permit is mainly relevant to eligible applicants already in Canada and is not a general overseas work permit for all Dubai employees.
C. Family Member Open Work Permit
A Family Member Open Work Permit may be available to eligible family members of certain foreign workers or permanent residence applicants.
The permit allows eligible family members to work for most compliant employers in Canada.
Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s work authorization, occupation, immigration situation, and other requirements.
D. Spousal Open Work Permit
A Spousal Open Work Permit may be available to certain eligible spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers, international students, or sponsored applicants.
Every situation needs to be examined to see how it applies to someone because the eligibility is particular to the applicant’s situation.
If one is married to the professional or in a common-law relationship and considering a move from Dubai conjunction with their partner, the next step is understanding the current eligibility requirements.
E. Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers
The Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers is a temporary work permit for certain foreign workers in Canada who are experiencing abuse or are at risk of abuse connected to their employment.
Eligible workers generally need to be in Canada and hold an Employer-Specific Work Permit or meet specific maintained-status requirements.
The permit helps eligible workers leave an abusive employment situation and seek another job.
F. Open Work Permit for Sponsored Spouses and Partners
Certain spouses and common-law partners being sponsored for Canadian permanent residence may qualify for an Open Work Permit.
This permit can allow eligible applicants to work while their permanent residence application is being processed.
Applicants must meet the applicable sponsorship and immigration requirements.
G. Open Work Permit for Refugees and Asylum Claimants
Certain refugees, asylum seekers, protected persons and eligible family members are eligible for an Open Work Permit. This type of work permit enables those affected to work legally in Canada while they wait for their immigration or protection status to be resolved. However, there are eligibility criteria for obtaining the work permit.
H. Open Work Permit for Temporary Resident Permit Holders
Certain Temporary Resident Permit holders may be eligible for an Open Work Permit.
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s temporary resident permit and immigration circumstances. Applicants must meet Canada’s work permit requirements before receiving authorization to work.
Employer-Specific Work Permit vs Open Work Permit
The main difference between the two permit types is employment flexibility.
Employer-Specific Work Permit | Open Work Permit |
An Employer-Specific Work Permit is tied to the employment conditions listed on the permit. It may be LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt. | An Open Work Permit is not tied to a particular employer. Applicants may qualify for specific permits such as the PGWP, BOWP, Family Member Open Work Permit, or Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers. |
Which Work Permit Is Suitable for Dubai Employees?
Dubai employees who secure a Canadian job offer may generally explore an Employer-Specific Work Permit. Depending on the employment situation, the permit may be LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt.
Only those individuals meeting specific eligibility requirements can apply for an Open Work Permit. Eligible individuals include international graduates, qualified family members, certain permanent residents, and other individuals who meet the relevant set of requirements.
Thus, potential applicants should determine the major work permit classification first and then verify if any specific class of permit applies in their situation.
About Bright Star Visa
Bright Star Visa, the best visa consultant in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with expertise spanning several years, provides a solution that helps you navigate the challenges of global travel. Whether you are looking for a visa to study abroad, work overseas or visit family in another country or if your goal is simply to live permanently outside of UAE, our services are tailored to meet your needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the different types of work permits in Canada?
In Canada, there are two main types of work permits: Open Work Permits and Employer-Specific Work Permits.
- What are the categories of Employer-Specific Work Permits?
Employer-Specific Work Permits can be classified into two types: those based on LMIA and those that are exempted from LMIA, depending on whether there is a need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment for the job position.
- Which types of permits come under the Open Work Permit category?
Candidates can apply for the following permits in the Open Work Permit category:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit
- Bridging Open Work Permit
- Family Member Open Work Permit, and
- Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers.
4. Which permit is applicable for individuals in Dubai?
Individuals associated with Dubai can apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit only if they have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Otherwise, the eligibility for the Open Work Permit is contingent on different individual cases and immigration conditions.
- Is PGWP a type of Open Work Permit?
Yes. Post-Graduation Work Permit is considered as an Open Work Permit, which eligible students can apply for if they satisfy the current PGWP requirements.
- Does a previous visa refusal affect future applications?
Previous refusals will not result in an automatic refusal but you will be required to disclose that you had a prior refusal. However, you must provide additional supporting documentation to support your re-application if you were refused previously.
- How long should I wait before reapplying after a visa refusal?
There is no mandatory waiting period. You can reapply once you have resolved the issues that led to the rejection.
