Work in Canada
Whether you’re graduating in Canada, joining your spouse, transferring from a U.S. company, or being hired by a Canadian employer, Sober Immigration builds the fastest, compliant route to your work authorization and your long term plan for permanent residence.
Work in Canada
Our comprehensive 13-step Guide ensures a smooth journey from initial assessment to successful Work in Canada.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A PGWP lets eligible graduates work for any employer in Canada, often the first step toward CEC/Express Entry PR.
- Eligibility check (DLI/program, length, full time studies, completion proof)
- Timely filing and status strategy (bridging to PR where possible)
- Letters of explanation for gaps/deferrals and combining programs
- Good for Recent grads seeking Canadian experience toward PR.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)
A SOWP allows the spouse or common-law partner of certain students and workers to work for any employer.
- Eligibility (based on the principal's permit/category and current policy)
- Proof of relationship, cohabitation, and funds
- SOWP + child study permits filing together
- Good for Families who want to live and work in Canada together.
LMIA-Based Work Permits (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)
When a role isn't exempt, employers may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). After a positive LMIA, you apply for an employer specific work permit.
- NOC/TEER mapping, prevailing wage, job duties, location
- Recruitment proofs, transition plans (where required)
- Complete work permit filing (medicals/biometrics as needed)
- Streams we handle High-Wage, Low-Wage, Seasonal/Agri, Caregiver (where available), and Global Talent Stream.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (International Mobility Program)
Some roles are exempt from LMIA, allowing faster, employer compliant work permits.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) executives, managers, specialized knowledge transferring to a Canadian branch/sub/affiliate
- CUSMA/Other FTAs professionals, investors, traders (nationality/occupation-specific)
- Significant Benefit (C11) entrepreneurs/owners with clear economic, social, or cultural benefit to Canada
- Francophone Mobility (outside Quebec) French-speaking hires in eligible roles.
- Open permits PGWP, SOWP, Vulnerable Worker OWP
- We do Employer Portal compliance, job offer numbers, evidence packages, and full worker filings.
Francophone Work Permit (Francophone Mobility)
For French-speaking candidates with a genuine job offer outside Quebec and an eligible occupation, this LMIA-exempt option can speed things up.
- Employer Portal submission and $230 compliance fee
- French proficiency evidence and role alignment
- Work-permit filing + family options
- Great for Employers building bilingual teams and applicants with strong French.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
If you've already applied for permanent residence under an eligible stream, a BOWP can help you keep working while IRCC finalizes your PR.
- Eligibility check (PR stream, stage of processing)
- Timing to avoid gaps; alignment with your employer & family status
- Transition to PR after approval
Co-op Work Permit (Students)
If your study program requires a co op or internship, you'll need a Co op Work Permit in addition to your study permit.
- School letter requirements and proper timing
- Coordination with any on campus/off campus work rules
- Renewals if your program is extended
Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit
If you're experiencing or at risk of abuse in your job, you may qualify for a Vulnerable Worker OWP a fast, open work permit that lets you leave the abusive employer.
- Sensitive intake and privacy
- Evidence collection (communications, witness letters, records)
- Safe, compliant transition to new work
Global Talent Stream (GTS) Fast LMIA for Specialized Roles
The Global Talent Stream helps eligible employers hire high-demand tech/specialized talent with expedited LMIA processing and a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
- Category A/B eligibility and wage mapping
- LMIA package and Benefits Plan
- Worker's employer specific permit + family options
- Best for Tech and specialized roles where speed matters.
Our Process (Built for Results)
Strategy Call: pick the fastest lawful route (LMIA vs. LMIA-exempt vs. open)
- Document Plan tailored checklists, forms, and templates
- Application Build letters of explanation, proofs, Employer Portal (if IMP)
- Submission & Tracking biometrics/medicals, ADR responses, updates
- Next Steps extensions, status maintenance, and PR roadmap
Document Checklist (Snapshot)
Identity: passport, visas, entry/exit history
- Education/Experience degrees, transcripts, resumes, reference letters with duties & hours
- Job/Employer (if applicable) job offer/contract, LMIA or offer of employment number (IMP), employer letters
- Family (if applicable) marriage/relationship evidence, children's birth certificates
- Other police certificates, medicals (if required), proof of funds (select streams)
- You'll receive a program-specific, itemized checklist after your strategy session.
Why Choose Sober Immigration
Licensed RCIC leadership and experienced case team
- Employer + worker expertise (we handle both sides where needed)
- Audit-ready submissions, clear timelines, and proactive updates
- PR-minded planning from day one (EE/PNP/H&C, as appropriate)
Start Your Work Permit Plan
Book a confidential strategy consultation to choose the right category PGWP, SOWP, LMIA/LMIA-exempt, Francophone, BOWP, Co-op, Vulnerable OWP, or GTS and get a step-by-step roadmap.
Career Opportunities in Canada
Discover the diverse career paths available across Canada's thriving industries. From technology to healthcare, find your place in Canada's dynamic job market.
All Industries Available
High DemandOpen work permit allows employment in any sector
Key Opportunities:
- Technology & Software
- Business & Finance
- Healthcare & Research
- Engineering & Sciences
- Any other field of choice
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about work permits and employment in Canada.
Still Have Questions?
Our immigration experts are here to help. Contact us for personalized assistance with your work permit application.