Work in Canada

* For Canadian immigration purposes, "work" is defined as an
activity for which remuneration is earned or as an activity that
competes directly with activities of Canadian citizens or Permanent
Residents in the Canadian labour market.
* Canadian immigration authorities require a Work Permit for a
limited number of work related activities in Canada.
* A job offer from a Canadian employer is usually a prerequisite
to receiving a Canadian Work Permit.
* In some instances, Canadian immigration regulations allow for
"Open" Work Permits, which are not employer specific.
* Work Permits are always temporary in nature, but can often be
extended from inside Canada.
* Normally, Work Permits will only be granted by Canadian
immigration authorities if supported by a positive "Labour Market
Opinion" (LMO) letter issued by Human Resources and Social Development
Canada (HRSDC), indicating that the proposed employment will not
adversely affect Canadian workers. However, certain occupations are
considered "under pressure" and some provinces have made arrangements
to ease the entry of workers in these occupations.
* Work Permits may be issued by Canadian immigration officials,
without HRSDC involvement, in a limited number of situations, as
follows:
o Under international agreements, such as the North American
Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA);
o Due to the significant economic, social or cultural
benefits the work activity will bring to Canadians;
o As part of reciprocal agreements Canada and its
provinces/territories have entered into with other countries, such as
youth and teacher exchange programs;
o So that international students studying in Canada can
fulfill academic requirements, known as co-op placements;
o To allow the spouses/common-law partners of Work Permit
and certain Study Permit holders in Canada to work in Canada;
o Because the nature of the work is charitable or religious;
o In recognition that certain persons in Canada for reasons
other than the above-mentioned, such as the making of a refugee claim,
need to support themselves.