Foreign nationals wishing to work in Canada on a temporary basis usually require a work permit. Three of the main programs through which work permits are issued are the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Provincial nomination program (PNP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The TFWP offers work permits for candidates whose employers obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job at hand and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
Few PNP programs allow to apply for work permit simultaneously with Permanent residence application after nomination.
IMP work permits do not require a positive LMIA. They do require the employer to submit an employment offer under their employer portal.
Canada issues two types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.