If you intend to travel to Canada temporarily for work or study, you must apply for the appropriate visa.
Work Permit
A work permit is required for most foreign nationals who want to work in Canada temporarily. There are two main types of work permits: employer-specific and open work permits.
An employer-specific work permit is tied to a particular employer and job. To obtain this permit, you typically need a job offer from a Canadian employer and, in most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which confirms that no Canadian worker is available to fill the position.
An open work permit, on the other hand, allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. Common types of open work permits include the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is available to international students who have completed an eligible program in Canada; the Spousal Open Work Permit, which can be granted to spouses of skilled workers or international students, if they are eligible; and the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which is designed for individuals transitioning to permanent residency.
Study Permit
To study in Canada, you generally need a study permit. With a valid study permit, you can work up to 24 hours per week during regular school sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer or winter holidays. You may also work on-campus or off-campus, depending on your eligibility.
After graduation, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada after completing a program of at least eight months at an eligible institution.