Step-by-step guide: work permit process for Portuguese citizens in Canada

Canada attracts workers from around the world, and if you’re a Portuguese citizen, you’ll likely need a work permit before starting a job. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the process, permit categories, necessary paperwork, and key details to help the Portuguese navigate the application successfully.

Do the Portuguese need a work permit for Canadian jobs?

Yes, the majority of the Portuguese must obtain a work permit before working in Canada.

However, exceptions exist where a permit is NOT needed:

1. Students from Portugal who hold a study permit with work authorization.

2. Diplomats and others covered under international treaties.

3. Short-term professionals like performers, athletes, and researchers (under certain rules).

For official information on whether a permit is required, check Canada.ca.

Can a work permit be used to enter Canada?

No, holding a work permit does not automatically allow entry into Canada.

To enter and work in Canada, a Portuguese citizen will need:

- A work permit – confirming legal work status.

- A passport – valid for the entire intended stay.

- A visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

Work permits available in Canada for Portuguese citizens

1. Employer-specific work permit (restricted to one employer)

This permit is tied to a single employer and specifies:

• Employer details.
• Job role and work conditions.
• Validity period.

How can a Portuguese citizen apply?

1) Get a job offer from a Canadian employer accepting workers from Portugal.

2) The employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

3) Once LMIA is approved, Portuguese citizens can apply for a work permit.

2. Open work permit (greater flexibility for the Portuguese)

This permit is not employer-specific, allowing the Portuguese to work for different employers.

Who qualifies for this permit?

• Spouses of temporary foreign workers or international students.
• Graduates of Canadian schools eligible for PGWP.
• Refugees and individuals with humanitarian status.

How do the Portuguese apply for it? Complete the open work permit application and submit required documentation.

Canada work permit duration for the Portuguese

The validity of a work permit for Portuguese citizens depends on key factors:

• Typical duration: Usually 1-2 years.
• Passport restriction: The permit cannot extend beyond the Portuguese’s passport validity.
• LMIA restriction: If required, the permit’s duration matches the LMIA validity.

Step-by-Step Guide: How the Portuguese can get a work permit

Step 1: Find employment in Canada

Where can the Portuguese look for jobs?

• Job Bank Canada
• Indeed Canada
• LinkedIn
• Workopolis

If an LMIA is necessary, a Portuguese citizen must find an employer willing to process it.

Step 2: Employer Obtains an LMIA (If Needed)

What is an LMIA?

An assessment proving no local workers are available for the job.

LMIA Process:

• The employer applies for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
• The employer provides evidence of recruitment efforts within Canada.
• If approved, the LMIA is given to the citizen from Portugal for the permit application.

Step 3: Collect necessary documents

the Portuguese need these documents:

• Valid passport (valid throughout the permit period).
• Official job offer.
• LMIA (if needed).
• Education and qualification proof.
• Medical exam results (if required).
• Police clearance certificate.
• CAD 155 application fee.
• Biometrics submission.

Step 4: Submit the application

Where can Portuguese citizens apply?

- Online through the IRCC website.

- At a visa application center in Portugal.

Processing time: 1 to 6 months, depending on case specifics.

Tracking your work permit application

Here’s how to check its progress:

• Applied online? Log into your IRCC account to track updates.
• Submitted a paper application? Link it to an online account for easier tracking.

Final steps: work permit approval & border entry

Once your application is approved:

• You’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter, which you must present at the border.
• A border officer will provide you with your official work permit.

Essential documents for the Portuguese entering Canada

If you're a Portuguese citizen traveling to Canada for work, make sure you have:

• Your work permit approval.
• A valid passport.
• Proof of funds to support yourself.
• A copy of the LMIA (if required).
• Health insurance if it’s mandatory.

Important conditions of a work permit for the Portuguese in Canada

A work permit in Canada comes with specific conditions that every Portuguese citizen must follow. These include:

1. Job restrictions – the specific type of work a Portuguese citizen is allowed to do.

2. Work location – the designated province or city in Canada.

3. Employer – the company that issued the job offer.

4. Validity period – the time frame the permit remains active.

All work permit holders, including the Portuguese, are not allowed to work in places where there is a risk of sexual exploitation.

Since a work permit does not grant permanent residence, Portuguese citizens must leave Canada when it expires. However, there are immigration pathways for those who want to stay in Canada permanently.

From a temporary work permit to PR: options for the Portuguese

If you’re a Portuguese citizen working in Canada, you might qualify for permanent residency. Here are the main immigration programs available for workers from Portugal:

• Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class – CEC) – for those who have Canadian work experience and want to apply for PR quickly.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – for skilled workers who receive a nomination from a specific province.
• Atlantic Immigration Program – for individuals working in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

Each pathway has different requirements, so be sure to check which option suits your situation best.

Work permits for the Portuguese and family members: updated rules

If a Portuguese citizen is planning to work in Canada, their family members might also be able to come along, depending on their relationship and specific conditions:

• Spouses or partners – can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer.
• Children – school-age kids can study in Canada without applying for a separate study permit.

New immigration rules from January 21, 2025:

• Spouses of the Portuguese working in Canada can apply for an open work permit only if the primary applicant is employed in TEER 0 or 1 roles, or select TEER 2 or 3 jobs in key industries.
• Children of foreign workers, including Portuguese citizens, will no longer qualify for an open work permit.

These changes are aimed at improving the immigration process and managing Canada’s temporary resident numbers more effectively.

Work permit extension process for the Portuguese

If the Portuguese want to continue working in Canada, they need to extend their work permit before it expires.

What to know about the extension:

• When to apply – submit the application at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
• How to apply – complete the process online via an IRCC account.
• Work rights during processing – if the Portuguese apply before their permit expires, they can continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made.

To prevent legal issues or work interruptions, it’s crucial to apply for an extension on time.