Typically, obtaining a Canadian work permit is a two-step process. In most cases, applicants will first require a job offer before they can apply for a Canadian work permit.
Step 1
In the vast majority of cases, the first step towards obtaining a Canadian work permit is to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Usually, the Canadian employer must undertake domestic recruitment efforts and demonstrate that no Canadian permanent residents or citizens are qualified for the position at hand.
Step 2
After a positive LMIA has been issued, the applicant can apply for a Canadian work permit on that basis.
Work permits are employer specific, unless a worker has an open work permit. If a worker wants to change employers, they must obtain a new Work Permit before performing another job in Canada. Canadian work permits are also limited in duration.