Immigration Law

Work Permit Lawyers in BC

Work permits allow foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis. British Columbia has immigration law providers who assist individuals and employers with work permit applications, renewals, and related matters. This page is for general informational purposes only — BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

For general information only. BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

What Immigration Law Providers Can Help With

Employer-specific (closed) work permit applications
Open work permit applications
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) guidance
International Mobility Program applications
Intra-company transfer work permits
Post-graduation work permits (PGWP)
Work permit renewals and extensions
Bridging open work permits for PR applicants

Immigration Law Providers in BC

law firm

YLaw Group

Vancouver — 580-1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1

A family, estate, and immigration law firm in Vancouver offering personalized legal solutions across multiple practice areas.

law firm

Duplessis Law

Vancouver — Suite 520, 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC

A Vancouver family and immigration law firm dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions for individuals and families.

immigration firm

MKS Immigration Lawyers

Vancouver — 600 - 688 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1

A BC immigration law firm with offices in Vancouver and Victoria, providing a range of immigration legal services.

legal aidLegal Aid

Legal Aid BC

Vancouver — 400 – 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3A8

Provincial legal aid organization providing free or subsidized legal services to eligible low-income individuals across BC.

legal clinicLegal Aid

Immigration & Refugee Legal Clinic (IRLC)

Vancouver — Vancouver, BC

A legal clinic providing free legal representation and advice to low-income refugee claimants, immigrants, and people without legal status in BC.

immigration firm

Mark & Company Law Corp

Surrey — P.O. Box 158 – 10688 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3T 4W8

A Surrey immigration law firm providing legal services in Canadian immigration law since 1990.

law firm

Wilson Rasmussen LLP

Surrey — Suite 300, 15127 100 Ave., Surrey, BC V3R 0N9

A Surrey law firm and notary service providing legal services across real estate, family law, wills and estates, and other areas.

law firm

Brij Mohan & Associates

Surrey — #205 – 12830 80th Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 3A8

A Surrey law firm offering legal services in criminal defence, immigration law, and personal injury cases.

Browse all providers

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1
What type of work permit is appropriate for my situation?
2
Does my employer need to obtain an LMIA?
3
What are the current processing times for my permit type?
4
What conditions will be placed on my work permit?
5
Can my family members come to Canada while I work?
6
How does a work permit relate to a future permanent residence application?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an open and closed work permit?

A closed (employer-specific) work permit allows you to work only for the employer named on the permit. An open work permit allows you to work for most employers in Canada without restriction. Open work permits are available in specific circumstances, such as for spouses of certain workers or students, or for post-graduation work permit holders.

What is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It demonstrates that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job. Not all work permits require an LMIA.

Can I work in Canada without a work permit?

Some foreign nationals are exempt from requiring a work permit to work in Canada, such as certain business visitors, diplomats, and individuals covered by international agreements. However, most people who wish to work in Canada require a valid work permit. A lawyer can advise on whether an exemption applies to your situation.

What is a post-graduation work permit?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian designated learning institution to work in Canada for up to three years. It is an open work permit and is a common pathway toward permanent residence.

What happens if my work permit expires while I am waiting for a renewal?

If you apply to renew your work permit before it expires, you may be able to continue working under 'maintained status' (also called implied status) while your renewal application is being processed. There are specific rules and conditions that apply. Legal advice is recommended to ensure you remain in compliance.

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only. BCLegalServices.ca is an independent directory and is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, and nothing on this page creates a lawyer-client relationship. Provider listings are compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current. Always verify provider information directly and consult a qualified BC lawyer for your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.