Canada Work Permit Options

Canada has two broad types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. You cannot simply choose whichever type you prefer; your eligibility and the program rules determine which options are available to you.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit limits your employment to the employer and other conditions listed on the permit. Depending on the case, those conditions may identify the employer, location and occupation.

Applicants generally need to establish that they:

• Have a genuine qualifying job offer from an eligible employer.
• Meet the requirements for the particular work permit program.
• Have the employer documentation required for the application.
• Meet any applicable Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA-exemption requirements.
• Meet the general admissibility and document requirements for entry and temporary residence.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit may allow an eligible person to work for most compliant employers in Canada without being tied to one specific employer. A job offer is generally not required for this permit type, but applicants must qualify under an eligible category.

Potential pathways, depending on current rules and individual circumstances, may include:

• Some eligible spouses or common-law partners of workers or students.
• Some international graduates who qualify under the post-graduation work permit program.
• Some applicants who qualify through permanent residence-related processes.
• Eligible participants in specific youth mobility programs.
• People covered by certain protection or vulnerable-worker provisions.

These examples are not a guarantee of eligibility. Canada has changed the eligibility rules for some open work permit categories, including family members of foreign workers and students. Check the current official criteria before applying.

What Is an LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment, commonly called an LMIA, is a document issued through Employment and Social Development Canada that assesses a Canadian employer’s request to hire a foreign worker in situations where an LMIA is required.

Many employer-specific work permits require an LMIA, but some programs and job situations are exempt. The employer is generally responsible for determining whether an LMIA is required and completing the relevant employer-side steps.

Do not pay someone who promises a guaranteed LMIA or a guaranteed Canadian job. Verify the employer, recruitment process and applicable government requirements.

Official guidance: Employer-specific work permits.

Who May Qualify for a Canadian Work Permit?

The eligibility criteria depend on the work permit category and the applicant’s personal situation. For an application from outside Canada, IRCC may require evidence that you meet the general requirements as well as the requirements of the specific program.

• You must meet the criteria for the work permit type you are applying for.
• You must provide the required application forms and supporting documents.
• You may need a qualifying job offer and employer documentation.
• You may need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and accompanying family members during your stay and to return home.
• You must satisfy applicable admissibility requirements.
• You may need to demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your authorised stay ends, unless your status is lawfully extended or changed.
• You must meet any additional requirements that apply to your occupation, program or destination province.

Some occupations require a licence, certification or registration before you can legally perform the work. Check the rules of the province or territory where you intend to work.

Documents You May Need

Your online application generates a personalised checklist based on your answers and circumstances. The following are common examples; your official checklist takes priority.

• Valid passport or travel document: Provide the required identity pages and ensure your document meets the applicable requirements.
• Application forms: Complete the forms required for your location and work permit category.
• Photograph: Provide a photo that meets the current Canadian specifications, where required.
• Job offer or employment contract: Include the required employment details for an employer-specific permit.
• LMIA documentation: Provide the positive LMIA and related documents if your job requires one.
• LMIA-exempt offer information: Where applicable, provide the employer’s offer of employment number and other required details.
• Work history: Supply a résumé, employer letters, reference letters, pay records or other evidence requested to support your experience.
• Qualifications: Provide diplomas, certificates, licences or other proof that you meet the job requirements.
• Proof of funds: Include evidence if required for your circumstances.
• Family documents: Marriage, birth or other civil status documents may be needed when relevant to your application.
• Medical examination: A medical exam may be required depending on your circumstances, travel history or intended work.
• Police certificates or additional information: Supply these if requested or required under the applicable instructions.
• Translations: Documents not in English or French may need certified translations or other supporting material under IRCC rules.

How to Apply From Outside Canada

Many applicants submit their work permit applications online through the official IRCC process. The precise steps and documents depend on your permit type, country of application and personal circumstances.

Work Permit Comparison

These are general distinctions. The conditions printed on the permit and the applicable program rules determine what you may do.

Canadian Work Permit Fees

Fees depend on the type of application and the services required. IRCC’s published fee schedule lists a standard work permit processing fee of CAD $155 for most applicants and an additional CAD $100 open work permit holder fee for applicants who require it. Biometrics fees may also apply.

These figures are a guide, not a quotation. Fees can change and exemptions may apply. Verify the latest amounts on the official IRCC fee page before paying.

Check official Canadian immigration fees.

Processing Times and Application Status

Processing times are not the same for every applicant. They can depend on the type of work permit, the country from which you apply, application completeness, security or medical checks, biometrics and the workload of the responsible office.

• Check IRCC’s current processing-time tool for your specific application type.
• Submit a complete application and clear document copies.
• Provide biometrics promptly if instructed.
• Monitor your account and respond to official requests.
• Avoid booking non-refundable travel based only on an estimated processing period.

Official resource: Check Canadian immigration processing times.

Can Your Family Accompany You?

A spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may have options to accompany a worker, visit, study or apply for their own authorisation. These options depend on the main applicant’s permit, occupation, program and the current family-member rules.

Family members do not automatically qualify for a work permit because the principal applicant has one. Eligibility for a spouse’s open work permit has specific conditions and restrictions. Check the current IRCC rules for each family member before making plans.

Changing Employers or Extending Your Permit

If you hold an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot simply begin working for a different employer. You may need a new work permit or other authorisation before changing jobs. Special rules may apply in certain circumstances.

If your permit is nearing expiry, review the extension instructions early. Do not assume that submitting an application gives you unrestricted permission to change employers or continue working under different conditions.

Check the official instructions: Extend or change the conditions of your work permit.

Common Reasons Applications May Be Refused

IRCC assesses each application individually. Problems that can contribute to refusal or delays include:

• Not meeting the eligibility requirements for the selected permit.
• Missing or inconsistent documents.
• Insufficient evidence of relevant employment qualifications or experience.
• Employer or LMIA documentation that does not meet the applicable requirements.
• Failure to demonstrate sufficient funds when required.
• Medical, criminality, security or other inadmissibility concerns.
• Incorrect information or misrepresentation.
• Failure to follow application instructions or provide requested information.

If refused, read the decision letter carefully. Any options for reapplying, seeking review or addressing the reasons for refusal depend on your situation. Consider obtaining advice from an authorised Canadian immigration representative or qualified lawyer.

Protect Yourself From Job and Visa Scams

Be cautious of people who promise guaranteed Canadian work permits, guaranteed LMIA approvals or jobs in exchange for large upfront payments.

• Verify the employer and job offer independently.
• Never submit false documents or misrepresent your work history.
• Check whether the person providing paid immigration advice is authorised to do so.
• Confirm government fees through official Canadian websites.
• Keep written agreements and receipts for legitimate services.
• Remember that an LMIA or job offer does not itself guarantee a work permit.

Official Canadian Immigration Resources

For the most accurate information, use the official Government of Canada resources below. Your personalised IRCC checklist should take priority over a general article.

Frequently Asked Questions