Work Permit in Canada
A work permit in Canada allows eligible foreign nationals to work temporarily under the conditions of their immigration authorization.
Canada has two main types of work permits: employer-specific permits and open permits. The type a person can apply for depends on their eligibility and individual circumstances.
In addition, some employer-specific applications require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, while others may qualify under an LMIA-exempt category. Therefore, applicants should determine the correct pathway before preparing an application.
Types of Work Permit in Canada
There are two main types of Canadian work authorization. However, applicants cannot simply choose whichever type they prefer. Instead, they must qualify under the requirements of the applicable category.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific permit allows the worker to work under the conditions stated on the document. These conditions may include the employer, occupation, work location and validity period.
A job offer is generally required, and the employer may also need an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment number.
Open Work Permit
An open permit allows an eligible person to work for most compliant employers in Canada. A job offer is generally not required.
However, open permits are available only in specific situations, and applicants must qualify under an eligible category.
For current information, review the official Government of Canada information about working in Canada .
Employer-Specific Work Permit in Canada
An employer-specific work permit is one of the main ways foreign nationals may receive temporary authorization to work in Canada. In most cases, the applicant needs a valid job offer from an eligible employer.
Before the worker applies, the employer may need to complete certain steps. For example, the employer may need to obtain a positive LMIA. Alternatively, the employment may qualify under an LMIA-exempt category.
For an LMIA-required position, the employer generally provides the worker with the applicable positive LMIA documents and job-offer information.
For an LMIA-exempt employer-specific application, the employer may need to submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and provide the worker with the applicable offer of employment number.
LMIA-Based Work Permit Applications
Many employer-specific applications are supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.
A positive LMIA generally confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position and that Canadians or permanent residents are not available to fill the job.
However, an LMIA does not itself authorize the foreign national to work. The worker generally still needs to submit and receive approval for the applicable work permit.
Employers can review our LMIA Canada services .
LMIA-Exempt Employment
Some employer-specific applications are exempt from the LMIA requirement. In those situations, the employer may instead have responsibilities under the International Mobility Program.
For example, the employer may need to provide an employment agreement, submit an offer through the Employer Portal and provide the worker with an offer of employment number.
However, exemptions depend on the specific immigration category. Therefore, both the employer and worker should confirm the applicable exemption before preparing the application.
Open Work Permit in Canada
An open work permit is not tied to one specific employer. Consequently, an eligible holder can generally work for most compliant employers in Canada.
A job offer is not generally required. Furthermore, an employer normally does not need an LMIA or an offer of employment number for this type of application.
However, not everyone qualifies. Eligibility depends on the applicant's circumstances and the specific immigration category.
Review the official IRCC information about open work permits .
Who May Qualify for an Open Permit?
Depending on current IRCC requirements, open work authorization may be available in certain situations.
Examples can include eligible:
- Post-graduation work permit applicants
- Spouses or common-law partners in qualifying situations
- Permanent residence applicants under eligible categories
- Dependent family members in certain circumstances
- Refugees, refugee claimants or protected persons in qualifying situations
- Temporary resident permit holders in applicable circumstances
- Workers experiencing or at risk of workplace abuse
- Participants in certain special programs
Because eligibility rules can change, applicants should confirm their current eligibility directly with IRCC before applying.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
Some spouses and common-law partners of eligible workers, students or other qualifying applicants may be able to receive an open work permit.
However, eligibility is not automatic. It depends on factors such as the principal applicant's immigration category, occupation, status and other current IRCC requirements.
Therefore, applicants should review the applicable requirements before submitting an application.
Post-Graduation Work Authorization
Eligible graduates from qualifying designated learning institutions may be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit under the current PGWP requirements.
However, graduating from a Canadian school does not automatically guarantee PGWP eligibility. The institution, program, duration and other applicable requirements must be reviewed.
Protection for Vulnerable Foreign Workers
A worker who holds an employer-specific permit and is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, abuse in relation to their employment may be eligible for an open permit for vulnerable workers.
This measure is intended to help eligible workers leave an abusive employment situation while maintaining authorization to work in Canada.
Applying for a Work Permit From Outside Canada
Foreign nationals may apply for Canadian work authorization from outside Canada if they meet the requirements of the applicable category.
Depending on the application, documents may include employment documents, identity documents, proof of qualifications, an LMIA or offer of employment number, and other supporting evidence.
In addition, applicants must meet the general admissibility and eligibility requirements applicable to their circumstances.
Review the official IRCC eligibility information for applicants outside Canada .
Applying From Inside Canada
Not every temporary resident in Canada is eligible to submit an application for work authorization from inside Canada.
Therefore, applicants should first confirm that they fall within one of the categories permitted to apply from inside Canada. Additional requirements may also apply depending on the category.
Review the official IRCC eligibility information for applicants inside Canada .
Applications at a Port of Entry
Some eligible foreign nationals may apply when entering Canada. However, port-of-entry eligibility is limited and depends on nationality, immigration documents and the type of authorization requested.
Applicants should review current IRCC instructions before relying on a port-of-entry application.
Review the official IRCC port-of-entry information .
Work Permit Extension in Canada
A worker who wants to continue working in Canada beyond the expiry of their current permit may need to apply for an extension before the existing authorization expires.
Employer-specific workers may also need to apply if they want to change employers, occupations or other conditions.
Open permit holders may be able to extend their authorization if they continue to meet the eligibility requirements of an applicable category.
Maintained Status While an Extension Is Processing
In some circumstances, a temporary resident who submits an eligible extension application before their current status expires may remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC processes the application.
However, whether the person may continue working and under what conditions depends on the type of application and their circumstances. Therefore, applicants should review the maintained-status rules carefully before continuing employment.
Changing Employers, Jobs or Other Conditions
A worker may need to submit a new application to change certain conditions on their immigration document.
For example, an employer-specific worker who wants to change employers or jobs generally needs the appropriate authorization before beginning the new employment.
In addition, some workers may need to change or remove occupational restrictions after completing applicable medical requirements.
Documents for a Work Permit in Canada
Required documents depend on the type of application and the applicant's circumstances.
Depending on the application, documents may include:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Job offer or employment agreement
- Positive LMIA documents where required
- LMIA-exempt offer of employment number where required
- Proof of education or occupational qualifications
- Evidence of current immigration status
- Medical examination information where required
- Family documents where applicable
- Additional supporting evidence requested by IRCC
Therefore, applicants should use the instructions that apply to their specific immigration category.
Refusals and Possible Next Steps
A work permit application may be refused if the applicant does not establish that they meet the applicable eligibility, documentation or admissibility requirements.
For example, concerns may relate to the employment offer, LMIA, exemption category, qualifications, immigration status, supporting evidence or other factors.
Therefore, the refusal reasons and complete application history should be reviewed before deciding whether to submit a new application, request reconsideration or consider another appropriate option.
Looking for a Work Permit Consultant or Visa Agent?
People searching online may use phrases such as work permit consultant, work visa consultant, work permit agent, immigration consultant, immigration agent, visa consultant, visa agent, best work permit consultant, top immigration consultant or genuine immigration consultant.
However, the search term used does not determine whether someone is authorized to provide Canadian immigration advice or representation. Therefore, applicants should verify the credentials of the person providing immigration services.
Third Pole Immigration Services provides regulated Canadian immigration assistance through an RCIC. Moreover, our focus is on professional, genuine and ethical guidance rather than promises of approval.
How We Can Help With a Work Permit in Canada
Depending on the applicant's circumstances, our services may include:
- Reviewing the applicable work permit category
- Reviewing employer-specific requirements
- Reviewing open work permit eligibility
- Reviewing LMIA-based applications
- Reviewing LMIA-exempt applications
- Preparing or reviewing application forms
- Reviewing supporting documents
- Preparing extension applications
- Reviewing change-of-employer or change-of-condition matters
- Reviewing refusals and possible next steps
Work Permit in Canada Services by Location
Clients can access Canadian work permit assistance through our Canadian offices and our India location. In addition, consultations may be available online depending on the matter.
Winnipeg Immigration Services
Learn about Canadian immigration assistance through our Winnipeg immigration consultant office .
Surrey Immigration Services
Review immigration services available through our Surrey immigration consultant office .
Muktsar Work Visa Services
Learn about Canadian immigration assistance through our Muktsar immigration consultant office .
Related Canadian Immigration Services
- LMIA Canada services
- Permanent Residence services
- Study Permit services
- Immigration consultation and contact information
Frequently Asked Questions About a Work Permit in Canada
What are the main types of work permits?
The two main types are employer-specific permits and open permits. Employer-specific authorization is tied to the conditions listed on the document, while open authorization is available only to eligible applicants in specific circumstances.
Do I need a job offer?
A job offer is generally required for an employer-specific application. However, a job offer is normally not required for an open permit.
Does every employer-specific application require an LMIA?
No. Some employment situations are LMIA-exempt. In those cases, the employer may instead need to complete the applicable International Mobility Program requirements.
Can anyone receive an open work permit?
No. Open permits are available only in specific circumstances. Applicants must qualify under an eligible category.
Can I extend my permit while in Canada?
You may be able to apply for an extension if you continue to meet the applicable eligibility requirements. The correct process depends on the type of authorization you currently hold and the category under which you qualify.
Does a positive LMIA guarantee approval?
No. A positive LMIA and a work permit application are separate decisions. The foreign worker must still qualify under the applicable Canadian immigration requirements.
Work Permit in Canada Consultation
If you are considering an employer-specific work permit, open work permit, extension or another eligible Canadian work authorization pathway, Third Pole Immigration Services can review your circumstances and help you understand possible next steps.
Third Pole Immigration Services
Winnipeg, Manitoba & Surrey, British Columbia
Canada
RCIC:
Dr. Gursewak Singh Brar, M.Sc., Ph.D.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Licence No.: R709308
Work Permit Assistance
Speak With a Work Permit Consultant in Canada
If you are planning to work in Canada, Third Pole Immigration Services can help you understand the requirements for an employer-specific work permit, open work permit, LMIA-based work permit or eligible work permit extension.
We assist with work permit applications, supporting documents, employer-related requirements, status extensions and other Canadian work authorization matters based on the applicant’s circumstances.
Whether you searched for a work permit consultant, work visa consultant, immigration consultant, immigration agent or visa agent, our focus is on regulated, professional and genuine Canadian immigration guidance.
Complete the consultation form to discuss your work permit situation and possible next steps.
