Work Permits

Work in Canada: Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process

A Canadian work permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specified period. Each year, Canada welcomes nearly 500,000 temporary foreign workers, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for global talent.

Canada’s thriving economy, diverse job market, and high standard of living make it a top choice for those pursuing international career opportunities. Beyond temporary employment, obtaining a work permit can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency, opening doors to a long-term future in Canada.

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Who is Eligible to Work in Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to be eligible for employment in Canada, although certain exemptions apply.

In most cases, applicants must secure a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, there are exceptions where a work permit can be obtained without an LMIA or job offer. Examples include:

  • Recent graduates from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
  • Spouses or common-law partners of individuals already holding a Canadian work or study permit

General Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Canadian work permit, candidates must:

  • Prove their intent to leave Canada once their work authorization expires
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and their family during their stay, as well as for their return home
  • Have no criminal record and be medically admissible to Canada
  • Plan to work only for an eligible Canadian employer
  • Provide all required documents to establish their eligibility to enter and work in Canada

Types of Canadian Work Permits

There are several pathways to obtain a Canadian work permit. Some require a job offer from a Canadian employer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others are LMIA-exempt or even open permits that do not require a job offer at all.

Below are the main categories:

1. Work Permits Requiring an LMIA

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
  • Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
  • Global Talent Stream

2. LMIA-Exempt but Requiring a Job Offer or Employment Contract

  • International Mobility Program (IMP)
  • NAFTA Work Permits (now CUSMA)
  • CETA Work Permits
  • Intra-Company Transfers

3. Open Work Permits (No Job Offer or LMIA Required)

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Spousal Sponsorship from Inside Canada
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) – Working Holiday Visa
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
  • Spouses of International Students or Workers

How to Obtain a Canadian Work Permit

The process of obtaining a Canadian work permit depends on the type of permit you are applying for. For instance, international students studying in Canada are often automatically authorized to work part-time as part of their study permit conditions.

In most cases, a closed work permit application requires:

  • An official job offer from a Canadian employer, and
  • A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supporting that offer.

Even applicants who are LMIA-exempt or exempt from a work permit must prepare the correct documentation to ensure smooth entry into Canada.

Two Main Types of Work Permits

1. Closed (Restricted) Work Permit

  • Employer-specific – tied to a particular employer and job location.
  • The foreign worker must continue working with the same employer unless a new work permit is issued.

2. Open Work Permit

  • Not tied to any specific employer.
  • Allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada (with a few exceptions such as employers who fail to comply with labour laws).
  • Common examples include Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) and spousal open work permits.

If I Have a Canadian Job Offer, Am I Eligible to Apply for a Work Permit?

Not necessarily. Simply having a Canadian job offer does not automatically qualify you for a work permit. For a job offer to be valid for most work permit applications, it must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
  • Exempt from requiring an LMIA (under specific programs such as intra-company transfers or international agreements).

👉 Important: The province of Quebec has its own process for validating job offers, which differs from the federal system.

What Am I Allowed to Do on a Canadian Work Permit?

Your work permit document will outline the specific conditions of your authorization. These restrictions depend on the type of permit you receive and may include:

  • The employer you are allowed to work for.
  • The location where you can work.
  • The type of work you can perform.
  • The duration of your employment in Canada.

⚠️ All Canadian work permit holders are strictly prohibited from working for employers where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation of workers.

Important Notes

  • A Canadian work permit is temporary authorization to work in Canada. It does not grant permanent resident status.
  • Work permit holders must leave Canada once their authorization expires, unless they extend or change their status.
  • If you are working in Canada and wish to stay permanently, you may be eligible to transition to permanent residence through one of Canada’s immigration programs.

Can My Family Be Included on My Work Permit Application?

Yes. In many cases, if you are applying for an employer-supported work permit, your spouse/partner and dependent children may be eligible to accompany you to Canada.

Family Member Options:

👨‍👩‍👧 Spouse or Common-Law Partner
  • May be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada (not tied to one specific job).
🎓 Dependent Children
  • If school-aged, they can attend Canadian educational institutions without a separate study permit.

How Much Does a Canadian Work Permit Cost?

The cost of a Canadian work permit depends on the type of permit you are applying for:

  • Closed Work Permit: $155 CAD per person
  • Open Work Permit: $255 CAD per person

Additional Fees May Apply If:

  • You are restoring a work permit after it has expired.
  • You are applying as a group of performing artists.

💡 Note: Government fees are subject to change. Always check the latest fees on the official Government of Canada website.

How Do I Apply for a Work Permit?

The application process depends on the type of work permit you are applying for. The first step is to determine which work permit best fits your situation — whether it’s a closed work permit tied to a specific employer, or an open work permit with more flexibility.

Once you know which permit applies to you, you will need to:

  • 1 Gather the required documents (job offer, LMIA, proof of eligibility, etc.).
  • 2 Submit your application online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
  • 3 Pay the required processing fees.
  • 4 Wait for processing and, if approved, receive your work permit authorization.

💡 Not sure where to start? Our team can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get personalized guidance through the process.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit?

The exact documents you need depend on the type of work permit you are applying for. However, applicants are generally required to provide some or all of the following:

  • Completed application forms
  • Proof of status for accompanying family members (if applicable)
  • Written job offer or employment contract (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof that you meet the job requirements (education, experience, certifications, etc.)
  • Copies of educational credentials (diplomas, degrees, certificates)
  • Evidence of financial support (to cover your stay and return travel)
  • Recent passport-sized photos (meeting IRCC specifications)
  • Proof of legal status in Canada (if applying from inside Canada)
  • Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if required
  • Updated CV / résumé
  • Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ), if applying to work in Quebec
  • Valid passport (all pages, including stamps and visas)
  • Medical exam results (if requested by IRCC)
  • Proof of payment for government processing fees

💡 Tip: Submitting a complete and well-prepared application package helps avoid delays in processing.

Biometrics for Canadian Work Permits

  • Inside Canada: IRCC currently has a temporary policy exempting applicants who are applying for a work permit from within Canada from providing biometrics.
  • Outside Canada: Applicants applying from outside Canada are still required to give biometrics once they receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).

👉 You must follow the Government of Canada’s official instructions on how and where to provide biometrics.

Medical Exam for Canadian Work Permit

Foreign nationals applying to work in Canada may need to undergo a medical exam, depending on their length of stay, country of residence, and job type.

When a Medical Exam Is Not Usually Required

  • If you are working in Canada for less than 6 months, you typically do not need a medical exam.
  • Exceptions: You will still need one if you:
  • Work in jobs that bring you into close contact with people (e.g., healthcare, childcare, teaching).
  • Are an agricultural worker who has lived in or visited certain countries.

When a Medical Exam Is Required

If you plan to work in Canada for more than 6 months, you must complete a medical exam if:

  • 1 You have lived in or travelled to certain countries for 6 months or more (see IRCC’s “Find out if you need a medical exam” list).
  • 2 You intend to work in an occupation involving close contact with people (such as healthcare, education, or childcare).

How to Complete a Medical Exam

  • Medical exams must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
  • You can search for one near you on IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician page.

Timing of the Medical Exam

  • Upfront medical exam: You can complete it before submitting your work permit application.
  • After applying: If you don’t provide results with your application, IRCC will send you instructions and a deadline to complete the exam.

Photo Requirements for Canadian Work Permit

Applicants must provide a passport-sized photo with their work permit application.
The photo must meet the official IRCC specifications, including:

  • Neutral facial expression (no smiling, mouth closed).
  • Plain white or light-colored background.
  • Head and shoulders centered and clearly visible.
  • Recent photo (taken within the last 6 months).
  • Size: 35 mm x 45 mm.

How Long Will It Take to Process My Work Permit Application?

Processing times vary depending on:

  • The type of work permit (open or employer-specific).
  • The country of residence when applying.
  • Whether biometrics, medical exams, or additional documents are required.

In general, processing can take a few weeks to several months. Applicants can check current estimates using IRCC’s official check processing times tool.

How Long Will It Take to Process My LMIA Application?

There are two main types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications:

1. Regular LMIA

  • Processed on a case-by-case basis, so timelines can vary.
  • Generally, it takes a minimum of 5 months to receive a response.
  • Employers eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream may qualify for expedited processing.

2. Simplified LMIA (Quebec only)

  • Available only in the province of Quebec.
  • Typically processed in 2–3 months.

Success Rate for Work Permit and LMIA Applications

It is not possible to provide a fixed success rate for work permit or LMIA applications, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

  • If an applicant meets all the requirements of the LMIA, the application should be approved.
  • However, approval is ultimately at the discretion of the visa officer reviewing the application. Each officer evaluates the application individually, which means outcomes can vary even for similar cases.

⚡ Tip: Ensuring that your application is complete, accurate, and supported by all required documents significantly improves your chances of approval.

Checking the Status of Your Work Permit Application

  • Online Applications: If you submitted your work permit application online, you can check the status directly through your IRCC online account.
  • Paper Applications: If you applied via a paper-based application, you can link it to an online IRCC account to monitor progress.

Common Reasons for Work Permit Refusal

Receiving a work permit refusal can be distressing. Understanding the reasons can help if you decide to reapply. Common reasons include:

  • 1 The officer is not convinced that you can adequately perform your intended work.
  • 2 The officer is not convinced that you will return to your home country after your authorized stay.
  • 3 You do not meet the criteria for the type of work permit you applied for.

Tip: Requesting GCMS notes can provide more details on the officer’s decision and help address concerns in a reapplication.

Including Your Spouse and Dependents

  • If you are applying for a closed work permit, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
  • Your spouse must apply for this work permit separately, usually online.

How to Activate Your Work Permit

Activating your work permit depends on where you applied from and the method of your application.

1. Applying from Within Canada

  • If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter from IRCC.
  • Online applications: The letter will appear in your online account.
  • Paper applications: The letter will be sent to your mailing address.
  • Your physical work permit will then be mailed to you. It will already be activated, allowing you to start working in Canada immediately.

2. Applying from Outside Canada

  • Approved applicants will receive a letter with instructions on obtaining their physical work permit at a Canadian port of entry (POE).
  • Online applications: Instructions appear in your online account.
  • Paper applications: Instructions are mailed to your address.
  • Once you present the letter at the POE and meet eligibility requirements, your work permit will be issued and activated on arrival.

3. Applying at the Port of Entry

  • Some applicants can apply directly at the Canadian border.
  • You must bring supporting documents proving your eligibility.
  • If approved, the border officer may print your work permit immediately, which can be used to work in Canada right away.

How to Find a Job in Canada

Starting a job search in Canada can feel overwhelming, but there are many resources available to help you secure an official job offer from a Canadian employer.

When beginning your search, consider using the following resources:

  • Canadian Resume Guide – Learn how to create a resume that meets Canadian standards.
  • Social Media Presence Guide – Ensure your online profiles reflect your professional image.
  • NOC Code Tool – Some positions require you to know your National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code, which is used to classify all types of employment in Canada. Use this tool to find the correct code for your occupation.

Take the time to prepare a tailored resume and optimize your social media presence before submitting applications. A well-prepared profile significantly increases your chances of being noticed by Canadian employers.

Benefits of Working in Canada

Working in Canada comes with numerous advantages for foreign nationals:

  • 1 Safe and Regulated Workplaces: Canadian labour laws ensure a high standard of workplace safety and require employers to follow regulations that protect employees’ well-being.
  • 2 Competitive Wages: Foreign workers are legally entitled to wages equivalent to their Canadian counterparts, ensuring fair compensation.
  • 3 Family Inclusion: Certain Canadian work permits allow spouses and dependent children to accompany the worker. Spouses may even be eligible for an open work permit, enabling them to work for any employer in Canada.
  • 4 Pathway to Permanent Residency: Gaining Canadian work experience can significantly improve eligibility for permanent immigration programs. Programs that value Canadian work experience include:
  • Express Entry
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
  • Quebec Immigration Programs
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

Working in Canada is not just about employment—it’s a strategic step toward long-term settlement and career growth in a stable, competitive, and family-friendly environment.

Canadian Work Permit FAQs

How can I extend my work permit?

Temporary foreign workers eligible for an extension must apply online. It’s recommended to submit the extension request at least 30 days before your current permit expires, although applications can technically be submitted up to the last day of validity. Contact us to determine your eligibility for extending your work permit.

What is my work permit number?

Your work permit number is located at the top right-hand corner of your permit and always begins with the letter “U.”

Can I work in Canada without a work permit?

Foreign nationals must obtain a work permit to work legally in Canada, with only a few exceptions.

Can I get a Canadian work permit without a job offer?

Typically, foreign nationals require a written job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. Some programs, however, allow applicants to receive an open work permit, which enables them to work anywhere in Canada for any employer.

Do Canadian work permits have an age limit?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Canadian work permit. There is no maximum age, except for programs like the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which has age restrictions.

Can I apply for Canadian health insurance while on a work permit?

Healthcare in Canada is administered by each province and territory, each with its own insurance plan. Some provinces allow work permit holders to apply for provincial health coverage, but most require residents to be physically present for a certain number of days before becoming eligible.

What is the difference between a Canadian work permit and a visa?

  • A work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada.
  • A visa (or Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) is a travel document that allows you to enter Canada or transit through a Canadian airport.

Important: Even with a valid work permit, if you leave Canada, you cannot return without a valid visa or eTA.

Do I need IELTS to apply for a Canadian work permit?

Canada does not require IELTS or any other English or French language test for work permit applications. However, if the job offer specifically requires language skills, and the applicant comes from a non-English or non-French-speaking country, the officer may request proof of language proficiency, such as a language test.

How long are Canadian work permits valid?

Canadian work permits are usually valid for 1–2 years, though there are exceptions. The length of the permit depends on:

  • The validity of the applicant’s passport
  • The duration indicated on the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable
  • The length of stay requested by the applicant
  • The requirements of the job offer and the specific program under which the work permit is issued

Work permits may also be issued for a shorter duration depending on the program.

Do I need my Canadian work permit to enter Canada?

Yes. To re-enter Canada after traveling abroad, you must have:

  • Your work permit
  • A valid travel document (passport)
  • Either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

A work permit alone does not allow entry into Canada; it only authorizes you to work once you are inside the country.

Can my employer sponsor me to work in Canada?

Canadian employers cannot directly “sponsor” foreign workers. Instead, they can assist by:

  • Obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
  • Submitting an electronic job offer (for LMIA-exempt categories)

Once an employer secures an LMIA or electronic job offer, it can be used by the foreign worker to apply for a Canadian work permit.