Work Permit
Temporary authorization to work in Canada. Available through employer-specific permits, open work permits, and International Mobility Program.
Understanding work permits
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada legally. The type of work permit you need depends on your situation, the job offer, and whether the employer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Employer-specific work permits (tied to one employer)
Open work permits (work for any employer)
Processing times vary: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on permit type and country of application.
Employer-specific work permits
These permits allow you to work only for the employer named on the permit, in the position and location specified.
Most employer-specific permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a document proving that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
Processing: 2-6 months (including LMIA processing by Service Canada)
International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt)
Some work permits don't require an LMIA. These fall under the International Mobility Program and include:
Intra-Company Transfers
For executives, senior managers, and specialized knowledge workers being transferred to a Canadian branch of their company.
- 1 year continuous employment with foreign entity
- Qualifying relationship between companies
- Position in eligible category
CUSMA (formerly NAFTA)
For citizens of the United States and Mexico in specific professional categories.
- Citizenship of US or Mexico
- Job offer in qualifying profession
- Meets profession-specific requirements
Open work permits
Open work permits allow you to work for any employer in Canada (with some restrictions).
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Available to graduates of eligible Canadian institutions
- Validity: 8 months to 3 years (depending on program length)
- Must apply within 180 days of program completion
- One-time permit (cannot be extended)
International Experience Canada (IEC)
For young people (18-35, depending on country) from partner countries.
Working Holiday
- No job offer required
- Work for any employer
- Travel and work across Canada
- Duration: up to 24 months (varies by country)
Young Professionals
- Job offer required in field of expertise
- Gain professional experience
- Job-specific work permit
- Duration: up to 24 months
International Co-op
- For students completing internship/co-op
- Job offer required
- Must be related to field of study
- Duration: up to 12 months
Work permits as pathway to permanent residence
Many work permit holders use Canadian work experience to qualify for permanent residence through:
1
Obtain work permit
2
Gain Canadian work experience for 1 - 2 years
3
Improve language skills
4
Apply for permanent
residence
Having a valid job offer can add 50-200 CRS points to your Express Entry profile, significantly improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply.