Canadian work permit guide

Two kinds of permit

An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer, and usually to one location and role. In most cases the employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a decision from Employment and Social Development Canada about the effect of hiring a foreign worker.

An open work permit is not tied to an employer. Open permits are not available on request; they exist only for specific situations defined in the regulations, such as certain spouses of workers or students, and certain post-graduation situations.

What an LMIA involves

An LMIA is the employer's responsibility, not yours. The employer applies, demonstrates recruitment efforts and meets wage and advertising requirements. Some occupations and programmes are exempt from the LMIA requirement entirely — international agreements and Canadian-interest exemptions are the common categories.

Applying

Where you apply from, what documents are required and whether you need biometrics all depend on your nationality, your current status and the type of permit. Applications are generally made online, and a permit is issued for a defined period tied to the job offer, the LMIA or the programme you qualify under.

Working while you are in Canada

A work permit sets conditions: who you may work for, in what occupation and until when. Changing employer on an employer-specific permit normally requires a new permit before you start the new job. Continuing to work after a permit expires without having applied to extend it puts your status at risk.

Verify before you apply

Eligibility rules, exemption categories and application requirements change. Confirm your situation against the official work-permit pages below, and consider licensed advice if your case is not straightforward.