Work in Canada

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include the name of the employer you can work for, how long you can work, and the location where you can work (if applicable).

There are specific requirements you need to meet depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit.

Work permit

A document issued by IRCC that authorizes a person to work legally in Canada. It sets out conditions for the worker such as:

✔ the type of work they can do,

✔ the employer they can work for,

✔ where they can work, and

✔ how long they can work.

What is an open work permit?

An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific. Because it is not job-specific, you will not need the following when you apply for your work permit:

✔ a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, or

✔ proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee

In most cases, you will have to pay the open work permit holder fee at the same time that you pay the work permit fee.

Who can apply for an open work permit?

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

✔ are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

✔ are a student who’s no longer able to meet the costs of your studies (destitute student)

✔ have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused in relation to your job in Canada

✔ applied for permanent residence in Canada

✔ are a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence

✔ are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student

✔ are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program

✔ are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person or their family member

✔ are under an unenforceable removal order

✔ are a temporary resident permit holder

✔ are a young worker participating in special programs

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.

A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job. It will also show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. A positive LMIA is sometimes called a confirmation letter.

If the employer needs an LMIA, they must apply for one.

Once an employer gets the LMIA, the worker can apply for a work permit.

To apply for a work permit, a worker needs

✔ a job offer letter

✔ a contract

✔ a copy of the LMIA, and

✔ the LMIA number