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Work Permits in Canada

Your Key to a Brighter Future

Canada welcomes nearly 300,000 foreign workers every year on temporary work permits. Whether you’re seeking employment in Canada or wondering if you can work without a permit, here’s what you need to know:
  • LMIA-Based Work Permit

    Obtained through a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and tied to a specific employer.

  • Intra-Company Transfer

    Designed for employees transferring within a multinational company.

  • International Agreements

    Work permits granted under international agreements

  • Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) – formerly known as North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
  • Canada-Chile FTA / Canada-Peru FTA / Canada-Colombia FTA / Canada-Korea FTA.
  • Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
  • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
  • Canada–Panama Free Trade Agreement
  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

An open work permit is neither employer nor job-specific, allowing the holder to work for almost any Canadian employer without requiring a confirmed offer of employment. You may be eligible for a special open work permit if you fall under specific categories, such as:

  • Spousal Open Work Permit.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).
  • International Experience Canada (IEC).
  • Temporary Resident Permit Holder.
  • Refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member.
  • Young worker participating in special programs.
  • Under an unenforceable removal order.
  • Spouse/common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.

Unlocking Your Path

Essential Requirements for a Canadian Work Permit

  • Eligibility Criteria

    Prove to the immigration officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires. Supporting documents, such as family ties and employment commitments, can be included to substantiate your intention to depart.

  • Financial Sufficiency

    Demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home. Include relevant financial documents to support this requirement.

  • Compliance with the Law

    Have no criminal record or record of criminal activity. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may request a police clearance certificate.

  • Security Clearance

    Pose no danger to Canada's security.

  • Good Health

    Undergo a medical examination if required and prove that you are in good health.

  • Employer Eligibility

    Do not plan to work for an employer listed as "ineligible" on the list of employers.

  • Prohibited Employment

    Do not plan to work for an employer who regularly offers services such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.

  • Submission of Required Documents

    Provide any additional documents requested by the immigration officer to substantiate your eligibility to enter the country.

Work Permits Made Easy

Applying at Canada's Port of Entry

At Canada’s port of entry (POE), you have the opportunity to apply for a work permit in a seamless and efficient process. Here’s how:
Eligibility Criteria

  • Exemption from Temporary Resident Visa Requirement: Ensure you’re exempt from the temporary resident visa requirement. Your job must fall within the International Mobility Program or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

  • International Mobility Program (No LMIA Required): If your job falls under the International Mobility Program and doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you can apply for your work permit at the POE.
  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (Positive LMIA): Should your job belong to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and you’ve received a positive LMIA, you’re eligible for a work permit at the POE. Ensure your employer has completed all necessary steps.
  • National or Permanent Resident of U.S., Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon: Regardless of the program, if you’re a national or permanent resident of the U.S., Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, your work permit application is welcomed at the POE.
  • Exceptions: Please note that work as a live-in caregiver or a seasonal agricultural worker does not fall within this category.
Pre-arrival Requirements

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, ensure that you’ve fulfilled these pre-arrival requirements

  • Completed your immigration medical examination, if required.
  • If you’re a citizen of a country requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly into Canada, make sure to obtain it.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strongly recommends that you apply for your work permit before traveling to Canada to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

Special Scenarios

Working in Canada Without a Work Permit

At Canada’s port of entry (POE), you have the opportunity to apply for a work permit in a seamless and efficient process. Here’s how:

Canada offers unique scenarios where foreign nationals can work without a work permit. Explore the following opportunities:

  • Business Visitors
  • Foreign Representatives and their Family Members
  • Military Personnel
  • Foreign Government Officers
  • American Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Officers
  • In-Flight Security Officers
  • On-Campus Employment
  • Performing Artists
  • Athletes and Team Members
  • News Reporters, Media Crews
  • Public Speakers
  • Convention Organizers
  • Clergy
  • Judges, Referees, and Similar Officials
  • Examiners and Evaluators
  • Expert Witnesses and Investigators
  • Health Care Students
  • Civil Aviation Inspectors
  • Aviation or Accident Investigators
  • Crew
  • Emergency Service Providers
  • Maintained Status