How To Apply For A Canada Work Permit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Canada is one of the most popular destinations in the world for temporary foreign workers. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people from all over the globe come to Canada to fill jobs in healthcare, construction, agriculture, hospitality, technology, and many other sectors. To legally work in Canada, most foreign nationals need a work permit.

This comprehensive guide will explain how to apply for a Canada work permit, the different types available, who needs one, and what steps you need to take before and after your application is approved.

On This Page You Will Find

• The types of Canadian work permits
• Who needs a work permit to work in Canada
• Step-by-step instructions for applying
• Required documents and fees
• How to extend, change, or transition to permanent residence

What Is a Canada Work Permit?

A Canada work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period. Work permits are temporary, although they can often be extended or used as a stepping stone to permanent residence.

There are two main types of Canadian work permits:

1. Employer-specific work permits – These are tied to one employer, job title, and location. You can only work for the employer listed on the permit.
2. Open work permits – These allow you to work for almost any employer in Canada, in any location, without needing a job offer at the time of application.

Do You Need a Work Permit to Work in Canada?

In most cases, yes. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you generally need a work permit. However, there are some exceptions. Certain jobs and circumstances allow you to work in Canada without a permit, including:

• Business visitors
• Performing artists (in some cases)
• Athletes and coaches
• News reporters
• Civil aviation inspectors
• Public speakers

View the full list of jobs that do not require a work permit

Types of Work Permits in Canada

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)

This is the most common type of permit. It ties you to one employer and requires that the job offer meet Canadian labour standards. You may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – a document your employer obtains to prove there are no Canadians available to do the job.

You can get an employer-specific work permit through two main programs:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Requires an LMIA
• International Mobility Program (IMP) – Exempt from the LMIA requirement, includes intra-company transfers, significant benefit workers, and more

2. Open Work Permit

An open work permit gives you flexibility. You do not need a specific job offer and can work for nearly any employer in Canada.

Common categories of open work permits include:

• Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students
• International students who recently graduated from a Canadian institution (PGWP)
• Vulnerable workers facing abuse or exploitation
• Refugee claimants and protected persons
• Participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility depends on the type of work permit you’re applying for. In general, you must:

• Prove you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
• Show you have enough money to support yourself and any family members
• Obey the law and have no criminal record (you may need a police certificate)
• Be in good health and pass a medical exam if required
• Not intend to work for ineligible employers (e.g., those listed as non-compliant)

Additional requirements apply depending on your country of citizenship and the program under which you’re applying.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply For a Canada Work Permit

Step 1 – Secure a Job Offer (if needed)

Most employer-specific work permits require a valid job offer. Your employer may need to obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If your job is LMIA-exempt, they must submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a compliance fee.

Step 2 – Gather Required Documents

You will need to prepare the following:

• Valid passport
• Job offer letter or contract
• LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment (with job offer number)
• Educational credentials or certificates
• Police clearance certificates (if requested)
• Medical exam results (if applicable)
• Proof of work experience (CV, reference letters)
• Proof of relationship (for spouse open permits)
• Digital photo and biometrics (fingerprints)

Tip: Always double-check country-specific requirements on the IRCC document checklist.

Step 3 – Submit the Application

You can apply:

• Online – the most common method
• From inside Canada – if you meet certain criteria (e.g., valid study/work permit or family member of a worker)
• At a port of entry (POE) – only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents in specific cases

To apply online, create an IRCC account and follow the prompts to upload your documents, pay the fees, and submit your application.

Step 4 – Pay Fees

Standard fees include:

• Work permit fee: CAD 155
• Biometrics: CAD 85 (if required)
• Open work permit holder fee (if applicable): CAD 100

You can pay these fees online through your IRCC account or directly by credit/debit card.

Step 5 – Give Biometrics

If you are between the ages of 14 and 79, you must give your fingerprints and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). You’ll receive instructions after submitting your application.

Step 6 – Wait for Processing

Processing times vary depending on your country of residence and the type of permit.

Step 7 – Receive a Decision

If your application is approved, you’ll receive:

• A letter of introduction (if applying from outside Canada), which you present at the border
• A work permit document (if applying from inside Canada)

The actual work permit is issued at the Canadian port of entry or mailed to you if you are already in the country.

After You Arrive in Canada

Your work permit will contain important details, including:

• The name of your employer (if applicable)
• The job you are allowed to do
• The location of work
• The start and end dates

You must follow these conditions. Working outside the conditions of your permit may affect future immigration applications.

Can You Extend or Change Your Work Permit?

Yes. If you want to:

• Extend your stay in Canada as a worker
• Change your employer, occupation, or work location
• Change your type of permit (e.g., from closed to open)

You must apply for a new work permit before your current one expires. In most cases, you must remain in Canada while the new application is processed.

If your permit expires and you haven’t applied to extend it, you may lose your status and have to leave Canada.

Work Permit as a Pathway to Permanent Residence

Many temporary foreign workers go on to become permanent residents of Canada. Some of the most common pathways include:

• Express Entry – for skilled workers with Canadian work experience
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – for workers nominated by a province or territory
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for those with at least 1 year of skilled work in Canada

Having a valid work permit and Canadian job experience can significantly increase your chances of qualifying for permanent residence.

Avoiding Fraud and Inadmissibility

• Never pay an employer to get a job in Canada. This is illegal.
• Work only for approved employers, and always check if they are in good standing.
• Be honest in your application. False information can result in a refusal or a ban from Canada.
• Make sure to renew your documents before they expire.

FAQ