| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Governing legislation | Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), s. 200–208; IRPR |
| Administering body | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) |
| Main categories | Employer-specific (closed); Open work permit |
| Key programs | TFWP (LMIA-required); IMP (LMIA-exempt) |
| Last updated | June 2026 |
A work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for a defined period. Without one, working in Canada is a violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act — with limited exceptions. The type of permit you need depends on your employer, your occupation, your country of citizenship, and whether you already hold another immigration status in Canada.
Two Main Categories: Employer-Specific vs. Open
Every Canadian work permit falls into one of two categories.
| Feature | Employer-Specific (Closed) | Open Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Tied to one employer | Yes | No |
| Tied to one location | Usually | No |
| LMIA typically required | Yes (TFWP) | No |
| Can change jobs freely | No | Yes (with exceptions) |
| Who gets it | Most TFWP workers | PGWP, IEC, spouses, BOWP holders |
| Restrictions on sector | No | Cannot work in sexual services |
An employer-specific permit names the employer, job title, location, and expiry date. If you change employers, you need a new work permit before starting the new job — working for an unauthorized employer is a status violation that can affect future immigration applications.
Employer-Specific Work Permits and the LMIA
Most employer-specific work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill the position.
LMIA process: 1. Employer advertises the position for a minimum period (usually 4 weeks) on the Job Bank and at least two other platforms 2. Employer applies to ESDC with evidence of recruitment efforts and a job offer 3. ESDC assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market 4. If approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA with a unique number 5. The worker uses the LMIA number to apply for a work permit
LMIA processing times vary by stream:
| TFWP Stream | Typical LMIA Processing |
|---|---|
| High-Wage (NOC TEER 0–3, wages at or above provincial median) | 60–90 business days |
| Low-Wage (wages below provincial median) | 60–90 business days |
| Agricultural (non-seasonal) | 10 business days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) | 10 business days |
| Global Talent Stream (Category A and B) | 10 business days |
The Global Talent Stream is a fast-track LMIA for tech companies and unique talent. Category A requires a referral from a designated partner organization; Category B covers occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List — software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists. The 10-business-day processing guarantee applies to both the LMIA and the subsequent work permit application.
LMIA fee: $1,000 per position, paid by the employer. Waived for agricultural workers under SAWP and caregivers under certain streams.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits: The International Mobility Program
The International Mobility Program (IMP) covers work permits that do not require an LMIA. Exemptions exist because the work provides a significant social, cultural, or economic benefit to Canada, or because of international trade agreements.
| Exemption Category | Examples | IRPR Authority |
|---|---|---|
| International agreements | CUSMA professionals, CETA, CPTPP | R204 |
| Intra-company transfers (ICT) | Executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers | R205(a) |
| Significant benefit | Academics, researchers, athletes, artists | R205(b)–(d) |
| Reciprocal employment | IEC Working Holiday, Young Professionals | R205(b) |
| Humanitarian reasons | Refugee claimants, protected persons | R206 |
| Spouses/partners of workers or students | Spousal open work permits | R205(c)(ii) |
CUSMA (formerly NAFTA): US and Mexican citizens in one of 63 listed professions — engineers, accountants, lawyers, scientists, computer systems analysts, and others — can apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry without an LMIA. The permit is typically issued for one year and is renewable. A valid job offer and proof of professional qualifications are required at the border.
Intra-company transfers: A foreign national employed by a multinational company can transfer to a Canadian affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker. Specialized knowledge workers must demonstrate proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures — not just general expertise in their field.
IMP employer compliance: Employers hiring workers under the IMP must submit an Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay a $230 compliance fee per position before the worker applies for a work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for international students who graduate from an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
PGWP duration rules:
| Program Length | PGWP Duration |
|---|---|
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Equal to program length |
| 2 years or more | 3 years |
| Multiple programs (combined) | Up to 3 years if combined length is 2+ years |
Eligibility changes (November 2024): IRCC narrowed PGWP eligibility for graduates of programs under 2 years. Graduates of programs not aligned with Canadian labour market priorities — STEM, healthcare, trades, agriculture, or education — may not qualify for a PGWP if their program is under 2 years. Graduates of master's and doctoral programs remain eligible regardless of field.
Application deadline: You must apply for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving written confirmation of graduation (transcript or official letter). This window cannot be extended.
PGWP is a one-time permit. A second degree does not generate a second PGWP. Once used, continued work authorization requires a different permit category or permanent residence.
Open Work Permits: Who Qualifies
Beyond PGWP, several categories of people can get an open work permit:
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers (NOC TEER 0 or 1) or international students in master's, doctoral, or certain professional programs. As of January 2025, spouses of students in undergraduate or college programs no longer automatically qualify.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Citizens of 36 partner countries, aged 18–35. Three streams: Working Holiday (open permit, 1–2 years depending on country), Young Professionals (employer-specific), International Co-op (employer-specific). Participation is by invitation through a pool draw system — candidates must first register and receive an invitation to apply.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For workers who have applied for permanent residence through CEC, FSW, FST, or a PNP stream and whose current work permit is expiring. Allows continued work while the PR application is processed.
- Refugee claimants: Can apply for a work permit after filing a refugee claim. Processing times for refugee claimant work permits were approximately 5–6 weeks as of mid-2026.
- Protected persons: Receive an open work permit upon a positive refugee determination from the Refugee Protection Division.
Maintained Status and Restoration
Maintained status (implied status): If you apply to extend your work permit before it expires, you can continue working under the same conditions — same employer, same job — while IRCC processes your application. This is not automatic; you must have applied before the expiry date. The conditions of your existing permit remain in force during the wait.
If your permit expires and you did not apply in time, you have 90 days to apply for restoration of status from within Canada. During those 90 days, you cannot work. After 90 days, restoration is no longer available and you must leave Canada.
Restoration fee: $229 (as of 2026), plus the work permit application fee of $155.
Processing Times and Fees
| Application Type | Typical Processing (2026) |
|---|---|
| Employer-specific, outside Canada | 8–14 weeks |
| Employer-specific, inside Canada (extension) | 4–8 weeks |
| PGWP | 5–8 weeks |
| IEC Working Holiday | 2–8 weeks after invitation (varies by country) |
| Spousal open work permit | 6–12 weeks |
| Bridging open work permit | 4–8 weeks |
Fees summary:
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit application | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 (most open work permits, in addition to application fee) |
| Biometrics | $85 per person |
| LMIA (employer pays) | $1,000 per position |
| IMP employer compliance fee | $230 per position |
| Restoration of status | $229 + $155 |
Who Can Work Without a Work Permit
Some people can work in Canada without a work permit. These exemptions are narrow.
| Category | Key Conditions |
|---|---|
| Business visitors | Work must benefit a foreign employer; must not enter the Canadian labour market |
| Foreign diplomats and officials | Covered by Vienna Convention or bilateral agreements |
| Performing artists | Short-term performances; not employed by a Canadian organization |
| Athletes and coaches | Competing in events or coaching a foreign team |
| News reporters and film crews | Covering events for a foreign media organization |
| Emergency service providers | Responding to a threat to life, property, or environment |
| Clergy and religious workers | Providing religious services; not paid by a Canadian organization |
"Business visitor" is frequently misunderstood. Attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or receiving training at a Canadian office does not automatically qualify someone as a business visitor. If the work primarily benefits a Canadian entity, a work permit is required.
FAQ
What is the difference between a closed work permit and an open work permit?
A closed (employer-specific) work permit names a single employer, job title, and location. You cannot work for a different employer or in a different role without first obtaining a new permit. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, with one exception: open work permit holders cannot work in businesses that provide sexual services. Open work permits are issued in specific circumstances — PGWP, IEC Working Holiday, spousal permits, BOWP — not as a general category available to all applicants.
Can I change jobs while on a closed work permit?
Not without a new work permit. If you receive a job offer from a different employer, your new employer must either obtain an LMIA and you apply for a new employer-specific permit, or the position qualifies for an LMIA-exempt category under the IMP. You cannot start working for the new employer until IRCC approves the new permit. Working for an unauthorized employer — even temporarily — is a violation of your status conditions and can result in a finding of inadmissibility on future applications.
Does a PGWP lead to permanent residence?
A PGWP does not directly grant permanent residence, but it is a common pathway to it. PGWP holders who gain Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. CEC requires at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before applying. In 2024–2026, IRCC has run category-based Express Entry draws targeting healthcare, STEM, trades, and French-language proficiency — PGWP holders in these fields have seen competitive Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores in targeted draws.
What happens if my work permit expires while I am still in Canada?
If you applied to extend before the expiry date, you are on maintained status and can continue working under the same conditions. If you did not apply in time, you are out of status and cannot work. You have 90 days from the expiry date to apply for restoration of status from within Canada — but you cannot work during those 90 days. After 90 days, restoration is no longer available and you must leave Canada. Overstaying without applying for restoration can result in a finding of inadmissibility and affect future Canadian immigration applications, including permanent residence.