Canada offers a variety of work permit options depending on your circumstances. Some work permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others are exempt. Choosing the correct work permit depends on factors such as your nationality, occupation, employer and intended activities in Canada.
This guide provides an overview of the main work permit categories and links to detailed information about each option.
Everything You Need to Know About Working in Canada
There are dozens of different work permits available in Canada. Some require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others are exempt. The correct work permit depends on your nationality, employer, occupation, and circumstances. This guide explains the main types of work permits and links to detailed information about each one.
What Types of Work Permits Are Available?
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Canada has two primary categories of work permits:
In addition, some foreign nationals may be authorized to work without obtaining a work permit if they qualify under one of the regulatory exemptions.
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Each category has different eligibility requirements and conditions.
Who Is Eligible?
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Eligibility depends on the specific work permit category, but applicants will generally need to demonstrate that they:
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meet the requirements of the particular work permit being requested
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will leave Canada when their authorized stay ends (unless applying for permanent residence through an authorized pathway)
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are not criminally or medically inadmissible
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possess a valid passport or travel document
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satisfy any occupation-specific licensing or educational requirements
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provide truthful and complete information
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Additional requirements may apply depending on the program.
Common Reasons Applications Are Refused
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Although every application is assessed individually, common reasons for refusal include:
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insufficient evidence supporting eligibility
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incomplete documentation
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concerns regarding temporary intent
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failure to meet the requirements of the work permit category
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employer non-compliance
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inadmissibility due to criminality or medical issues
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concerns about the genuineness of the job offer
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Preparing a complete application supported by appropriate evidence can significantly reduce the risk of refusal.
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​​​Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I change employers?
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It depends on the type of work permit you hold. Individuals with employer-specific work permits generally require authorization before changing employers, while open work permit holders may work for most employers.
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Can my spouse work in Canada?
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In some circumstances, spouses and common-law partners may qualify for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s status and the applicable immigration program.
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Can I extend my work permit?
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Many work permits can be extended provided you continue to meet the legislative requirements and submit your application before your current authorization expires.
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Can I work while waiting for my extension?
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Some applicants who apply before their work permit expires may be authorized to continue working under maintained status while their application is being processed, provided they continue to meet the applicable legal requirements.​​
GLG Insight​
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Many applicants assume that receiving a job offer automatically means they qualify for a work permit. In reality, eligibility depends on the specific work permit category, the supporting documentation, and whether the legislative requirements have been met. Identifying the correct work permit before submitting an application is often one of the most important steps in the process.
Who Needs a Work Permit?
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Most foreign nationals require authorization before they can legally work in Canada. In many cases, this authorization takes the form of a work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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However, not everyone requires a work permit. Some individuals are authorized to work because they are permanent residents or Canadian citizens, while others may qualify under one of the work permit exemption provisions found in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Determining whether you require a work permit depends on factors such as:
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your citizenship
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where you are applying from
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the type of work you will perform
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who your employer is
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how long you intend to remain in Canada