Work permits

A Canadian work permit is a permission to take a job within Canada if you are from a foreign country. You usually need a work permit to work in Canada. In some cases, you can work without a permit or job offer in Canada.

There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:

• who is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
• who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages

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

• have an employer-specific work permit and are being abused or at risk of being abused with your job in Canada
• 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)
• applied for permanent residence in Canada
• 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 a dependent family member of someone who applied for permanent residence.
• are a temporary resident permit holder are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student
• are under an unenforceable removal order
• are young worker participating in special programs

In each situation, you must meet additional criteria to be eligible.

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
• the location where you can work (if applicable)

There are four basic steps to getting a temporary Canadian Work Visa:

• The employer applies for labour market opinion (if necessary)
• Employer extends a provisional job offer to foreign workers
• A skilled foreign worker applies for a work permit
• A work permit is issued