Working Temporarily in Canada
A work permit is an official document from IRCC that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada. Most people need a work permit before they start working. There are two main types — and some jobs don't require a permit at all.
Open Work Permit
Work for almost any employer in Canada. No job offer required to apply.
- Any employer (except non-compliant or certain adult services)
- Any location in Canada
- Any occupation
- Employer does not need LMIA or employer compliance fee
- Available only in specific situations (PGWP, IEC, refugees, PR applicants, etc.)
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Tied to one employer, location, and occupation. Job offer required.
- One specific employer named on the permit
- Specific location and occupation conditions apply
- Valid until the expiry date on the permit
- Employer may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Most common route for skilled workers with a Canadian job offer
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and some foreign nationals in specific roles (business visitors, performing artists, athletes, diplomats, certain academics) can work in Canada without a permit.
Check if you need a work permit →Which Permit Do You Need?
💰 Fees (as of 2026)
| Work permit | $155 CAD |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 CAD |
| Biometrics (individual) | $85 CAD |
| Biometrics (family) | $170 CAD |
| Employer compliance fee (per worker) | $230 CAD |
⏱️ Processing Times
Processing times vary by country and application type. Online applications are typically faster. Check IRCC's website for current times.
- Apply online where possible for fastest service
- Ensure your application is complete — missing documents cause delays
- Biometrics must be provided before processing completes
Open Work Permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada — no job offer needed. You can change jobs, industries, or locations freely. Available only in specific situations.
- Work for any employer in Canada
- Change employers at any time
- Work in any occupation
- Work in any province or territory
- Employer does NOT need to apply for LMIA
- Employer does NOT pay compliance fee
- Employers on the non-compliant employer list
- Businesses that regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages
Who Can Apply for an Open Work Permit
Most people outside Canada cannot get an open work permit. Most applicants must apply from inside Canada. You can only apply under these specific situations:
Students, Graduates & Youth
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants
- International Experience Canada — Working Holiday category
- Destitute students
Spouses & Dependent Children
- Family members of permanent residence applicants
- Family members of work permit holders
- Spouses/common-law partners of certain international students
- Sponsored family members
Vulnerable People
- Refugees, asylum claimants and protected persons
- Victims of workplace abuse
- People in crisis situations
Other Situations
- Permanent residence applicants (Bridging Open Work Permit)
- Indigenous Peoples
- Temporary resident permit holders
- Quebec investors
Even with an open work permit, restrictions may be listed on the permit — such as medical exam requirements for certain jobs, or geographic restrictions (e.g. work only in a specific province under the PNP class).
What is an open work permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except those who
- are on the non-compliant list, or
- regularly offer striptease, erotic dance or escort services, or erotic massages
You don’t need a job offer to apply for an open work permit. Open work permits aren’t job-specific, so if you have one, your employer doesn’t need to
- apply for a labour market impact assessment
- submit an offer of employment
- pay the employer compliance fee
Who can apply
Most people applying from outside Canada can’t get an open work permit. Most open work permit applicants must apply in Canada.
You can apply for an open work permit only under specific situations.
Restrictions on your open work permit
You may have restrictions listed on your open work permit related to the following:
- what type of work you can do
- Example: You may need a medical exam to work in some jobs.
- Find out how to remove the medical conditions from your work permit.
- where you can work
- Example: If you have an open work permit under the provincial nominee class, you may be able to work only in a specific province.
- Find out if you can work at a different location from the one listed on your open work permit.
Source: canada.ca — IRCC last updated: March 31, 2026
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Tied to one employer, one location, and one occupation. You must comply with all conditions on the permit until its expiry date. The permit shows employer, location, and occupation under "Additional Information".
What You Need to Apply
A job offer from a Canadian employer who is not on the non-compliant employers list.
Your employer must determine if they need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Most jobs require one. The employer applies for the LMIA — not you. Once approved, they provide you with the LMIA letter and Annex A.
Some positions are LMIA-exempt (intracompany transfers, CUSMA/USMCA workers, certain international agreements). The employer submits an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and pays a compliance fee.
Valid passport, admissibility to Canada (no criminal/medical/security issues), intent to leave Canada when permit expires.
📊 Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — Explained
An LMIA is a document that proves there is a genuine need to hire a foreign worker because no qualified Canadian or PR is available. The employer applies — not the worker.
- Skilled trades and technical roles
- Agricultural workers (seasonal programs)
- Food processing, manufacturing
- Most jobs not covered by trade agreements
- CUSMA / USMCA (US & Mexico professionals)
- Intracompany transfers
- International agreements (CETA, CPTPP)
- Global Skills Strategy (high-skilled, 2-week processing)
- Significant benefit to Canada (researchers, performers)
Popular Employer-Specific Permits
2-week processing for highly skilled tech and business workers. LMIA-exempt for eligible roles.
Details →For US and Mexican citizens in eligible professional categories. LMIA-exempt, apply at port of entry or online.
Details →Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and other agricultural streams for farm labour.
Details →Employer-specific permit for young people from IEC partner countries applying in the Young Professionals category.
Details →How to Apply for a Work Permit
The instructions depend on where you are applying from. Choose the option that applies to you.
Most applicants apply from their home country before travelling. Apply online through your IRCC secure account.
- Have all documents ready before starting
- Receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction
- Permit is issued at the border when you arrive
- May need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA too
If you are already in Canada with valid status (study permit, visitor visa, another work permit), you may be able to apply for a work permit from within Canada.
- Must have maintained lawful status in Canada
- Apply online through IRCC secure account
- Can often start working while waiting for a decision (implied status rules may apply)
Some people can apply at the Canadian border when they arrive. This applies to citizens of certain countries or those with a valid POE Letter of Introduction.
- US citizens may apply at the border (visitor visa not required)
- Bring all required documents for the officer to review
- Border officer has full discretion to approve or refuse
General Application Steps
Use IRCC's eligibility tool to confirm whether you need an open or employer-specific permit, and whether special instructions apply.
For employer-specific permits: ensure your employer has either obtained a positive LMIA or submitted an LMIA-exempt Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal.
Collect: valid passport, job offer letter, LMIA letter + Annex A (if applicable), proof of qualifications, photos, and any other required documents.
Create or sign in to your IRCC secure account. Complete the work permit application, upload all documents, and pay the $155 CAD fee.
After applying, IRCC sends a biometric instruction letter. Visit a Service Canada or designated biometric collection point within 30 days to give fingerprints and photo.
IRCC processes your application. Check your IRCC account for updates. Respond quickly to any requests. Confirm processing times for your country before applying.
If approved from outside Canada: you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present it at the border — the work permit is issued on arrival.
After arriving and receiving your work permit, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada. You need a SIN to legally work and get paid.
📋 Common Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (info page copy)
- 2 passport-size photos
- Proof of admissibility
- Application fee payment
- Job offer / employment contract
- LMIA letter + Annex A (if LMIA required)
- Offer of Employment number (LMIA-exempt)
- Proof of qualifications / credentials
- Police certificate
- Medical exam (certain jobs/countries)
- Proof of previous work experience
- Language test results
Source: canada.ca — IRCC last updated: March 31, 2026
Work Permits with Special Instructions
Some work permits have their own application procedures or eligibility requirements. Review the specific program that applies to you.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For international students who graduated from an eligible Canadian DLI. Open work permit valid up to 3 years. One-time permit — apply within 180 days of graduation. Key pathway to Express Entry CEC.
- Validity: Program length (8 mo.–<2 yrs) OR 3 years (2+ year programs)
- Must apply within 180 days of graduation confirmation
- One PGWP per lifetime
- Enables CEC pathway to permanent residence
International Experience Canada (IEC)
For youth (18–35) from eligible partner countries. Three categories: Working Holiday (open WP), Young Professionals (employer-specific), International Co-op. Apply through IEC portal.
- 35+ partner countries including UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea
- Working Holiday: open WP, any job, 1–2 years
- Young Professionals: employer-specific, must have job offer
- International Co-op: must be enrolled in post-secondary program
Global Skills Strategy
Fast-track 2-week processing for highly skilled foreign workers in specific occupations (TEER 0 and 1). LMIA-exempt. Designed to help Canadian companies attract global talent quickly.
- 2-week processing guarantee for eligible applications
- Short-term work permit for up to 30 days (specific occupations)
- LMIA-exempt — employer submits Offer of Employment online
- Dedicated service channel for qualifying employers
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
For workers already in Canada who have applied for permanent residence and whose current work permit is expiring. Lets you keep working while waiting for a PR decision.
- Must have applied for permanent residence in certain classes
- Current work permit expiring within 4 months (for online applications)
- Open permit — work for any eligible employer
- Valid until a decision on your PR application is made
CUSMA / USMCA (Canada–US–Mexico)
US and Mexican citizens in eligible professional categories can get LMIA-exempt employer-specific work permits. US citizens can apply at the port of entry. Quick processing for many professions.
- 63+ eligible professional categories (engineers, accountants, scientists, etc.)
- US citizens: apply at Canadian port of entry with job offer
- Mexican citizens: apply at Canadian visa office
- LMIA-exempt — employer compliance fee applies
Open WP for Vulnerable Workers
For foreign workers experiencing or at risk of workplace abuse. Allows you to leave the abusive situation and find a new employer without losing work authorization.
- Free to apply — no processing fee
- For workers with employer-specific permits in abusive situations
- Contact IRCC or local authorities for help reporting abuse
- Immigration enforcement will not be called if you report abuse
Agricultural Workers
Canada's Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and other agricultural streams allow employers to hire seasonal farm workers from Mexico and Caribbean countries when Canadians are not available.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): Mexico and 11 Caribbean countries
- Dedicated housing must be provided by employer
- Workers have special rights and protections under SAWP
- Agricultural Stream: available to workers from any country
Family Members of Foreign Workers
Spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children of certain foreign workers may be eligible for open work permits to work in Canada.
- Spouse/partner of worker in TEER 0, 1, or specific TEER 2/3 occupations
- Spouse/partner of full-time international students in specific programs
- Dependent children may be eligible for study permits
- Apply alongside or after the principal permit holder
Follow:
If you're 18 to 35 (18 to 30 in some countries), come work and travel in Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC)! It's a government program designed to help you
- gain valuable international work experience
- improve your language skills in English and French
- work in Canada and fund the trip of a lifetime
Who can apply
The 2026 IEC season is open
The pools for the 2026 season are open. If you’re eligible, you can create a profile.
Check the rounds of invitations for key dates and available spots.
If you’re in Canada with a valid letter of introduction (LOI)
- You may be able to get your IEC work permit mailed to a Canadian address if you meet certain requirements.
- If you don’t meet these requirements, you must leave Canada after you get your port of entry LOI and re-enter from a country other than the US or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon to activate your work permit.
Current processing time
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after you submit all documents and give biometrics
Recognized organizations (ROs)
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ROs may be able to help you plan your experience.
Services and information
Rounds of invitations
Find out about important dates, the number of invitations sent out and the number of spots available.
Make changes to your IEC work permit
Find out how to make changes to your work permit in specific situations.
Check the status of your application
Get online updates about your application.
IEC web form
Complete the web form if you need to submit more documents or if you need more time to submit your documents.
Get more help
Find a job in Canada
Search the government's Job Bank for job opportunities across the country.
Get answers to your questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about IEC in the Help Centre.
