Work Permits in Canada: Find the Right Permit and Apply
A work permit lets you work legally in Canada for a set time. There are 2 types: employer-specific permits tied to one job offer, and open permits that let you work for most employers. Find your type below and see what you need to apply.
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What is a Canadian work permit?
A work permit is an official document that lets a foreign national work in Canada under set conditions until an expiry date. Some workers do not need one, such as business visitors. Without a permit you cannot legally work, or say on a job application that you may.
Employer-specific or open?
An employer-specific permit names your employer, job and location, and you need a job offer. An open permit lets you work for almost any employer with no job offer, but only in listed situations such as the post-graduation permit or a spouse’s permit.
Key rules at a glance
- Job offer: required for an employer-specific permit
- LMIA: most employer-specific jobs need one, some are exempt
- Open permit: your employer does not need an LMIA, an offer of employment or the compliance fee
- Where to apply: most open permit applicants must apply inside Canada
Which permit fits you?
Match your situation to a permit type.
Employer-specific fits if
- A Canadian employer has offered you a job
- Your employer can get an LMIA or qualifies for an exemption
- The job is not on the list of work-permit-exempt jobs
Open permit fits if
- You are a recent graduate of a Canadian school
- You are the spouse or child of a worker or student
- You are on a working holiday or in a vulnerable situation
- You have applied for permanent residence
Read our LMIA guide, the spousal open work permit guide or the PGWP guide. Extension or refusal questions? See our work permit extension guide and work permit refused guide. For status questions, see our temporary residence guide.
Work permit types in Canada
The types below follow the IRCC structure. Open the one that matches you.
You work for one named employer in one job and place. Most of these need an LMIA from the employer first.
Open
You can work for almost any employer. You qualify only in set situations, and most applicants apply from inside Canada.
LMIA-exempt
Your employer needs no LMIA, but must submit an offer of employment and pay a $230 compliance fee for most employer-specific cases.
No permit needed
Some jobs are exempt, including business visitors, foreign representatives and short-term performers. You may still need a visa or eTA to enter.
Extend or change
Apply at least 30 days before your permit expires. You also apply to change employers or other conditions.
Not sure which permit fits?
We match your job offer, nationality and family situation to the right permit before you pay a fee.
Work permit families
Employer-led permits backed by a labour market impact assessment, including the Global Talent Stream.
For recent graduates of eligible programs. It often leads to permanent residence through the Canadian Experience Class.
Documents to prepare
Your list depends on your permit type. Start with these.
How to get a Canadian work permit, step by step
Six stages from your first check to your permit.
Check if you need one
Some jobs are exempt. Check before you pay a fee.
Pick your permit type
Decide between an employer-specific and an open permit.
Get your job documents
Your employer gets an LMIA, or submits an offer of employment and pays the fee.
Apply and pay
Submit online and pay $155, or $100 for the open work permit holder fee.
Biometrics and review
Give biometrics and a medical exam if asked.
Receive and extend
Follow every condition on your permit. Apply to extend at least 30 days before it expires.
Work permit fees at a glance
From the IRCC and ESDC fee lists, checked 5 October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
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Work permit Canada FAQs
What is a work permit in Canada?
A work permit is an official document that lets a foreign national work in Canada under set conditions until an expiry date. There are 2 types: employer-specific and open. Without one you cannot legally work, unless your job is exempt.
Do I need a work permit to work in Canada?
Most foreign nationals do. Some workers are exempt, such as business visitors, foreign representatives, military personnel and short-term performing artists. You may still need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada. Read our business visitor guide.
What is the difference between an employer-specific and an open work permit?
An employer-specific permit names your employer, job and location, and needs a job offer. An open permit lets you work for almost any employer with no job offer, but only in listed situations. Open permits exclude employers on the non-compliant list or those offering erotic services.
Do I need an LMIA?
Most employer-specific jobs need a labour market impact assessment, and your employer applies for it. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt, and the employer must then submit an offer of employment. Read our LMIA guide. See our LMIA-exempt work permits guide.
How much does a work permit cost?
The IRCC fee is $155 per person. An open work permit holder pays an extra $100. Employers pay $1,000 per position for an LMIA, or a $230 compliance fee for most LMIA-exempt hires.
Which open work permits exist?
IRCC lists post-graduation, working holiday, destitute students, family members of workers, of students and of permanent residence applicants, victims of workplace abuse, protected persons, permanent residence applicants and others. Read our spousal open work permit guide and PGWP guide.
Can I apply from inside Canada?
Often yes for open permits. IRCC says most open work permit applicants must apply inside Canada, and most people applying from outside Canada cannot get an open permit. Employer-specific applicants can usually apply from outside, and some can apply at a port of entry.
Can an employer hire me without an LMIA?
Yes, in LMIA-exempt cases. The employer submits an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pays the $230 compliance fee before you apply. Read our hire a foreign worker guide. See our LMIA-exempt work permits guide for every exemption.
How early should I apply to extend my work permit?
Apply at least 30 days before your current permit expires. IRCC asks you to allow for in-Canada processing times. You also apply to change employers or other conditions. See our work permit extension guide for maintained status rules.
Can my spouse work in Canada?
Often yes. IRCC offers open work permits to family members of some workers, students and permanent residence applicants. Rules changed in 2025, so read our spousal open work permit guide.
What if my work permit expired?
You may be able to restore your status. The IRCC fee is $401.25, which covers the restoration and a new work permit. Read our restore status guide.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
It can. Skilled work in Canada can qualify you for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class. Read our Canadian Experience Class guide.