Work Permit

Understanding the Process

For most non-Canadian citizens, obtaining a work permit is necessary to work in Canada.

Types of Work Permits:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit: This type of permit allows you to work in Canada under specific conditions that include:
   • The name of the employer you are authorized to work for.
   • The duration of your employment.
   • The location of your workplace (if relevant).

Before you can apply for this permit, your employer must provide you with:

1. • A copy of your employment contract.
   • One of the following documents:
     • A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
     • An offer of employment number (for workers exempt from LMIA).

To obtain the offer number, your employer needs to use the Employer Portal. If your employer isn’t required to use the Employer Portal, they must still provide you with your employment contract.

1. Open Work Permit: An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. You cannot work for:
   • Employers listed as non-compliant with regulations.
   • Establishments that offer striptease, erotic dancing, escort services, or similar activities.

Open work permits are typically available under specific circumstances. Certain jobs may necessitate a medical examination. If you wish to avoid health-related conditions on your open work permit, you can obtain a medical exam from an accredited panel physician.

Bringing Your Family

If you plan to relocate to Canada, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may also have the opportunity to work, study, or live with you during your employment.

General Eligibility Criteria for All Applicants

There are particular requirements you must fulfill based on your location when applying for a work permit. Regardless of your application location or the type of work permit, you must:

• Demonstrate to an officer that you plan to leave Canada upon the expiration of your work permit.
• Show sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada and for your return home.
• Adhere to legal regulations and have no criminal record (you may be asked for a police clearance certificate).
• Not pose a threat to Canada’s security.
• Be in good health and undergo a medical examination if required.
• Avoid working for employers classified as “ineligible” due to non-compliance.
• Not work for employers that regularly provide striptease, erotic dancing, escort services, or similar activities.
• Provide any additional documents requested by the officer to confirm your eligibility for entry.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants Outside Canada

Anyone can apply before arriving in Canada, but you may need to meet specific visa office requirements based on your country or territory of application. Follow the application instructions carefully. Check if you qualify for expedited processing under the Global Skills Strategy, which offers a two-week application timeframe.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants Inside Canada

You may apply for a work permit from within Canada only if:

• You hold a valid study or work permit.
• Your spouse, common-law partner, or parents possess a valid study or work permit.
• You qualify for a post-graduation work permit while your study permit is still active.
• You have a temporary resident permit valid for six months or longer.
• You are awaiting a decision on a permanent residency application submitted from within Canada.
• You have made a claim for refugee status.
• You have been recognized as a convention refugee or protected individual by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
• You are eligible to work in Canada without a work permit but need one for a different job (excluding business visitors).
• You are a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants at a Port of Entry

As of June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at a port of entry (such as an airport or border crossing) when you arrive in Canada. You should apply for your work permit prior to traveling. However, if you meet the necessary criteria, you can apply for a work permit upon entry into Canada. To do so at a port of entry, you must:

• Be from a visa-exempt country.
• Be eligible for an electronic travel authorization or travel without a visitor visa.
• Fulfill additional requirements based on the specific work permit type you are applying for.

You cannot apply at a port of entry if:

• You require a visitor visa.
• You are from a country listed as ineligible.
• You are an International Experience Canada applicant who is neither a citizen nor a permanent resident of the United States.
• You are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
• You are seeking a post-graduation work permit.

For Employer-Specific Work Permit Applicants

Your employer must complete all necessary steps for your employer-specific work permit application.

For Open Work Permit Applicants

You must meet the eligibility requirements for an open work permit and may need to undergo a medical exam prior to entering Canada. Confirm whether this is necessary.

Biometrics

Most applicants are not able to provide biometrics at a port of entry. To do so, you must:

• Initiate and complete your application at the same port of entry.
• Be eligible to apply for a work permit at that port of entry.

Eligible applicants can provide biometrics at designated port of entry locations.