Regulated Immigration Guidance
Immigration advice is provided through a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant accountable to Canada's professional regulator.
Work in Canada
Work in Canada
Explore the main ways foreign nationals can work in Canada, understand which type of work permit may apply to your situation, and check your circumstances through a quick initial assessment.
Working in Canada as a foreign national
Most foreign nationals need authorization to work in Canada. Depending on your circumstances, this may mean an employer-specific work permit, an open work permit, or — in narrowly defined situations — working without a permit at all.
Which route applies depends on the job, the Canadian employer, whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required or exempt, your eligibility for an open work permit, your current immigration status, and your location. You can't simply choose between an open and an employer-specific permit — eligibility determines the route.
Main ways to work in Canada
Employer-specific work permit
Authorizes work subject to the conditions on the permit, and normally requires a qualifying job offer. Your employer may need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Conditions can identify your employer, occupation, and work location.
- Most positions require an LMIA unless a specific exemption applies.
LMIA-exempt employer-specific work
Some employer-specific permits are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program or another applicable exemption.
- Examples can include Francophone Mobility, certain free trade agreement categories (including intra-company transfers), qualifying IEC categories, and other recognized exemptions.
- A general description doesn't guarantee an exemption — where the normal employer compliance process applies, the employer generally submits an offer through the Employer Portal and provides an offer of employment number.
Open work permit
No specific job offer is normally required, but open work permits exist only in defined situations.
- Potential categories include eligible post-graduation work permit applicants, qualifying spouses or family members, certain permanent residence applicants, International Experience Canada participants, vulnerable workers, and other IRCC-authorized categories.
- Not having a job offer doesn't mean you can simply choose an open work permit — eligibility for a specific category is required.
Work-permit exemptions
Narrowly defined activities or occupations can sometimes be performed in Canada without a work permit, depending on your actual circumstances.
LMIA versus LMIA-exempt
A quick side-by-side comparison of the two main employer-specific routes.
LMIA-required route
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is generally an employer-side process that helps confirm hiring a foreign worker won't negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
Relevant application documentation can include a positive LMIA or LMIA number, an employment contract, a job offer, and evidence that you meet the occupation's requirements.
LMIA-exempt route
Being exempt from an LMIA doesn't necessarily mean you're exempt from needing a work permit.
Where applicable, your employer may still need to make an Employer Portal submission, pay a compliance fee, and provide an offer of employment number.
General considerations
Beyond your specific work-permit route, most applications also need to address the following.
Valid travel documentation
A valid passport or travel document for your planned stay in Canada.
Sufficient funds
Proof of funds to support yourself, where applicable to your situation.
Admissibility
No factors that would affect your admissibility to Canada.
Health requirements
General good health, and a medical exam where applicable.
Compliance with conditions
Ability to comply with the conditions of your temporary stay throughout your time in Canada.
Occupational qualifications
The education, experience, licensing, or professional certification your intended occupation requires.
Employer/job documentation
For employer-specific applications, your employer's supporting job and compliance documentation.
After Approval
What happens after approval?
Approval is one step in a process that continues once you're authorized to work.
Approval & entry
How and where you receive your permit or entry documentation depends on where and how you applied.
Comply with conditions
Your work permit's conditions may restrict your employer, occupation, location, validity period, and other terms — you must comply with all of them.
Get your SIN
You may need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can start working.
Maintain your status
Your immigration status must remain valid throughout your stay. Approval does not automatically guarantee admission to Canada.
Important things to know
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
Not always. An employer-specific work permit normally requires a job offer, but open work permits — available only in specific situations — don't require one.
What is the difference between an LMIA and an LMIA exemption?
An LMIA is generally an employer-side process for employer-specific work permits. An LMIA exemption means that process isn't required for a specific category, but it doesn't necessarily mean the work permit itself is exempt.
Can I apply for an open work permit?
Only if you fall into one of the specific eligible categories — having no job offer doesn't by itself make you eligible for an open work permit.
Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
Applying from inside Canada is restricted to specific circumstances, such as already holding a valid work or study permit, or having a spouse or parent with a valid work permit. Most people who don't meet one of these circumstances need to apply from outside Canada or at a port of entry.
Can my spouse or family come with me?
Family-member work authorization is category-specific and not automatic — it depends on your own status and category, and theirs.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
Some routes can be relevant to future permanent residence applications, but a work permit does not itself guarantee permanent residence.
Work Permit Eligibility
See which Canadian work permit pathway may fit your circumstances
Answer a few quick questions for an initial assessment of the work authorization options that may apply to you.
Your Work Permit Assessment
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Ready to explore your work permit options?
Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to review your complete situation.