Work Permits

Work Permits In Canada

A work permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a specific period of time. It is not the same as permanent residency — instead, it gives you temporary status and employment rights.

Main Types of Work Permits

• Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit

Authorizes you to work for a single employer, in a specific job, and location.
Often requires an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) — a government approval showing that no Canadian worker is available for the position.

• Open Work Permit

Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada.
Does not require a job offer or LMIA.
Common examples: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students, and Spousal Open Work Permit for spouses/partners of eligible workers or students.

• International Mobility Programs

Certain agreements and pilot programs let foreign nationals work without an LMIA.
Examples: CUSMA (Canada–U.S.–Mexico Agreement), Intra-Company Transfers, and Working Holiday permits under the International Experience Canada program.

Key Terms You Should Know

• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) - a document an employer may need before hiring a foreign worker. It shows the job cannot be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Closed Work Permit - another name for an employer-specific permit (restricted to one employer).
• Open Work Permit - allows work for almost any employer in Canada (with limited exceptions).
• PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) - for international students who have completed studies in Canada.
• Spousal Open Work Permit - for spouses or partners of certain workers or students.