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Work Permit Canada

Employer-Specific & Open Work Permits 

If you want to work in Canada temporarily, you usually need either:  

  • An employer-specific (closed) work permit – tied to one employer, job and location; or
  • An open work permit – allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada. 

Visa4you supports both workers and employers in navigating Canada’s complex temporary worker rules, selecting the most suitable visa route and clearly linking it to future permanent residence options. 



Check Your Work Permit Options ​  ​Book a Canada Work Permit Consultation


Work Permit Canada

A work permit is a document that gives you permission to work legally in Canada as a temporary resident. 

Most temporary workers fall under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (LMIA-based) or the International Mobility Program (IMP) (LMIA-exempt).

There are two main types:

  1. Employer-specific (closed) work permit
    • Specifies your employer, job title, and work location.
    • You must comply with the conditions printed on the permit.
  3. Open work permit
    • Allows you to work for most employers in Canada, subject to certain exceptions.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

 

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada only for the employer named on your permit, in the approved job and location.

LMIA-Based Work Permits – Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) 


Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, your Canadian employer must:  

  • Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that no qualified PR/Canadian workers are available to fill the position
  • Meet wage and work-conditions according to the regulations
  • Provide you with the LMIA approval and job offer details, so you can apply for your work permit 


If you obtain a skilled LMIA-based work permit, the experience gained can help support a future Permanent Residence application.

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LMIA-Exempt Work Permits – International Mobility Program (IMP)


Some employer-specific work permits are LMIA-exempt, issued under the International Mobility Program. This may apply to you if your work:

  • Provides significant economic, social, or cultural benefits to Canada;
  • Is based on international agreements (such as intra-company transfers, trade agreements, or youth mobility programs); or
  • Supports reciprocal employment arrangements or government public policy initiatives.


Even if no LMIA is required, your employer often must submit an offer of employment via the Employer Portal before you can apply for a work permit.


Open Work Permit Canada

An open work permit isn’t employer and allows you to work for almost any employer.


Open work permit categories include:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions
  • Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) – for eligible spouses/partners of foreign workers or students
  • IEC Working Holiday – open work permit under the International Experience Canada Program
  • Open work permits - for vulnerable workers (e.g., victims of abuse) and other special measures. 

Is Your Spouse or Partner Allowed to Work?

In certain situations, your spouse or common‑law partner may qualify for an open work permit based on your status. Eligibility depends on several factors, such as:

  • The occupation level and NOC/TEER code of your job
  • The type and duration of your work permit
  • Whether you hold a study permit or postgraduate work permit with qualifying employment
  • Whether your situation meets the requirements of recent policy updates

Visa4you will check if your partner also can apply for a work permit. 

Temporary Work and Your Path to Permanent Residency


While a Canadian work permit is temporary, it can open the door to permanent residence with the right plan:


  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – requires skilled Canadian work experience.
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – Canadian work experience increase your points.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) –  having work experience in the province enhances your chances for Provincial Nominee Programs.

 


Work Permit Canada – Application Process 


1

 Check Eligibility

Contact Visa4you to learn more about the requirements and whether you need an LMIA, are LMIA-exempt, or are eligible for an Open Work Permit.

2

  Gather Documents & Online Application

Visa4you will create your online profile, will provide a tailored checklist, and will manage your application from start to finish. For applications that require an LMIA or Offer of Employment Number, Visa4you collaborates closely with your employer, providing support at every step of the process.


3

  Processing & Biometrics

After submission of the application, you'll receive instructions to make an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide your fingerprints.

4

Decision Rendered & Entry to Canada

If your application is approved outside Canada, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction, and your work permit will usually be issued when you arrive in Canada.

If you apply from within Canada, your physical work permit will be conveniently mailed to you after approval.

Why Choose Visa4you for Your Work Permit Canada Strategy? ​


  • Canada specialists – We track updates, changes, and processing trends.
  • Support for workers and employers –  Visa4you supports both the employer and the applicant with their respective applications.
  • Long-term planning – If you choose to stay long-term, we can advise on how your work permit can be utilized.
  • Multilingual support – Consultations in English, German and Dutch, online or in offices.

 Frequently Asked Questions ​

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No, unless it is an employer-specific work permit (based on an LMIA or LMIA-exemption). 

  • LMIA-required (TFWP): your employer must demonstrate, through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), that no qualified PR/Canadian workers are available for the position.
  • LMIA-exempt (IMP): no LMIA is required  due to specific exemptions (e.g., international agreements, intra-company transfers, public policy). Employers still need to obtain an Offer of Employment number.

Validity depends on the program. Many permits are issued for 1–3 years. They’re always temporary, even if renewable.

Yes, but to change employers, you normally need a new LMIA/offer of employment to apply for a new work permit before starting the new job.

While a work permit does not automatically lead to permanent residence, Canadian work experience can be a major advantage for PR programs.  

Want to Work in Canada? Start with the Right Work Permit


Whether you’re a worker with a job offer or an employer looking to hire, choosing the right strategy and permit category is key when pursuing a work permit.


Tell us about your plans. We’ll help you figure out which work permit options you have and how Visa4you can support you.


Start Your Work Permit Assessment

Book a Canada Work Permit Consultation