Employers in Canada who wish to hire a foreign worker must first obtain authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), known as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This process requires employers to demonstrate that hiring a foreign national will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

In most cases, employers must advertise the job in multiple places to prove that they were unable to find a suitable Canadian candidate. The LMIA process is detailed, highly regulated, and carefully reviewed by the government to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Work permits are managed by two federal departments. If an LMIA is required, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assesses and decides on the LMIA application.

Once an LMIA is approved (or if no LMIA is required), the applicant applies to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the work permit. The work permit grants legal authorization to work in Canada temporarily.

Requirements vary depending on the work permit stream. For LMIA-based applications, applicants generally need:

• A valid job offer letter
• An employment contract
• A copy of the LMIA
• The LMIA number

In all cases, applicants must also show that they will leave Canada when their permit expires, have sufficient funds to support themselves, pose no risk to public health or safety, and will not work for ineligible employers or occupations.

Processing times vary depending on several factors, including whether an LMIA is required, the type of work permit, and the applicant’s country of residence. For current estimates, applicants can refer to IRCC processing time tools.

If your work permit is nearing expiration or you need to change its conditions, you must apply for a new or extended permit before it expires—ideally at least 30 days in advance. Work permits cannot be extended beyond the validity of your passport.

An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for almost any employer in Canada and does not require an LMIA or job offer in advance.

A closed work permit (employer-specific permit) restricts the worker to a specific employer, location, and job as outlined in the LMIA and work permit conditions. Changing employers typically requires a new application

The PGWP is available to international students who graduate from eligible programs of at least eight months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It allows graduates to gain Canadian work experience that may support future immigration applications.

The PGWP duration depends on the length of study and can be valid for up to three years. It is generally issued only once.

Yes. A spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for a work permit if they meet the requirements of an LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt program. In some cases, they may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

A Spousal Open Work Permit allows eligible individuals to work for any employer in Canada while their sponsorship application is being processed by IRCC. It provides flexibility and does not require a job offer or LMIA.

Yes. Applicants may apply for a work permit while also pursuing permanent residence. IRCC recognizes this as “dual intent,” meaning individuals can legally intend to stay temporarily while also applying for immigration.

There is no overall limit on the number of work permits a person can hold over time. However, some permits, such as the PGWP, can only be issued once. Others may be extended or renewed if eligibility requirements are met.

Yes. Work permits include conditions such as employer, job type, location, and validity period. All work permits also require compliance with Canadian immigration rules, including leaving Canada when the permit expires.

Yes, you may apply to extend your work permit while in Canada, provided your current permit is still valid at the time of application.

In some cases, yes. However, IRCC generally recommends applying before travel. Certain applicants may be eligible to apply at a port of entry if they meet specific entry and eligibility requirements.

A job offer letter is a document issued by a Canadian employer outlining the details of employment, including salary, duties, and working conditions. It is required for many LMIA-based work permit applications.

For LMIA-exempt applications, employers may instead submit an offer through the Employer Portal, which generates an offer of employment number for the applicant.

A medical exam may be required depending on the job type, duration of stay, or country of residence. Jobs in healthcare, childcare, or education often require medical clearance.

A Port of Entry (POE) letter, also called an introduction letter, is issued after work permit approval. It is not the work permit itself but must be presented to border officers upon arrival in Canada.

Validity depends on the specific application. Typically, it is valid for up to 12 months, but may be shorter if tied to medical exam expiry or other conditions

Yes. However, a work permit alone is not a travel document. You also need a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.

Yes. Eligible full-time international students at designated learning institutions may work off-campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Yes. Under specific programs such as the Global Skills Strategy, some individuals may work in Canada for short periods without a work permit, subject to strict eligibility conditions.

Generally no. Most work permits are employer-specific. Changing employers usually requires a new work permit, unless you hold an open work permit.

A medical exam is required for certain occupations involving public health or if applicants meet specific residency or duration conditions.

Yes. Spouses or common-law partners may be eligible for open work permits, and dependent children may accompany the worker. Children may require study permits to attend school.

The standard government fee is $155 CAD per application. Additional charges may apply depending on whether a TRV or eTA is required.