Canada work permit guide eligibility, fees and steps

Canada work permit requirements apply to most foreign nationals who want to work in Canada, although limited exemptions apply. The correct process depends on the proposed work, the employer, the applicant’s location, whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required and whether the applicant qualifies for an open work permit.

Applicants should use IRCC’s official eligibility questionnaire and program instructions before applying for a Canada work permit because requirements and available programs can vary by situation.

What are the main types of Canada work permit?

Canada has two basic types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.

Employer-specific work permit

An employer-specific work permit authorizes a foreign national to work under the conditions printed on the permit. These conditions can identify the employer, occupation, work location and period of authorization.

Most applicants need a job offer. Depending on the position and immigration program, the employer may need a positive LMIA. An LMIA is generally used to assess the employer’s need for a temporary foreign worker and whether Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to do the work.

Some employer-specific permits are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program or another specialized category. In most LMIA-exempt cases, the employer must submit an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and pay the CAN$230 employer compliance fee before the worker applies, unless an exemption applies.

Open work permit

An open work permit generally does not require a job offer or an LMIA. It can allow the holder to work for most compliant employers in Canada, subject to restrictions printed on the permit.

Open work permits are available only in specific situations. Examples include certain international graduates, eligible spouses or common-law partners, some permanent residence applicants, refugee claimants, vulnerable workers and participants in selected immigration programs. Eligibility depends on the requirements of the particular program.

Who may qualify for a Canada work permit?

Applicants for a Canada work permit must meet the general requirements that apply to their place of application and work permit category. Depending on the circumstances, an applicant may need to show that they have enough money to support themselves and accompanying family members, will leave Canada when required, are admissible and will obey Canadian laws.

IRCC may require a medical examination, police certificate or other supporting document based on factors such as the applicant’s intended occupation, travel or residence history, nationality and immigration category.

Applicants must also meet the specific requirements of the chosen program. An employer-specific application generally requires an eligible job offer and documents connected to the LMIA or LMIA-exempt stream. An open work permit applicant must prove that they qualify under a specific open work permit category.

Do you need an LMIA for a Canada work permit?

Not necessarily. Many employer-specific work permits are based on an LMIA, but some are LMIA-exempt because of international agreements, Canadian economic or social interests, or specific public policies.

If an LMIA is required, the employer normally applies to Employment and Social Development Canada and gives the worker the required positive LMIA documents. If the position is LMIA-exempt, the employer generally submits the offer through the Employer Portal before the worker applies. In most applicable cases, the employer must also pay the CAN$230 employer compliance fee.

Workers should verify the employer, wage, duties and work location before accepting an offer. Employers covered by the federal temporary foreign worker protections cannot take a worker’s passport or work permit away or recover recruitment-related fees that the employer paid. Employment and recruitment standards can also apply under provincial or territorial law.

How to apply for a Canada work permit

Most applicants apply online through an IRCC account or portal when seeking a Canada work permit. The application route depends on whether the person is applying from outside Canada, from inside Canada or, in limited circumstances, at a port of entry.

1. Identify the correct permit type. Confirm whether a work permit is required and whether the application is for an employer-specific or open permit.
2. Confirm the LMIA or Employer Portal requirement. The employer should provide the positive LMIA documents or the Employer Portal offer number where applicable.
3. Collect supporting documents. These may include a passport, employment contract, job offer, LMIA documents, Employer Portal offer number, proof of qualifications, proof of funds and documents for accompanying family members.
4. Complete the forms. IRCC provides a personalized document checklist based on the applicant’s location, nationality and program.
5. Pay the required fees and provide biometrics if instructed. Biometrics are not required from every applicant.
6. Submit a complete application. Missing information or documents can delay processing or result in refusal.
7. Follow the decision and arrival instructions. An approval letter or port-of-entry letter of introduction is not itself a work permit. Depending on the application route, the permit may be issued at a port of entry or mailed after approval.

Most foreign nationals already in Canada can no longer apply for a new work permit at a port of entry. Port-of-entry applications remain available only to people who meet the applicable eligibility rules.

Current Canada work permit fees

The standard Canada work permit processing fee is CAN$155. Applicants for an open work permit usually also pay the CAN$100 open work permit holder fee. A biometrics fee may apply: CAN$85 for an individual or a maximum of CAN$170 for eligible family members applying together.

Some applicants are exempt from one or more fees. International Experience Canada participants may also pay a separate participation fee, and employers may have a separate compliance fee in applicable LMIA-exempt cases. Applicants should confirm the fees shown in their personalized application before submitting payment.

Fee type	Current amount	When it may apply
Work permit processing	CAN$155	Most work permit applications and extensions
Open work permit holder fee	CAN$100	Usually required for open work permit applications, unless exempt
Biometrics	CAN$85 individual; maximum CAN$170 for an eligible family applying together	Applicants required to provide biometrics
Employer compliance fee	CAN$230	Usually paid by an employer hiring a worker through an applicable LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program stream

Post-graduation work permit rules

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) is one of the main open work permit routes for international graduates seeking a Canada work permit. Graduation from a designated learning institution does not automatically establish PGWP eligibility.

Generally, the graduate must complete an eligible program at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution. The program normally must be at least eight months long, or 900 hours for applicable Quebec programs. Other requirements can include maintaining full-time student status, subject to limited exceptions, and having a valid study permit at some point during the relevant period.

Most applicants must provide proof of English or French language ability. Graduates of some programs must also meet a field-of-study requirement. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates have different rules from graduates of other university, college, polytechnic or non-university programs.

PGWP applicants generally must apply within 180 days after confirmation that they completed their program. The requirements can depend on the credential, the program, the date the study permit application was submitted, the date the PGWP application is submitted, language results and, in some cases, the field of study.

Work permits for spouses and family members

Some spouses and common-law partners of international students or foreign workers may qualify for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s status, program or occupation, the validity of the underlying permit and other conditions.

Family members should not assume that a spouse or partner automatically receives work authorization. Each applicant must meet the applicable requirements and provide evidence of the relationship and the principal applicant’s status. Rules for spouses and family members can be particularly category-specific, so applicants should check the current IRCC instructions.

Extending a permit or changing employers

A worker who wants to remain in Canada should apply to extend the work permit before it expires. If an in-Canada worker applies before expiry, remains in Canada and continues to meet the relevant conditions, they may benefit from maintained status while IRCC processes the application. They may generally continue working under the conditions of the previous permit unless IRCC instructions say otherwise.

An employer-specific permit holder generally cannot simply change employers, occupations or work locations. The worker normally needs a new work permit or other authorization under the applicable process. A worker who loses the job connected to an employer-specific permit must not begin different work without authorization.

Open work permit holders can generally change employers while the permit remains valid, subject to the conditions printed on the permit.

Worker rights after arriving in Canada

Temporary foreign workers are protected by Canadian employment laws. Employers must comply with applicable provincial, territorial or federal employment standards and must provide the protections required under the applicable program.

Workers may be protected against abuse, unsafe work, unpaid wages, retaliation and the confiscation of passports or work permits. Employers covered by the federal temporary foreign worker rules cannot take a worker’s passport or work permit away. Workers can seek help from the appropriate provincial or territorial employment standards office or federal authority. Some workers experiencing abuse may qualify for an open work permit for vulnerable workers.

Key points before applying

• Confirm whether the job requires a work permit or qualifies for an exemption.
• Determine whether the application is for an employer-specific or open permit.
• Ask the employer whether an LMIA or Employer Portal submission is required.
• Check that the job offer, wage, duties and work location are genuine and consistent.
• Use the current IRCC document checklist and pay the correct fees.
• Apply before an existing permit expires if an extension is required, and remain in Canada if relying on maintained status.
• Do not begin work until legally authorized to do so.

Canada’s work permit system includes numerous specialized programs. For a Canada work permit, the correct answer depends on the applicant’s facts, the proposed employment and the applicable instructions. Applicants should check the official IRCC eligibility tools and program pages immediately before submitting an application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fact-Checked: Checked against current Government of Canada and IRCC work permit, fee, PGWP and worker-rights guidance available on September 21, 2026.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Eligibility and document requirements depend on the applicant’s circumstances and may change.