Whether you’ve already been offered a job in Canada or you’re exploring your options, a work permit is your gateway to building a professional life here. Canada’s work permit system has multiple pathways — and finding the right one for your situation makes all the difference. We cut through the complexity so you can focus on what matters: your career and your future.
What is a work permit?
A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific period. Most work permits are tied to a specific employer and position, though some — called open work permits — allow you to work for any employer in Canada.
What type of work permit do you need?
Employer-specific (closed) work permit Tied to a specific employer, location, and job title. Most common for foreign workers hired by a Canadian employer. Usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer unless an exemption applies.
Open work permit Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without a job offer. Available in specific situations, including:
- Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) for international graduates of Canadian institutions
- Spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or students
- Applicants for permanent residency in certain streams
International agreements and exemptions Some workers qualify for LMIA-exempt work permits under international trade agreements such as CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) or through intra-company transfers. These can be faster and simpler to obtain.
How does the process work?
Step 1 — Determine eligibility and permit type The first step is identifying which type of work permit applies to your situation — employer-specific or open — and whether your position requires an LMIA or qualifies for an exemption.
Step 2 — LMIA process (if required) If your position requires an LMIA, your employer applies to Service Canada — and to MIFI if the position is in Québec. Service Canada assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will negatively affect the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA is then used to support your work permit application.
Step 3 — Gather required documents Once eligibility is confirmed and any required LMIA is in hand, you gather your supporting documents. These typically include your job offer letter, educational credentials, passport, and any other documents required for your specific permit category.
Step 4 — Submit your work permit application Your application is submitted online to IRCC with all supporting documents and the required fees. Some applicants must also provide biometrics — fingerprints and a photo — at a designated collection point.
Step 5 — Processing and decision IRCC reviews your application. Processing times vary by permit type, stream, and country of origin. Once a decision is reached you will be notified, and if approved your work permit will specify the conditions under which you are authorized to work in Canada.
How long does a work permit last?
Work permits are typically issued for the duration of your job offer or employment contract, up to a maximum period set by IRCC. This means they usually last one to three years. They can often be renewed if you continue working for the same employer or transition to a new position. Many workers use their Canadian work experience as a stepping stone toward permanent residency.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residency?
Yes — and for many people this is the plan from the start. Canadian work experience is a significant asset in several permanent residency streams, including the PSTQ in Quebec and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. We can assess your eligibility for permanent residency pathways from day one so you have a long-term roadmap, not just a short-term solution.
What can go wrong — and how we help
Work permit applications are refused for a variety of reasons:
- Insufficient proof of a genuine job offer
- LMIA errors or delays
- Incomplete documentation
- Failure to demonstrate ties to your home country (for temporary permits)
- Inadmissibility issues
At TDL Immigration, we review every application thoroughly before submission, anticipate potential concerns, and make sure your file presents the strongest possible case.
F.A.Q.
Here are some common questions about work permits.
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
Not always — open work permits don’t require a job offer. However, most employer-specific work permits do require a job offer and in many cases an LMIA from your employer.
Can my family come with me?
In some cases yes. Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, and your dependent children may be able to study in Canada. We assess your whole family’s situation, not just yours.
What is an LMIA and does my employer need one?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document from Service Canada (and MIFI, if in Quebec) confirming that hiring a foreign worker won’t negatively affect the Canadian labour market. Many work permit categories require one, but there are also significant exemptions. We determine at the outset whether an LMIA applies to your situation.
Can I change employers while on a work permit?
If you have a closed work permit, changing employers requires a new work permit application. The new employer needs to have a positive LMIA or an LMIA-exempt job offer. If you have an open work permit, you can generally change employers freely. We advise you on your specific situation before you make any changes.
What happens if my work permit expires before I get a new one?
If you applied to renew or extend your work permit before it expired, you may be covered by what’s called “maintained status” — allowing you to continue working under the same conditions while your new application is processed. Timing is critical here and we monitor your file closely to avoid gaps.
Ready to work in Canada?