Work Permits for Canada

If you intend to work in Canada, you will, in most cases, need a work permit. There are two main types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits. Each type has its own set of requirements and privileges.

In Canada, a work permit is an official document that allows you to work in Canada, whereas you'll likely need a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV to enter the country. Citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada will need a work visa alongside their work permit. The work permit itself does not grant entry – it only gives you the authorisation to work once you are inside Canada.

Read more: Getting a Visa in Canada

Types of work permits in Canada

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is ideal if you have a valid job offer in Canada but need to navigate stricter requirements. This programme requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which demonstrates that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market, and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the role.

While stringent, the TFWP is an important route for industries facing significant labour shortages or highly variable hiring patterns, including agriculture, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is part of Canada’s broader strategy to attract and retain top global talent, especially in high-growth industries like technology and innovation. It’s particularly advantageous for skilled workers whose employers are not required to demonstrate local labour shortages, since it allows for LMIA-exempt permits.

This programme includes categories like intra-company transferees, those entering under international agreements (such as CUSMA, formerly NAFTA), and some other exemptions.

The Innovation Stream is a notable addition under the IMP, providing permits for skilled workers with job offers from select high-growth companies. This is part of Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy, aimed at addressing labour shortages in key tech occupations.

Open Work Permits

Open Work Permits give you greater flexibility because they are not tied to any particular employer. This means you can switch employers freely without having to reapply for a new permit, making it ideal for individuals who want to explore different opportunities in Canada.

Open Work Permits are available to those in specific circumstances, such as spouses and dependant children of skilled workers, recent graduates of Canadian institutions, and individuals applying for permanent residency. These permits generally last up to two years but can be shorter, depending on the conditions, like changes in the primary worker’s employment status.

As of 2025, the Canadian government has introduced new eligibility requirements for spouses of foreign workers and students seeking open work permits:

• For spouses of international students, eligibility is now limited to students enrolled in certain programmes, including masters and doctoral degrees of 16 months or longer, designated areas of study (e.g., medicine, dentistry, engineering), or specific pilot programmes like the Francophone Mobility Communities Student Pilot.
• For spouses of foreign workers, eligibility is restricted to workers in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or specific TEER 2 or 3 roles in labour-shortage sectors such as healthcare, construction, and natural resources. The primary worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permit.

Under the new rules, dependant children of foreign workers are not eligible for open work permits. There are also restrictions on the type of work you can do. For example, you cannot work in certain sectors, such as adult entertainment.

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

For international students, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a key option, allowing you to gain critical work experience after you've obtained your degree. Students must complete at least 50 percent of their studies in class in Canada to be eligible for a PGWP.