Canadian work permits

Overview

Canadian work permits

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. The legal basis determines whether the permit is tied to one employer or open to most employers; an applicant cannot simply choose the preferred type.

Identify the work and exemption first

Describe the duties, employer, location, duration and source of pay. Some narrow activities are work-permit exempt, while ordinary employment for a Canadian business usually requires authorization.

A visitor visa or eTA allows travel, not work. A Social Insurance Number also does not create work authorization.

Employer-specific permits use an offer

Most work permits name the employer and may also specify occupation and location. The employer normally needs either a positive LMIA or a valid LMIA exemption and Employer Portal submission.

The worker supplies the LMIA number or offer-of-employment number with evidence of qualifications and temporary-resident eligibility.

Open permits exist only in listed situations

Open work permits can cover certain graduates, spouses, PR applicants, vulnerable workers, claimants and youth. Eligibility comes from the category; a desire for flexibility is not enough.

Medical and location restrictions may still appear on an open permit.

Apply from the legally available place

Rules differ for applications outside Canada, inside Canada and at a port of entry. Many visitors cannot make an initial application from inside Canada, and not every traveller is eligible to apply at the border.

Approval outside Canada usually produces a port-of-entry letter, not the permit itself. A border officer makes the final issuance decision on arrival.