in Canada
WORK PERMIT
Built your future
Work Permit Options
We help foreign workers and employers understand the right pathway, documentation, and requirements for their situation.
Open Work Permits
Work permits that may allow you to work for different employers in Canada.
For eligible spouses or common-law partners of workers or international students in Canada.
Spousal Open Work Permit
SOWP
Additional Open Work Permit Options
Certain applicants may qualify for open work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP), including international agreements, temporary public policies, or specific immigration situations.
Eligibility depends on the applicant’s status, nationality, and immigration history
Post-Graduation Work Permit
PGWP
For international graduates from eligible Canadian institutions
Main requirements:
-
Completion letter and official transcripts
-
Language requirements depend on the program level
-
Application within the required timeframe
Eligibility may depend on:
-
The status of the principal applicant
-
Type of work permit or study program
-
Relationship documentation
Categories may include:
-
Working Holiday programs
-
Bridging Open Work Permits
-
Special public policies
-
Other IRCC temporary measures
Employer-Supported Work Permits
Work permits tied to a Canadian employer or job offer
LMIA-based work permits
Work permits supported through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) via a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process.
These permits generally require a Canadian employer to demonstrate the need to hire a foreign worker for the position.
Employer-specific permits
Work permits tied to a specific employer under the International Mobility Program (IMP) (Closed work permit), position, and work location in Canada.
Conditions and eligibility depend on the category, employer support, and immigration program involved.
Common requirements may include:
-
Valid job offer from a Canadian employer
-
Positive LMIA approval
-
Employer compliance requirements
-
Work permit application to IRCC
Important considerations:
-
Restricted to the approved employer
-
Job conditions must match the permit
-
Employer compliance obligations apply
-
Renewal options may vary