Work Permits
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Canadian federal statutes and official sources. Provincial information reflects each province's own legislation and court rulings. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Canada offers several types of work permits for foreign nationals. Most require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) confirming that no Canadian worker is available for the job. Some work permits are LMIA-exempt under international agreements (CUSMA, International Experience Canada) or programs like the Intra-Company Transfer or Global Talent Stream.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a major pathway that allows graduates of eligible Canadian institutions to work for up to 3 years after graduation. The International Experience Canada (IEC) program offers working holiday permits to young people from participating countries. Open work permits, available to certain categories such as spouses of skilled workers, allow you to work for any employer.
When does it apply?
This applies when:
- You have a job offer from a Canadian employer and need authorization to work
- You are a recent graduate of a Canadian institution seeking a Post-Graduation Work Permit
- You are a young person from a participating country eligible for International Experience Canada
- You are being transferred from a foreign office to a Canadian office of the same company
Key work permit types:
- LMIA-Based Work Permit: Employer obtains a positive LMIA from ESDC, then the worker applies for a work permit. LMIA fee: $1,000 CAD (paid by employer). Work permit fee: $155 CAD. Processing time: LMIA takes 2 to 12 weeks; work permit takes 4 to 16 weeks depending on country.
- Global Talent Stream (GTS): Fast-track LMIA for highly skilled tech workers. Two categories: unique talent referred by a designated partner, or occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List. LMIA processing in 2 weeks. Same fees as standard LMIA.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): LMIA-exempt. For executives, senior managers, or workers with specialized knowledge being transferred to a Canadian branch. Must have worked for the company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years. Work permit fee: $155 CAD.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): LMIA-exempt open work permit for graduates of eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Length based on program duration: 8 months to 2 years program gets a permit equal to program length; 2+ year programs get a 3-year permit. Fee: $255 CAD ($155 work permit + $100 open work permit holder fee). Must apply within 180 days of final marks.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): Working holiday, young professional, or international co-op for participants aged 18 to 35 (varies by country). Open work permit for 1 to 2 years. Participation fee: $161 CAD plus $100 open work permit holder fee plus $155 work permit fee.
- Spousal Open Work Permit: Available to spouses of skilled workers (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (Canada's skill-level classification system)) or international students at DLIs. Allows work for any employer. Fee: $255 CAD.
What should you do?
Step 1: Determine whether your situation requires an LMIA or qualifies for an exemption. Check the IRCC website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship for the latest LMIA-exempt categories.
Step 2: For LMIA-based permits, your employer applies to ESDC. The employer must advertise the position to Canadians first (minimum 4 weeks of recruitment), offer wages at or above the prevailing wage, and demonstrate genuine need for a foreign worker. ESDC assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.
Step 3: Once the LMIA is approved (or if exempt), apply for the work permit through the IRCC online portal. You will need: a valid passport, the LMIA or exemption number, a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, police certificates, and a medical examination (if required for your country or occupation).
Step 4: For PGWP, apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks or transcript. You need your study permit, a letter from your DLI confirming program completion, your transcript, and a valid passport. Apply online through your IRCC account.
Step 5: Pay biometrics fees ($85 CAD) if required and attend a biometrics collection appointment at a designated location.
Step 6: Track your application status through your IRCC online account. Processing times vary; check ircc.canada.ca/english/information/times for current estimates.
What should you NOT do?
Don't start working before your work permit is issued. Working without a valid work permit is a violation of IRPA section 30 and can lead to removal, a removal order on your record, and difficulty obtaining future work permits or permanent residence.
Don't let your employer skip the LMIA when one is required. An employer who hires a foreign worker without a required LMIA faces penalties of up to $100,000 per violation and a ban from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Don't miss the PGWP application deadline. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks. If you miss this window, you lose eligibility permanently. Your study permit must also be valid when you apply, or you must have maintained your status.
Don't work for an employer not listed on your work permit (unless you have an open work permit). Employer-specific work permits only authorize work for the named employer. Working for a different employer is unauthorized work and can void your status.
Don't pay your employer's LMIA fee. Under IRPR section 209.4, it is illegal for an employer to recover LMIA fees from a foreign worker. If an employer asks you to pay the $1,000 LMIA fee, report them to ESDC.
Common Questions
When does work permits apply?
This applies when:You have a job offer from a Canadian employer and need authorization to workYou are a recent graduate of a Canadian institution seeking a Post-Graduation Work PermitYou are a young person from a participating country eligible for International Experience CanadaYou are being transferred from a foreign office to a Canadian office of the same companyKey work permit types:LMIA-Based Work Permit: Employer obtains a positive LMIA from ESDC, then the worker applies for a work permit. LMIA fee: $1,000 CAD (paid by employer). Work permit fee: $155 CAD. Processing time: LMIA takes 2 to...
What should I do about work permits?
Step 1: Determine whether your situation requires an LMIA or qualifies for an exemption. Check the IRCC website at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship for the latest LMIA-exempt categories.Step 2: For LMIA-based permits, your employer applies to ESDC. The employer must advertise the position to Canadians first (minimum 4 weeks of recruitment), offer wages at or above the prevailing wage, and demonstrate genuine need for a foreign worker. ESDC assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.Step 3: Once the LMIA i...
What mistakes should I avoid with work permits?
Don't start working before your work permit is issued. Working without a valid work permit is a violation of IRPA section 30 and can lead to removal, a removal order on your record, and difficulty obtaining future work permits or permanent residence.Don't let your employer skip the LMIA when one is required. An employer who hires a foreign worker without a required LMIA faces penalties of up to $100,000 per violation and a ban from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.Don't miss the PGWP application deadline. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks. If you miss this window...
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