Work in Canada — Work Permits, Visas & Pathways 2025

Do You Need a Work Permit?

Most foreign nationals working in Canada need a work permit. Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not require one. Your permit type depends on your employer, job, location, and duration of work. Some occupations are exempt from the work permit requirement — such as certain business visitors, performing artists, or emergency repair personnel — but these exemptions are narrow and specific.

If you plan to work in Canada for any sustained period, you will almost certainly need a formal work permit. Working without one is a serious violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and can result in removal from Canada and future inadmissibility.

Two Main Types of Work Permits

Open Work Permit

Work for any employer, anywhere in Canada. Portable if you change jobs — no new permit needed when switching employers. Examples include:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
International Mobility Program (IMP) open permits
Spousal Open Work Permit
International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Tied to one employer. You cannot change jobs without applying for a new permit. Typically required under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with LMIA. Your permit will specify:

The employer's legal name
The location of work
The job title / NOC code
The duration of your authorization

Key Work Permit Programs

Program	Permit Type	LMIA Required	Who It's For
TFWP (High Wage)	Closed	Yes	Skilled workers with a job offer
TFWP (Low Wage)	Closed	Yes	Semi-skilled workers
International Mobility Program	Open or Closed	No	Trade agreements, intra-company, etc.
Global Talent Stream	Closed	No (2-week processing)	Highly specialized tech/STEM talent
Post-Graduation Work Permit	Open	No	International graduates from Canadian institutions
Spousal Open Work Permit	Open	No	Spouses of workers/students in Canada
Bridging Open Work Permit	Open	No	PR applicants waiting for approval

Average Salaries by Province

Understanding salary benchmarks matters — provincial median wages determine whether your position qualifies as high-wage or low-wage under the TFWP, which affects your permit conditions.

Province	Average Annual Salary
Alberta	$68,744
British Columbia	$68,477
Ontario	$67,346
Quebec	$64,973
Saskatchewan	$61,429
Manitoba	$60,099
Prince Edward Island	$60,366
Nova Scotia	$59,634

Application Requirements

Most work permit applications require the following documents. Specific requirements vary by program — your RCIC will provide a personalized checklist.

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your intended stay)
Job offer letter and/or LMIA (if applicable)
Proof of qualifications — degree, diploma, trade certification
Clean criminal record (police clearance certificate)
Medical exam results (if required by occupation or country of origin)
Application fee: $155 CAD
Biometrics: $85 CAD (if required)
Digital photos meeting IRCC specifications

Application Process

Determine your permit type — Open or employer-specific? LMIA or exempt? Your job, nationality, and circumstances determine the right stream.

Gather your documents — Collect your job offer, qualifications, identity documents, and any program-specific paperwork (LMIA, AOR, etc.).

Create your IRCC account — Register at the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada secure portal (My Account or GCKey).

Receive personalized checklist — IRCC generates a document checklist based on your answers. Upload all required items.

Pay the fees — Application fee of $155 CAD. Biometrics ($85) if required. Payment by credit card online.

Submit and track — Submit online. Monitor your IRCC account for updates. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

From Temporary to Permanent Residency

Work permits in Canada are not just temporary authorizations — they are often stepping stones to permanent residence. Canadian work experience is one of the most valuable assets in the immigration system.

After accumulating 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, you may qualify for permanent residence through:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — the Express Entry stream specifically designed for workers already in Canada
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) — many provinces have dedicated streams for workers already employed in the province
TFWP-to-PR pathways — certain pilot programs (agri-food, home care) offer direct PR routes

Working legally in Canada not only earns you income — it earns you CRS points, provincial nominations, and ultimately the opportunity to call Canada home permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Canadian work permit last?

There is no single fixed duration — it depends on the job offer length, LMIA validity, and your passport expiry. Work permits can range from a few months to several years. Most can be renewed before they expire as long as you remain eligible.

Can I bring my family to Canada on a work permit?

Yes, in most cases. Spouses or common-law partners of certain work permit holders qualify for their own open work permit. Dependent children can study in Canada without a separate study permit if they attend primary or secondary school.

Can my Canadian work experience lead to permanent residence?

Yes — Canadian work experience is the most direct pathway to PR for many workers. Through the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry) or provincial nominee programs, 1+ year of skilled work experience can make you competitive for permanent residence without needing a new job offer.

What's the difference between an open work permit and an employer-specific permit?

An open work permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation (with limited exceptions). An employer-specific permit ties you to one employer, one location, and one job title. Changing employers on an employer-specific permit without a new authorization violates your permit conditions.

Work in Canada — Permits, Visas & Pathways