Most foreign nationals need a Canadian work permit to work in Canada. There are two main types: employer-specific and open work permits.

• Employer-specific work permit: This ties you to one employer, occupation, and location. Your employer must provide a formal job offer or contract and usually must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. The LMIA confirms no qualified Canadians are available for the job.

• Open work permit: Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada (except those ineligible). You do not need an LMIA for an open permit. Open permits are available in special cases – for example, recent graduates under the PGWP program, spouses of skilled workers or students, refugee claimants, and those waiting for a permanent residence decision.

Some permits also allow you to bring family members. For any work permit, ensure you apply well before your job start date and prepare required documents (job offer, LMIA confirmation if needed, identity, etc.). Processing times vary by applicant country and program. 

Speak to our experts for help with your work permit application or employer-specific LMIA process.