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Canada Work Permit – Complete Guide!
Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for global talent seeking international work experience, career growth, and long-term settlement opportunities. Each year, hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals work in Canada under temporary work permits, supporting industries such as technology, healthcare, construction, engineering, hospitality, and skilled trades.
A Canadian Work Permit allows eligible foreign workers to legally work in Canada for a specific employer or under open conditions, depending on the permit type. Many temporary workers also use Canadian work experience as a stepping stone toward Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) through programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
What Is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is an authorization issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a defined period. Work permits are generally issued as either employer-specific (closed) or open permits.
- Employer-specific work permits tie the worker to one employer, job role, and location
- Open work permits allow the holder to work for most employers in Canada without needing a job offer
The type of work permit you qualify for depends on your occupation, immigration status, employer, and long-term plans in Canada.
NOC TEER System – Current Occupational Classification
Canada no longer uses the old NOC skill levels (0, A, B, C, D). Instead, it follows the NOC 2021 TEER system, which classifies occupations into TEER categories based on training, education, experience, and responsibilities.
Current TEER Structure
- TEER 0: Management occupations
- TEER 1: Occupations requiring a university degree
- TEER 2: Occupations requiring college education or apprenticeship training
- TEER 3: Occupations requiring shorter training or less formal education
- TEER 4 & 5: Lower-skill occupations with limited training requirements
Most Canadian work permits, Express Entry programs, and PNPs now assess eligibility using TEER 0–3 occupations, making it essential for applicants to correctly identify their current NOC TEER code before applying.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit
This permit allows you to work only for the employer listed on your permit. In most cases, the employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless the role qualifies for an exemption.
Open Work Permit
An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada. Common categories include:
- Spouses or partners of skilled workers or international students
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) holders
- Certain humanitarian or public policy applicants
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – Updated Framework
High-Wage LMIA (Current Rules)
- Pay wages at or above the provincial median
- Submit a detailed transition plan showing how they will reduce reliance on foreign labour
- Maintain strict compliance records
- Meet advertising and recruitment requirements
Low-Wage LMIA (Stricter Controls)
- Employers can hire low-wage foreign workers only for limited durations
- Caps apply to the percentage of low-wage TFWs in a workforce
- Certain sectors and occupations face additional restrictions
- Compliance inspections are more frequent
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (International Mobility Program)
Not all work permits require an LMIA. LMIA-exempt categories fall under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and include:
- CUSMA professionals (formerly NAFTA – updated terminology)
- Intra-Company Transferees
- International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) participants
- Post-Graduation Work Permit holders
- Open Work Permit holders
- Academic researchers, visiting professors, and post-doctoral fellows
CUSMA Work Permits (Updated from NAFTA)
The Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) replaced NAFTA and continues to facilitate easier work permits for eligible U.S. and Mexican citizens in specific professional occupations.
CUSMA work permits are LMIA-exempt and are commonly used by:
- Engineers
- IT professionals
- Management consultants
- Scientific researchers
How to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit
Step-by-Step Process
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (if required)
- Employer applies for LMIA (if applicable)
- Gather supporting documents, including job offer, qualifications, and identity documents
- Submit the work permit application online or through a visa application centre
- Provide biometrics and medical exams if required
- Receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter and obtain the work permit upon arrival in Canada
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit allows certain PR applicants to continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed. Eligible applicants include:
- Express Entry candidates (FSW, CEC, FST)
- Provincial Nominee Program applicants
- Quebec skilled worker applicants with a valid CSQ
Working in Canada as a Student – Updated Rules
International students with a valid study permit may work:
- Up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions
- Full-time during scheduled breaks
Temporary pandemic measures allowing unlimited work hours have ended, and standard limits now apply.
Visitors Working in Canada – Important Clarification
Visitors cannot work in Canada without authorisation. A visitor visa does not permit employment, whether paid or unpaid, inside Canada. Recent public policies allowing visitors to apply for work permits from inside Canada have ended, and most applicants must now apply from outside Canada unless they qualify for limited exceptions.
Processing Times for Canadian Work Permits
Processing times vary depending on:
- Country of residence
- Application completeness
- LMIA requirements
- Type of work permit
On average, work permit processing can range from a few weeks to several months.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Canadian work permit applications are highly technical and closely scrutinised. Errors in NOC TEER selection, LMIA compliance, or documentation can result in refusals or employer penalties. Working with experienced immigration professionals helps ensure:
- Correct TEER classification
- Strong employer compliance
- Future PR pathway alignment
- Reduced refusal risk
Start Your Canada Work Permit Journey
Whether you are pursuing short-term employment, long-term career growth, or a pathway to Canada PR, a well-planned work permit strategy is essential. Canada Immigration Global provides expert guidance across employer-specific permits, open work permits, LMIA processes, and PR-linked work authorisations.