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Work Permits and Work Visas Explained: Step-by-Step Requirements, LMIA, and PR Pathways.
Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for foreign workers, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people each year into health care, construction, agriculture, technology, hospitality and other sectors. Most people who want to work in Canada need a work permit.
People often call this a “Canada work visa,” but strictly speaking Canada issues a work permit – the document that authorises you to work. A visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if you need one, only lets you enter the country; the work permit is what lets you work. This guide explains how to apply for a Canada work permit, the different types, who needs one, and how it can lead to permanent residence.
There is no separate “work visa” in Canada’s system. When people search for a Canada work visa, they almost always mean a work permit. The full package can involve two documents: the work permit (your authorisation to work) and, for citizens of visa-required countries, a temporary resident visa or eTA to enter Canada. If you are already thinking in terms of a “work visa,” the sections below apply to you.
For Canada, a work permit is not a travel document, meaning it alone does not allow you to enter the country. You do need an entry document (either a Visitor Visa or an eTA) alongside your work permit to travel to Canada. [1], [2] However, you do not need to file a separate application or pay an extra fee for it. [1], [2]
When you apply for a Canadian work permit from outside the country, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) automatically checks your entry eligibility. Once your work permit is approved: [1], [2]
When your application is successful while abroad, you do not receive the actual physical work permit in the mail. Instead, you receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. [1], [2]
You must print this letter and show it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer when you physically land at a Canadian airport or border crossing. The officer will print and hand you your actual Work Permit right there. [1], [2], [3]
Ties you to one specific employer, job title, and location. It usually requires either a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or an LMIA-exempt offer under the International Mobility Program.
Lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without requiring a job offer or LMIA confirmation. Open work permits are limited to specific situations, such as post-graduation workers, spousal applicants, or working holiday participants.
Almost every employer-specific work permit is issued under one of two federal immigration programs:
Requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirming no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. Recent federal changes have tightened the low-wage stream rules considerably.
Covers LMIA-exempt work permits designed to advance Canada’s broader economic and cultural interests. Examples include trade agreements like CUSMA/USMCA, intra-company transfers, and Francophone Mobility streams.
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada, but some activities are work-permit-exempt (for example, certain business visitors, and some performers and speakers). IRCC’s online tool can confirm whether your situation requires a permit. Even work-permit-exempt visitors may still need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.
Decide whether your situation calls for an employer-specific (closed) or open work permit.
For an employer-specific permit, your employer obtains a positive LMIA or submits an LMIA-exempt offer through the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee. For an open permit, confirm you fit an eligible category.
Typically your valid passport, official job offer or offer-of-employment number, proof of qualifications, and any category-specific supporting documents.
Create an IRCC secure account, complete the application forms online, upload documents, and pay the required government fees.
Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a local VAC or ASC center.
If required for your target job (e.g., healthcare, childcare) or based on your country of residence.
Wait for IRCC approval and follow instructions to activate your permit upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry or inside Canada.
Not every route needs an employer pre-approval. International Experience Canada (IEC) offers working-holiday and other open permits to young people from partner countries. Recent graduates of eligible Canadian institutions may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and eligible spouses of certain high-skilled workers and international students can apply for open work permits. These options let you work for multiple employers while you build valuable Canadian experience.
Employer-side costs may include the $1,000 CAD LMIA processing fee or the $230 CAD IMP employer compliance fee. Common documents include your valid passport, the offer of employment or LMIA number, proof of settlement funds, and evidence you meet the target job’s qualifications.
You can apply from outside Canada, from inside Canada, or – for visa-exempt travellers in eligible categories – directly at a Canadian port of entry on arrival. Applying from inside Canada to extend or change a permit lets many workers keep working under maintained status while they wait. Always confirm current fees on IRCC’s official fee list before you apply.
A Canadian work permit is often a stepping stone to permanent residence. Skilled Canadian work experience can help you qualify through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry, or through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) stream. Building a strong Canadian work history is one of the most reliable ways to improve your immigration prospects. For the wider range of options, see our overview of the ways to immigrate to Canada.
Employer Confirmation & Foreign Worker Hiring Requirements
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an official document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring a foreign worker.
A positive LMIA confirms that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the position and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to perform the job. It is sometimes called a confirmation letter.
Connect with our Canadian immigration experts to discuss your work permit, LMIA, or PR strategy.
Evaluate your eligibility for open work permits and LMIA sponsorship today.