- Canada Work Permit – Onshore and Offshore Applicants
Canada Work Permit – Onshore and Offshore Applications
Canada offers a range of work permit options for foreign nationals who want to work temporarily in Canada.
Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for a Canada Work Permit from outside Canada, or you may be eligible to apply, extend or change your work permit while you are already living in Canada.
At GIEC Global, we assist applicants and Canadian employers in assessing available work permit pathways, LMIA and LMIA-exempt options, onshore work permit applications, offshore work permit applications, employer changes, work permit extensions and family work permit eligibility.
Most foreign nationals need a valid work permit before they can legally work in Canada. There are two main types of Canadian work permits:
Closed work permit
Employer-Specific Work Permit, sometimes commonly called a closed work permit; and
An employer-specific work permit normally requires a genuine Canadian job offer and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment – LMIA.
Open work permit
Open Work Permit.
An open work permit does not normally require a specific job offer, but it is only available to applicants who fall within one of Canada’s recognised open work permit categories. (Canada)
CAD 155
Standard work permit fee
CAD 100
Open work permit holder fee
CAD 85
Biometrics per individual
CAD 230
Employer compliance fee
30 days
Apply before permit expires
On this page
Canada Work Permit at a Glance
Requirement
General Position
Purpose
Temporary permission to work in Canada
Main permit types
Employer-specific and open work permit
Job offer required
Usually yes for employer-specific permit
LMIA required
Depends on the work permit category
Open work permit
Available only in specific situations
Apply from overseas
Yes
Apply from inside Canada
Only if eligible under an in-Canada category
Standard work permit fee
CAD 155
Open work permit additional fee
CAD 100
Biometrics
Usually CAD 85 per individual where required
Family applications
Spouse/partner and children may have separate work, study or visitor options
Permanent residence
A work permit itself is temporary, but some workers may later qualify for PR
The current standard IRCC work permit processing fee is CAD 155 per applicant. An applicant seeking an open work permit generally pays an additional CAD 100 open work permit holder fee. Biometrics currently cost CAD 85 per individual, where required. (Canada)
What Is a Canada Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is an immigration document authorising a foreign national to work in Canada subject to particular conditions.
Depending on the type of work permit, those conditions may specify:
- the employer you can work for;
- the location where you can work;
- other conditions associated with your employment.
- the occupation you can perform;
- the period for which you can work; and
An employer-specific work permit generally restricts the worker to the employer, occupation and other conditions stated on the permit. (Canada)
An open work permit generally allows the holder to work for most eligible employers in Canada, although restrictions may still apply. (Canada)
Important distinction
A Canada Work Permit Is Not a Visa
It is important to understand that a work permit and a Canadian visitor visa are different documents.
A work permit gives you permission to work.
A Temporary Resident Visa, commonly known as a TRV, or an Electronic Travel Authorization, known as an eTA, allows an eligible traveller to travel to Canada.
A work permit itself is not a travel document.
Depending on your nationality and method of travel, you may require a valid TRV or eTA in addition to your work permit. For first work permit applications from outside Canada, IRCC generally issues the required TRV or eTA as part of the approved application where applicable. (Canada)
Types of Canada Work Permits
There are two main categories.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions stated on your permit.
It may specify:
- your employer;
- your work location; and
- your occupation;
- the period of employment.
Most applicants seeking this type of work permit need a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer.
The employer may also need to obtain an LMIA or qualify for an LMIA exemption. (Canada)
Open work permit
An open work permit allows an eligible applicant to work for most employers in Canada.
Unlike a standard employer-specific permit, an open work permit normally does not require the applicant to have one particular employer before applying.
However, applicants cannot simply choose an open work permit because they prefer greater flexibility.
They must qualify under an approved category.
Possible open work permit categories can include certain:
- spouses and common-law partners of eligible foreign workers;
- spouses or common-law partners of eligible international students;
- sponsored spouses and partners in Canada;
- Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants;
- permanent residence applicants eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit;
- International Experience Canada participants in the Working Holiday category;
- refugees and protected persons;
- vulnerable foreign workers; and
- other applicants covered by specific immigration programs or public policies.(Canada)
The employer may also need to obtain an LMIA or qualify for an LMIA exemption. (Canada)
Applying from outside Canada
Canada Work Permit for Offshore Applicants
An offshore Canada work permit application generally refers to an application made while the foreign worker is outside Canada.
IRCC officially describes this as applying for a work permit from outside Canada.
Most foreign nationals can potentially apply from outside Canada if they:
- qualify for the particular work permit category;
- provide all required documentation;
- demonstrate sufficient financial resources for themselves and accompanying family members;
- satisfy health and character requirements;
- meet the requirements of the proposed employment; and
- satisfy IRCC that they will leave Canada when their authorised temporary stay ends. (Canada)
Family members must satisfy the applicable health, character and other visa requirements. Additional government visa application charges can apply.
Employer-Sponsored Work Permit From Outside Canada
If you have received a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer, the first question is normally whether the position requires an LMIA.
There are two broad employer-sponsored pathways:
Pathway 1
LMIA-Required Work Permit
The employer obtains a positive LMIA before the foreign worker applies for the work permit.
Pathway 2
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
The employer and worker qualify under Canada’s International Mobility Program or another recognised LMIA exemption.
The requirements are different, so it is important to identify the correct pathway before lodging an application.
What Is an LMIA?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment.
An LMIA is generally obtained by a Canadian employer from Employment and Social Development Canada.
A positive LMIA indicates that the government assessment found a need for the foreign worker and that hiring the worker would have a positive or neutral effect on the Canadian labour market.
Most employer-specific jobs require an LMIA unless a recognised exemption applies. (Canada)
Once the employer receives the positive LMIA, the worker can normally proceed with the work permit application.
The employer generally provides the worker with:
- the positive LMIA;
- LMIA number;
- employment contract;
- job offer letter; and
- other required documents.
For jobs in Quebec, additional provincial requirements such as a Quebec Acceptance Certificate – CAQ may also apply. (Canada)
LMIA-Exempt Canada Work Permit
Not every Canadian employer needs an LMIA.
Certain workers may qualify under the International Mobility Program – IMP.
Possible examples include certain:
- intra-company transferees;
- workers under free trade agreements;
- French-speaking workers under Francophone Mobility;
- International Experience Canada participants;
- significant-benefit workers;
- reciprocal employment arrangements; and
- other recognised LMIA exemptions.
The specific exemption must be established before the application is lodged. (Canada)
In most LMIA-exempt employer-specific cases, the Canadian employer must submit the employment offer through the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee, currently CAD 230, unless exempt.
The employer then receives an Offer of Employment Number, generally beginning with the letter “A” followed by seven digits.
The foreign worker normally needs this number when applying for the work permit. (Canada)
Offshore process
Canada Work Permit Application From Outside Canada – Process
A typical offshore application may involve the following steps.
STEP 01
Step 1 – Identify the Correct Work Permit Category
Determine whether you need:
- an employer-specific permit;
- an open work permit;
- an LMIA-based permit;
- an LMIA-exempt permit; or
- another special work permit category.
STEP 02
Employer Completes Required Process
For an LMIA position, the employer generally obtains a positive LMIA.
For an LMIA-exempt employer-specific position, the employer may need to submit the offer through the Employer Portal.
STEP 03
Prepare the Work Permit Application
Documents may include:
- passport;
- application forms;
- employment contract;
- job offer;
- LMIA or offer of employment number;
- CV;
- employment references;
- payslips;
- qualifications;
- licences or professional registration;
- proof of funds;
- family documents;
- immigration history; and
- supporting explanation.
IRCC currently requires offshore applicants using the standard process to submit IMM 1295 – Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada. (Canada)
STEP 04
Biometrics
Applicants may be required to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
The current biometrics fee is CAD 85 for an individual or, where eligible, up to CAD 170 for a family applying together. (Canada)
STEP 05
Medical Examination
A medical examination may be required depending on:
- the applicant's country or previous residence;
- length of stay; and
- intended occupation.
Medical examinations are particularly important where the worker intends to work in areas such as:
- healthcare;
- childcare;
- primary or secondary education;
- certain caregiving positions; and
- some agricultural occupations. (IRCC Canada)
STEP 06
IRCC Decision
IRCC assesses both eligibility and admissibility.
If approved outside Canada, the applicant usually receives a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.
This letter is not the actual work permit.
The work permit is normally issued at the Canadian port of entry when the applicant travels to Canada and continues to satisfy the entry requirements. (Canada)
Applying from inside Canada
Canada Work Permit for Onshore Applicants
Being physically inside Canada does not automatically mean you can apply for a work permit from within Canada.
IRCC states that most people cannot simply make an initial work permit application from inside Canada unless they fall within an eligible category. (Canada)
Examples of people who may be eligible to apply from inside Canada include certain applicants who:
- already have a valid work permit;
- have a valid study permit;
- have a spouse, common-law partner or parent with a valid work permit;
- have a spouse, common-law partner or parent with a valid study permit;
- qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit while their study permit remains valid;
- have an eligible spouse or partner permanent residence application in process;
- are recognised refugees or protected persons;
- have made a refugee protection claim;
- hold a Temporary Resident Permit valid for at least six months;
- are eligible under certain CUSMA categories; or
- qualify under another specific in-Canada category. (Canada)
Eligibility should therefore be checked carefully before assuming that a visitor in Canada can simply convert to a work permit.
Canada Work Permit for Onshore Applicants
Not automatically.
Canada previously had temporary public policies that allowed some visitors to apply for employer-specific work permits from inside Canada.
Applicants should not rely on old internet articles describing temporary COVID-era policies as if they remain generally available.
Under the current standard framework, an applicant must fall within one of IRCC’s authorised in-Canada work permit categories to make an application from within Canada. (Canada)
Where the person is not eligible to apply from inside Canada, they may need to follow the outside-Canada application process.
Already working in Canada
Extensions, Status and Employer Changes
There are two main categories.
Extending a Canada Work Permit
If your Canadian work permit will expire soon and you remain eligible to work in Canada, you may be able to apply for an extension.
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current work permit expires. (Canada)
An extension may involve:
- continuing with the same employer;
- renewing an open work permit where eligible;
- changing work permit conditions; or
- applying for a new employer-specific permit.
Applicants should not wait until after the permit expires where this can be avoided.
Maintained Status in Canada
Maintained status is particularly important for onshore workers.
If you submit an eligible work permit extension or change application before your existing work permit expires, you may legally remain in Canada while IRCC processes the application.
In many cases, you may also continue working while waiting for a decision. (Canada)
For an employer-specific work permit holder, continuing work under maintained status normally means continuing under the same:
- employer;
- occupation; and
- work location
as the existing permit.
An open work permit holder may generally continue working according to the conditions of the open permit. (Canada)
You generally need to remain in Canada to benefit from the work authorisation associated with maintained status. Travel outside Canada can affect your ability to continue working when you return. (Canada)
What Happens if Your Work Permit Expires?
If your permit expires before you make an eligible extension application, you normally lose your worker status and must stop working.
You may be eligible to apply for restoration of status, depending on your circumstances.
However, restoration does not mean you can automatically continue working while waiting.
IRCC states that a person who loses worker status must generally stop working and apply to restore their status and obtain a new work permit. (Canada)
The current government fee to restore worker status and obtain a new work permit is CAD 401.25, comprising the restoration and work permit charges. (Canada)
Changing Employer While in Canada
If you hold an employer-specific work permit, you generally cannot simply move to another employer.
You normally need:
- a new job offer;
- a new LMIA or applicable LMIA exemption;
- a new work permit application; and
- authorisation to work under the new conditions.
However, IRCC currently provides a process under which some eligible employer-specific work permit holders in Canada can request permission to begin working for the new employer before the new work permit is finally approved. (Canada)
An open work permit holder may generally continue working according to the conditions of the open permit. (Canada)
Family work rights
Open Work Permit for Spouses of Foreign Workers
Canada significantly changed family open work permit eligibility from 21 January 2025.
Family open work permits are no longer automatically available to spouses of every foreign worker.
For high-skilled workers who are not otherwise on an eligible pathway to permanent residence, the spouse may generally qualify where the principal worker:
- has or is approved for appropriate work authorisation;
- will live and work in Canada;
- works or will work in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or one of the selected eligible TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations; and
- normally has at least 16 months remaining on the work authorisation when IRCC receives the spouse's application.
Different rules apply to workers who are on certain pathways to permanent residence and to some special programs. (Canada)
Family eligibility should therefore be checked based on the principal applicant’s exact occupation, NOC code, permit and immigration pathway.
Spouses of International Students
Spousal open work permit eligibility for international students has also been restricted.
Since 21 January 2025, spouses or common-law partners of international students may qualify only where the student falls within specified categories, including generally:
- master's degree programs of at least 16 months;
- doctoral programs; or
- certain eligible professional or other approved programs. (Canada)
A spouse should therefore not assume that every Canadian student visa provides a partner with open work rights.
Faster processing
Global Skills Strategy – Faster Work Permit Processing
Some highly skilled offshore applicants may qualify for Canada’s Global Skills Strategy – GSS.
Eligible cases can include:
- workers supported by a positive Global Talent Stream LMIA; or
- certain LMIA-exempt employer-specific workers in TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations.
To qualify for the standard GSS faster-processing pathway, the applicant generally needs to apply online from outside Canada and submit a complete application meeting the program requirements.
Open work permit applications are not eligible for the normal GSS two-week processing pathway. (Canada)
IRCC notes that actual processing may sometimes exceed the targeted period, so applicants should not treat two-week processing as guaranteed. (IRCC Canada)
Common Documents for a Canada Work Permit
Depending on the work permit type, commonly required documents may include:
valid passport;
photographs;
LMIA;
offer of employment number;
employment contract;
job offer letter;
detailed CV;
previous employment letters;
payslips;
educational qualifications;
professional licences;
registration documents;
proof of financial capacity;
marriage certificate;
children's documents;
medical examination results;
biometrics;
previous Canadian visas and permits; and
supporting statements explaining the purpose and circumstances of the application.
For employer-specific applications, IRCC may require evidence that the applicant actually has the skills, education and experience needed to perform the proposed job. (Canada)
Common Reasons Canada Work Permit Applications Are Refused
IRCC may refuse a work permit for several reasons.
Common issues can include:
incomplete documentation;
insufficient financial evidence;
concerns about temporary stay;
weak evidence of the applicant's qualifications or work experience;
job offer authenticity concerns;
incorrect LMIA documentation;
incorrect LMIA-exemption category;
employer ineligibility;
inconsistencies in employment history;
previous immigration breaches;
criminal inadmissibility;
medical inadmissibility;
misrepresentation; or
failure to establish eligibility under the particular work permit program.
For outside-Canada applications, IRCC specifically identifies issues such as insufficient funds, weak home-country ties, lack of evidence that the applicant can perform the proposed job, inadmissibility and concerns regarding whether the job offer is genuine as possible refusal factors. (Canada)
A refusal should therefore be reviewed against the actual reasons provided by IRCC before deciding whether to reapply.
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Work Permits
Can I apply for a Canada work permit without a job offer?
Potentially, but only if you qualify for an open work permit or another category that does not require a specific Canadian job offer.
Most employer-specific work permit applicants require a job offer.
Does every Canadian work permit need an LMIA?
No
Some employer-specific work permits require an LMIA, while others qualify for an LMIA exemption under Canada’s International Mobility Program.
Open work permits generally do not require an LMIA.
Can I apply for a work permit while I am already in Canada?
Only if you qualify under one of the recognised in-Canada work permit categories.
Simply being physically present in Canada as a visitor does not automatically give you the right to lodge an onshore work permit application. (Canada)
Can I work while waiting for my work permit extension?
If you made an eligible extension application before your existing work permit expired, you may have maintained status and may be permitted to continue working under the conditions of your original permit.
You must meet the relevant requirements and generally remain in Canada. (IRCC Canada)
Can I change employers on a closed work permit?
Not automatically.
An employer-specific permit normally ties you to the employer stated on the permit.
You generally need a new application before moving employers, although eligible workers may request temporary authorisation to start the new employment while IRCC processes the new permit. (Canada)
Does a work permit give me permanent residency?
No.
A work permit is temporary immigration status.
However, Canadian skilled work experience may potentially assist with future permanent residence options through programs such as:
- Canadian Experience Class;
- Provincial Nominee Programs;
- Atlantic Immigration Program;
- regional or community pathways; or
- other federal and provincial immigration programs.
Eligibility for permanent residence should be assessed separately.
Do I get my work permit before travelling to Canada?
For a standard application approved outside Canada, IRCC generally issues a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction.
The letter is not your work permit.
The actual work permit is normally issued by a border services officer when you arrive in Canada and satisfy the entry requirements. (Canada)
Can my spouse come with me to Canada?
Potentially, yes.
Your spouse or common-law partner may be able to accompany you as a visitor, worker or student depending on their eligibility.
However, the rules for spousal open work permits have become more restrictive, so eligibility should be checked using your NOC/TEER level and work permit category. (Canada)
- Our support
How GIEC Global Can Help With Canada Work Permits
Canadian work permit applications can involve both an employer-side process and an employee-side immigration application.
Before submitting an application, it is important to determine:
- whether the position requires an LMIA;
- whether an LMIA exemption applies;
- whether the applicant qualifies to apply from Canada;
- whether an outside-Canada application is required;
- whether the spouse can receive an open work permit;
- whether dependent children need study permits or visitor status;
- whether medical examinations are required;
- whether professional registration is required; and
- whether the temporary work pathway may support a later permanent residence strategy.
At GIEC Global, we can assist with assessing and preparing applications involving:
Canada Work Permit;
LMIA Work Permit;
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit;
Employer-Specific Work Permit;
Open Work Permit;
Onshore Canada Work Permit;
Offshore Canada Work Permit;
Work Permit Extension;
Employer Change;
Spousal Open Work Permit;
Global Skills Strategy;
Francophone Mobility;
International Mobility Program; and
future Canadian permanent residence options.
- Free consultation
Start Your Canada Work Permit Application With GIEC Global
If you have received a Canadian job offer, are currently working or studying in Canada, want to extend an existing work permit, or want to determine whether you qualify for an LMIA-exempt or open work permit, the first step is identifying the correct immigration pathway.
The requirements are different for applicants who are inside Canada and applicants who are applying from overseas.
Speak with the GIEC Global Canada immigration team to assess your eligibility and determine an appropriate Canada work permit strategy.
Speak with the GIEC Global migration team
Registered migration and immigration professionals assisting Canadian work permit applicants and employers.