Work in Canada: Work Permit & Visa Guide (2027)

What Is a Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is an official authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific period.

There are two main types:

• Open Work Permits – Work for almost any employer
• Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits – Work for one employer under specific conditions

Canadian Work Permit Programs: TFWP vs IMP

Most work permits fall under one of two federal programs:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
• Employer must prove that no Canadian is available for the role
• Usually tied to one employer

2. International Mobility Program (IMP)

• LMIA-exempt
• Based on broader economic, cultural, or reciprocal benefits
• Includes:
  • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
  • Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
  • CUSMA work permits
  • Intra-company transfers

Who is Eligible to Work in Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada.

To qualify, you typically must:

• Have a valid job offer (unless applying for an open work permit)
• Prove intent to leave Canada when your permit expires
• Show sufficient financial support
• Be criminally and medically admissible
• Work for an eligible employer
• Provide all required documentation

Can You Get a Work Permit Without a Job Offer?

Yes, in some cases.

You may qualify for an open work permit if you are:

• A recent graduate eligible for a PGWP
• The spouse of a skilled worker or international student
• Eligible under CUSMA (U.S. or Mexican citizens)
• Applying under certain public policies

Types of Canadian Work Permits

LMIA-Based Work Permits

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream (fast-track processing)

LMIA-Exempt (Job Offer Required)

• CUSMA work permits
• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

Open Work Permits (No Job Offer Required)

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Spousal Sponsorship Open Work Permits
• International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker

How to Get a Canadian Work Permit

The process depends on the permit type, but generally includes:

1. Determine the right work permit category
2. Secure a job offer and LMIA (if required)
3. Gather supporting documents
4. Submit your application online or at a port of entry
5. Provide biometrics and a medical exam (if required)

Is a Job Offer Enough?

Not always.

A valid job offer must:

• Be supported by an LMIA, or
• Qualify for an LMIA exemption

👉 Quebec has additional requirements for validating job offers.

Can Your Family Join You?

Your spouse and dependent children may qualify for an open work permit if you meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a valid Canadian work permit
2. Work in an eligible occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
   1. TEER 0 (management roles)
   2. TEER 1 (professional roles)
   3. Selected TEER 2 and TEER 3 occupations

You must also:

1. Be in a genuine relationship
2. Ensure your work permit remains valid for at least 16 months after your application is submitted

Family Not Eligible for an Open Work Permit

You may not be eligible for a spousal open work permit if:

1. They have an active refugee claim
2. They are under a removal order
3. They are criminally or medically inadmissible
4. They already hold a spousal open work permit
5. They are applying for a PGWP without approval
6. They are an international student working without authorization

How Much Does a Canadian Work Permit Cost?

The processing fee for a closed work permit is: 

• $155 CAD – Work permit processing fee
• $100 CAD – Open work permit holder fee

Total: $255 CAD

Additional costs may include:

• Biometrics: $85 CAD
• Medical exam
• Police certificates

For a complete list of IRCC fees, click here.  

If you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists, additional fees will apply.

Document Requirements for a Canadian Work Permit

Most applicants must provide:

• Completed application forms
• Valid passport
• Job offer and LMIA (if applicable)
• Proof of qualifications and work experience
• Proof of financial support
• Medical exam (if required)
• Biometrics
• Police clearance certificates

Biometrics & Medical Exams

Biometrics

• Required for most applicants
• Valid for 10 years

Medical Exam

Required if:

• You plan to stay longer than 6 months, or
• You work in healthcare, childcare, or agriculture

Police Clearances for Canadian Work Permits

The visa officer reviewing your application may ask you to provide police clearance certificates. Police clearance certificates may be required from any country in which you have lived for six months or more after turning 18.

Processing Times

Processing times vary widely:

• Work permits: Weeks to several months
• LMIA: Typically 5+ months
• Global Talent Stream: ~2 weeks

👉 Always check official IRCC processing times based on your location.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Applications may be refused if:

• You cannot prove you will leave Canada after your permit expires
• You lack qualifications for the job
• You submit incomplete documentation
• You fail to prove financial stability
• You do not demonstrate ties to your home country

Activating Your Work Permit

How you activate your work permit will depend on where you are applying from and how you are applying.

How Long Is a Work Permit Valid?

Most work permits are valid for 1–2 years, depending on:

• Passport validity
• Job offer duration
• LMIA conditions
• Program requirements

Work in Canada as an American (CUSMA Work Permits)

U.S. citizens can take advantage of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) to work in Canada more easily than most foreign nationals.

CUSMA work permits are LMIA-exempt, meaning you don’t need an employer to prove a labour shortage—making the process faster and more straightforward.

Key Benefits

• No LMIA required
• Faster processing, often at the border
• Open to a wide range of professionals and business roles
• Renewable permits, typically issued for up to three years
• Pathway to permanent residence through Canadian work experience

Who Qualifies?

U.S. citizens may be eligible under three main categories:

• Professionals (e.g., engineers, consultants, tech roles)
• Intra-company transferees (employees transferring within a multinational company)
• Traders and investors (individuals conducting business or investing in Canada)

Most applicants will need a valid job offer and proof of qualifications.

How to Apply

Many Americans can apply directly at a Canadian port of entry, making this one of the fastest ways to start working in Canada.

Extending Your Work Permit

To extend your permit:

• Apply at least 30 days before expiry
• You may remain in Canada under maintained status while waiting

Contact us to learn more about whether you are eligible to extend your work permit.

Benefits of Working in Canada

• Competitive wages and strong labour protections
• Access to Canadian work experience
• Pathways to permanent residence, including:
  • Express Entry
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about immigrating to Canada as a permanent resident.