Canada Work Permit Types

Work Permit Categories

Choose the work permit type that aligns with your employment situation

Open Work Permit

Work for any employer in Canada without a specific job offer. Perfect for flexibility and freedom.

No job offer required from a specific employer.
Work for any Canadian employer in any occupation.
Can change jobs without applying for a new permit.
Typically valid for up to 3 years.
Eligible for: PGWP holders, IEC Working Holiday participants, and some other groups. Spouses qualify only in limited cases (see the spousal open work permit rules).
Fee: CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee).

PGWP Details

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Tied to a single employer and job position. Requires a valid job offer and LMIA approval.

Valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval required in most cases.
Work only for the named employer in the specified position.
Changing employers requires a new work permit.
Valid for the duration of the employment contract.
Fee: CAD 155 work permit fee. The employer pays the CAD 1,000 LMIA fee, which cannot be recovered from the worker.

Learn More

Intra-Company Transfer

Transfer within the same company internationally. No LMIA required for certain categories.

Employed by the same company for at least 1 year continuously.
Company has operations in Canada (subsidiary, branch, affiliate).
Transfer in a senior management, specialized knowledge, or executive role.
LMIA exempt for most ICT transfers.
Valid for up to 3 years (renewable).
Fee: CAD 155 work permit fee.

ICT Eligibility

International Mobility Program

Exemption from LMIA for certain occupations and situations. Faster processing than standard permits.

LMIA not required under IMP exemptions.
Includes: ICT, reciprocal employment, international agreements.
For skilled occupations with labor shortages.
Valid for the duration of employment contract.
Faster approval compared to LMIA-dependent permits.
Fee: CAD 155 work permit fee.

IMP Categories

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Work after graduating from a Canadian institution. Open permit with flexible employer options.

Must be a recent graduate from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Study program must be 8 months or longer.
Open work permit - work for any employer.
Duration: Equal to length of study (max 3 years).
Apply within 180 days of graduation.
Fee: CAD 255 (CAD 155 work permit fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee).

PGWP Detailed Guide

Young Professionals

For young workers under 35 from countries with reciprocal agreements with Canada.

Age 18-35 (varies by country).
Must be a citizen of a designated country with youth exchange agreement.
Receive an Invitation to Apply from the IEC pool and hold a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Employer-specific work permit. Only the IEC Working Holiday category is an open permit.
Valid for up to 2 years.
Fee: CAD 184.75 IEC fee. The employer pays a CAD 230 employer compliance fee.
India is not an IEC country, so Indian citizens cannot use this category.

IEC Details

Work Permit Quick Comparison

Key differences to help you choose the right pathway

Permit Type	LMIA Needed	Job Offer Required	Processing Time
Open Work Permit	No	No	Varies by country
Employer-Specific	Usually Yes	Yes	Varies by country
Intra-Company Transfer	No	Yes (internal)	Varies by country
International Mobility	No	Varies	Varies by country
Post-Graduation (PGWP)	No	No	Varies by country
Young Professionals (IEC)	No	Yes	Varies by country

Processing times differ by country of application and IRCC updates them regularly. Check the current estimate in IRCC's processing-times tool.

Why Work in Canada?

Discover the benefits of Canadian employment

World-Class Standard of Living

Canada ranks among the highest in quality of life, healthcare, education, and safety globally.

Competitive Salaries

Average salaries are significantly higher than many countries, with strong labor protections.

Universal Healthcare

Access to Canada's public healthcare system with comprehensive medical coverage.

Skills Development

Work experience in Canada is valued globally and counts toward permanent residence.

Path to PR

Canadian work experience can lead to permanent residency through various immigration programs.

Multicultural Society

Canada welcomes immigrants with inclusive policies and multicultural communities.

How to Choose Your Work Permit

A strategic guide to selecting the best pathway for your situation

If you are a recent graduate: Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of graduation. This gives you up to 3 years of open work experience.

If you have a secured job offer: Check if an Employer-Specific Work Permit or International Mobility Program exemption applies. This is usually faster than LMIA processing.

If you want flexibility: An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer. You may be eligible if you are transitioning after graduation (PGWP), or, in limited cases, as the spouse of a worker in a TEER 0 or 1 or listed TEER 2 or 3 occupation with 16 or more months left on the permit, or of a student in a master's programme of 16 months or more, a doctoral programme or a select professional programme.

If you're transferring within your company: Use Intra-Company Transfer (ICT), which has no LMIA requirement.

If you're under 35 and your country has an agreement: Consider IEC (International Experience Canada). Working Holiday is an open permit, while Young Professionals and International Co-op are employer-specific and need a job offer. India is not an IEC country, so Indian citizens should look at study, an LMIA-supported job offer or a provincial nominee program instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a work permit in Canada?

A work permit is a document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. It specifies the duration of stay, authorized employer(s), and work conditions. It's distinct from permanent residence or citizenship.

Do I need a work permit if I'm a permanent resident?

No. Permanent residents have the right to work anywhere in Canada without needing a separate work permit. A work permit is only required for temporary residents (visitors with work authorization).

How long does a work permit last?

Work permit validity varies by type: Open permits typically last up to 3 years, PGWP matches your study duration (max 3 years), employer-specific permits match the job contract, and young professionals can get up to 2 years.

What is LMIA and do I need one?

Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a process where the employer proves that hiring a foreign worker won't negatively affect Canadian workers. Many work permits don't require LMIA (like PGWP, open permits, ICT). However, some employer-specific permits require it.

Can I bring my family on a work permit?

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit only if you work in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation or a listed TEER 2 or 3 occupation and your permit has at least 16 months remaining (rules in force since 21 January 2025). Dependent children of workers can no longer get an open work permit, but they can apply for study or other permits in their own right.

Can work experience lead to permanent residence?

Yes. Canadian work experience can help you qualify for permanent residence through programs like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or other immigration pathways.

What happens if my work permit expires?

Once your work permit expires, you must leave Canada unless you have another status (like study permit, PR). However, you can apply for an extension if you're still employed and eligible.

Do I pay taxes in Canada as a work permit holder?

Yes, you must pay federal and provincial income taxes on your Canadian earnings. Work permit holders are considered residents for tax purposes and can also access employer benefits and CPP/EI contributions.