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Temporary Work Authorization in Canada

Work Permits

A work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for a defined period. The right permit type — and whether an LMIA is needed — depends on the employer, the role, and your personal situation.

Types of work permits in Canada

Canadian work permits fall into two broad categories: employer-specific (closed) permits that name a single employer, job title, and location; and open work permits that allow the holder to work for most employers in Canada without a specific job offer. Which program applies — the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requiring an LMIA, or the International Mobility Program (IMP) which is LMIA-exempt — is the critical first question.

Employer-specific or open TFWP (LMIA) or IMP (LMIA-exempt) PGWP for eligible graduates Bridging Open Work Permit available Permit conditions must be strictly followed

Employer-specific work permits

An employer-specific (closed) work permit lists a single employer, job title, work location, and expiry date. Working outside these conditions — including for a different employer, at a different location, or in a different job title — is a violation that can affect all future immigration applications. These permits are issued under either the TFWP (where the employer has a positive LMIA) or the IMP (where the position qualifies for an LMIA exemption under a trade agreement, intra-company transfer, significant benefit category, or other exemption code).

Open work permits

An open work permit allows the holder to work for most eligible employers in Canada without naming a specific employer. Common open work permit categories include:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) For eligible graduates of designated Canadian learning institutions. See the dedicated PGWP section below.
  • Spousal / Partner Open Work Permit For the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker (NOC TEER 0 or 1) or of an international student enrolled at a qualifying DLI. The permit allows them to work for most employers during their partner's permit period.
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) For foreign nationals whose current work permit is expiring and who have a pending permanent residence application in a qualifying stream. Lets you continue working while your PR is processed.
  • International Experience Canada (IEC) — Working Holiday For eligible youth from participating countries; the Working Holiday category is an open work permit valid for a set period.
  • Destitute students, refugee claimants, and protected persons Specific open permit categories exist for humanitarian situations, subject to individual eligibility conditions set by IRCC.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP allows eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs to work anywhere in Canada without being tied to a specific employer. It is typically a bridge to Canadian Experience Class and permanent residence. Key eligibility points:

  • Institution and program eligibility The program must have been completed at a designated learning institution (DLI) that qualifies for PGWP purposes. Not all DLIs and not all programs qualify — verify before enrolling.
  • Minimum program length The program must have been completed full-time and must be at least 8 months in length.
  • Application window Must be applied for within 180 days of receiving official confirmation of graduation (final marks, transcript, or completion letter). Missing this window permanently disqualifies the graduate from that PGWP.
  • PGWP eligibility and length — field of study and other IRCC rules IRCC has updated PGWP rules several times since 2024. For many college and non-degree programs, eligibility now depends on whether your program’s field of study (CIP code) appears on IRCC’s eligible list; degree programs (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) are often exempt from that list but must still meet other PGWP criteria. Permit length is tied to your completed program length and the rules in effect at application—verify the current PGWP instructions on Canada.ca before you apply.
  • Study permit compliance throughout program Full-time enrollment and compliance with study permit conditions throughout the program is essential. Enrollment gaps or academic program changes can invalidate PGWP eligibility.
PGWP rules change often — confirm before you enroll or apply

IRCC now ties PGWP eligibility for many non-degree programs to an eligible field-of-study list, while degree holders often follow different rules. Length and eligibility are not guaranteed from program marketing alone. If you are choosing a program or preparing a PGWP application, verify the current instructions on Canada.ca (or with an RCIC) so your study plan matches the rules that will apply when you graduate.

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

If your current work permit is expiring and you have a pending permanent residence application, you may qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) only if you meet IRCC’s current criteria (eligible application types and stages are listed in IRCC’s bridging open work permit instructions and change over time). When eligible, a BOWP can let you keep working without being tied to one employer while a qualifying PR application is in process. Always confirm the latest rules on Canada.ca before applying.

Extensions and restoring status

If your work permit is expiring, apply for an extension before the expiry date. Submitting on time grants you implied status — the right to continue working on the same conditions while your extension is being processed. If your permit has already expired, restoration may be possible within 90 days of expiry, but there are restrictions and no guarantee of approval. Time spent out of status can affect future applications.

Work permits as a bridge to permanent residence

For many skilled workers, the work permit stage is the most important investment in building Canadian experience toward permanent residence. Work experience gained on a valid permit builds CRS points under CEC, qualifies workers for PNP streams, and satisfies experience requirements for other economic programs. Planning permit type, employer choice, NOC code, and extension timing with a long-term immigration goal in mind can make a meaningful difference in outcomes.

Typical application process

  1. 1
    Determine permit type and program Confirm whether the role requires an LMIA (TFWP) or qualifies for an exemption (IMP), and identify the correct permit category.
  2. 2
    Gather required documents Job offer letter, LMIA (if required), passport, education credentials, prior immigration history, and any supporting documents specific to the exemption category.
  3. 3
    Submit application to IRCC Most applications are submitted online. Some categories allow in-person at a port of entry. Biometrics enrollment may be required if not already on file.
  4. 4
    Medical examination (if required) Required for applicants from certain countries or for health-sensitive occupations (health care, child care). Completed by an IRCC-designated physician.
  5. 5
    Receive approval and work permit or Letter of Introduction Applicants abroad receive a port-of-entry Letter of Introduction; the actual permit is issued by the border officer on arrival. Applicants already in Canada receive the permit directly.
  6. 6
    Work within conditions and plan the next step Respect all permit conditions. Track expiry dates and plan extensions or PR applications well in advance — not at the last minute.

Documents typically needed

  • Valid passport (must remain valid throughout the permit period)
  • Job offer letter confirming title, duties, salary, hours, and location
  • Positive LMIA (if applying under the TFWP)
  • Education credentials and, if applicable, professional certification or trade licence
  • Prior study or work permit copies (if already in Canada)
  • Biometrics (if not already on file or expired)
  • Medical exam results (if required for the occupation or country of origin)
  • For PGWP: graduation letter, transcripts, and copy of study permit
How we help

We determine the correct work permit type and program for your situation, review LMIA and job offer documents for immigration consistency, and prepare a complete application. For PGWP applicants, we confirm eligibility against current IRCC rules — especially given the 2024 changes — before you apply. For bridging and extension cases, we review your current status and pending PR applications to confirm eligibility and avoid inadvertent status violations.

Work Permit — Frequently Asked Questions

A closed (employer-specific) work permit ties you to a specific employer, job title, and location. You cannot change jobs without getting a new work permit. An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada in any location. Common open work permit types include the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Spouse/Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit (SOWP), and Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

Several types of open work permits do not require a job offer. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to graduates of eligible Canadian designated learning institutions. Spouses of skilled workers or international students may qualify for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP). Some temporary residents awaiting permanent residence decisions qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). However, employer-specific (closed) work permits do require a job offer.

The PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian DLIs who meet IRCC’s current criteria. Permit length depends on your program length and IRCC rules in effect when you apply (often up to three years for longer programs, with a minimum program length requirement). Since 2024, many college-level and non-degree programs must align with IRCC’s eligible field-of-study list (CIP-based); bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree holders are generally exempt from that field-of-study list. Always confirm eligibility on Canada.ca before relying on a PGWP for your immigration plan.

Spouses and common-law partners of eligible Canadian work permit holders may be able to apply for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP), which lets them work for any employer in Canada. Eligibility depends on the principal applicant's NOC skill level and the duration of the work permit. Dependent children may also be eligible for study permits to attend school in Canada.

Yes. A Canadian work permit allows you to gain Canadian work experience, which is one of the highest-value factors in Express Entry (particularly for the Canadian Experience Class) and many PNP streams. You can build your Express Entry profile while working in Canada and apply for PR without leaving. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) also allows many TR holders to maintain work authorization while their PR application is in process.

Many work permits do not require an LMIA. LMIA-exempt categories under the International Mobility Program (IMP) include intra-company transferees, significant benefit to Canada (e.g., international agreements like CUSMA/USMCA), reciprocal employment agreements, and spouses of skilled workers. Applicants under IMP streams must pay a compliance fee (Employer Compliance Fee) and submit an Offer of Employment through the IRCC Employer Portal before the work permit application is submitted.

Work permit eligibility, PGWP rules, LMIA requirements, and LMIA-exempt category conditions are set by IRCC and ESDC and can change without notice. This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of permit approval. Always verify current program criteria on the official Government of Canada website before applying.