Canada Work Permit 2026: Complete Guide
Information updated April 2026 • By Maple Route Immigration Team
A Canadian work permit authorizes a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a defined period. There are two fundamental types: employer-specific (closed) work permits that tie you to a single employer, and open work permits that let you work for any employer. Which type you can get — and how you get it — depends on your specific situation, your employer's situation, and which legal pathway you qualify for. This guide explains each option clearly so you can understand which pathway may apply to you.
💳 Application fee: $155 CAD (+ $85 CAD biometrics if required)
🏢 Employer compliance fee: $230 CAD (for LMIA-exempt offers through portal)
💼 LMIA fee: $1,000 CAD (paid by employer, for LMIA-required positions)
🌐 Apply: Online via ircc.canada.ca
⏱️ Processing: 4–16 weeks depending on type (CUSMA border: same-day possible)
Work Permit Types: Which One Applies to You?
| Work Permit Type | Who Needs It | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA-Required (Closed) | Workers whose employer must prove no qualified Canadian was available | Employer applies for LMIA first; longest process |
| LMIA-Exempt (Closed) | CUSMA professionals, intra-company transferees (ICT), CETA workers, significant benefit workers | No LMIA needed; employer uses IRCC portal; faster |
| Open Work Permit | PGWP holders, spousal OWP, BOWP, IEC Working Holiday, refugee claimants, protected persons | Work for any employer; no job offer needed first |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | LMIA-exempt workers under trade agreements or significant benefit categories | Streamlined through IRCC Employer Portal |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | High-wage and low-wage positions requiring LMIA | Employer advertises role; ESDC reviews application |
Eligibility: Common Work Permit Pathways
| Pathway | Eligibility | Result |
|---|---|---|
| CUSMA (USMCA) Professional | US or Mexican citizen; work in one of 63 listed professions; Canadian job offer | Employer-specific work permit; can apply at border |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker; employed by company 1 year in past 3; transferring to Canadian branch/affiliate | Employer-specific work permit; up to 3 years |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Completed eligible Canadian DLI program of 8+ months | Open work permit; up to 3 years |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | Spouse or common-law partner of Canadian citizen/PR or skilled worker (NOC 0/A) | Open work permit |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | Temporary worker with pending PR application (CEC, FSW, FST, eligible PNP); current permit expires within 4 months | Open work permit; valid until PR decision |
| IEC Working Holiday | Youth (18–35) from participating countries | Open work permit; 1–2 years |
| LMIA Work Permit | Any qualified foreign worker with a Canadian job offer where the employer has a positive LMIA | Employer-specific work permit |
Document Checklist for Work Permit Applications
| Document | Required For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | All | Must be valid for duration of requested work permit |
| Job offer letter / employment contract | Employer-specific permits | Must specify role, NOC code, salary, start date, duration |
| IRCC Employer Portal offer number | Most LMIA-exempt permits | Employer submits first and generates this number |
| Positive LMIA document | LMIA-required permits | Issued by ESDC; provided by employer |
| Educational credentials / transcripts | Profession-based permits (CUSMA, ICT) | Must match the NOC or profession claimed |
| Professional licence / certification | Regulated professions | E.g., engineering license, nursing registration |
| Company relationship letter | ICT applicants | Proves corporate relationship between home and Canadian company |
| Proof of work experience | ICT, significant benefit categories | Employment letters, T4s, organizational charts |
| PGWP eligibility (transcript + completion letter) | PGWP applicants | Apply within 180 days of receiving final marks |
| Biometrics | First-time or expired biometrics | $85 CAD; done at Service Canada or ASC |
| Travel history / visas | Some categories | Prior travel to Canada and visa history may be reviewed |
Step-by-Step: Applying for a Canadian Work Permit
Determine whether you need an LMIA, an LMIA exemption, or qualify for an open work permit. Each pathway has different requirements for both you and your employer.
For LMIA-required permits: employer applies to ESDC for a positive LMIA. For LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits: employer submits offer through IRCC Employer Portal and pays $230 CAD. For open work permits: no employer step needed in most cases.
See checklist above. Ensure all documents are current, official, translated (if not in English/French), and organized. Missing or inconsistent documents are the leading cause of delays and refusals.
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca. Select the correct work permit type. Enter the Offer of Employment number if applicable. Upload all supporting documents as PDFs. Pay the $155 CAD work permit fee.
After submitting your application, you'll receive a biometrics instruction letter. Attend a Service Canada office or Application Support Center (ASC) to have your fingerprints and photo taken. $85 CAD fee applies.
IRCC may issue an Additional Documents Request (ADR) or request an interview. Check your IRCC account and email regularly. Processing times vary by category — check ircc.canada.ca for current estimates.
If approved from inside Canada: your work permit is mailed or accessible in your IRCC account. If approved from outside Canada: you'll receive a Port of Entry (POE) letter to present at the Canadian border, where the physical permit is issued.
If you are renewing or changing your work permit while in Canada, apply at least 3–4 months before expiry. This activates implied status — allowing you to continue working for your current employer while your new application is processed. Implied status ends if your renewal application is refused.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Canadian work permit cost?
The work permit application fee is $155 CAD. Biometrics (if required) add $85 CAD. Employers pay a $230 CAD compliance fee (LMIA-exempt) or $1,000 CAD (LMIA application fee, paid to ESDC).
What is the difference between a closed and open work permit?
A closed permit restricts you to one employer; an open permit lets you work for any employer. Open permits require qualifying under a specific IRCC-recognized category. See our full comparison guide.
Can I work in Canada without an LMIA?
Yes — if you qualify for an LMIA exemption under CUSMA, ICT, IEC, or other categories. See our LMIA exemptions guide for details on each category.
What happens if my work permit expires?
If you applied to renew before expiry, you have implied status and can continue working for your current employer only. If your permit expired without a renewal application, you must stop working immediately. Learn more about implied status in Canada.
Can I change employers on my work permit?
On a closed permit, you need a new work permit before starting with a new employer. On an open permit, you can change freely. See our employer-specific vs open work permit guide.
How do I extend my work permit?
Apply online via your IRCC secure account before your current permit expires. Your employer may need to provide a new job offer and updated LMIA or exemption documentation. See our work permit extension guide for the full process.
Need Professional Immigration Help?
Consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Verify credentials at the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Disclaimer: Maple Route Immigration provides general immigration information based on publicly available IRCC data. We are not the Government of Canada and do not guarantee work permit approvals. Always consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer for advice specific to your situation.