CANADIAN OPEN & CLOSED WORK PERMIT

1. What Is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Work Permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, occupation, and duration.
🧾 2. Main Types of Work Permits
There are two broad categories:
A. Employer-Specific Work Permit
You can work only for one employer listed on the permit.
The permit includes:
Employer’s name
Job title
Location
Duration of work

Usually requires an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) — proof that no Canadian can do the job.

✅ Examples:

Jobs under LMIA-approved offers

Caregiver programs

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

B. Open Work Permit

You can work for any employer in Canada, except for a few restricted ones.

No LMIA or job offer required.

✅ Examples:

Spouses of skilled workers or students

International students who graduated (PGWP)

Refugee claimants or protected persons

Youth under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program

🧩 3. Basic Eligibility

You must:

Prove you’ll leave Canada when the permit expires

Have enough money to support yourself and family

Have no criminal record

Be in good health (medical exam may be needed)

Not work for an ineligible employer

💼 4. How to Apply

You can apply:

Online through the IRCC website

From outside Canada (before you travel)

From inside Canada (if you meet certain conditions)

📎 Documents usually needed:

Job offer or employment contract

LMIA (if applicable)

Passport and recent photos

Proof of qualifications or experience

Police certificate and medical exam (sometimes)

⏳ 5. Processing Time

Varies by country — usually 2–12 weeks.
You can check IRCC’s processing time tool online.

💰 6. Application Fees

Work permit: CAD $155

Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100

Biometrics (if required): CAD $85

🌍 7. Common Pathways

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

International Mobility Program (IMP)

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Spousal Open Work Permit
LMIA-based job offers