Work Permit: About the process
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada.
Answer a few questions if you’re not sure if you need a work permit or
which one you should get.
There are 2 types of work permits.
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
- the name of the specific employer you can work for
- how long you can work
- the location where you can work (if applicable)
Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you
- a copy of your employment contract
- 1 of the following:
If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal
If your employer
does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.
Open work permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that
Some jobs require a medical exam. If you don’t want medical conditions on your open work permit, you can get a medical
exam from a panel physician.
If you want to bring your family with you
Your spouse or
common-law partner
and dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you while you work in Canada.
Bringing your family to Canada with you
Processing times
Goverment Fees
Work Permit: $CAN 155
Biometric Fees: $CAN 85