Work in Canada

A Canada work permit is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specific employer or, in some cases, any employer.

A Canada work permit is an official authorization issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a specific employer, occupation, or duration. It is usually tied to a job offer, though some permits are open and allow work for any employer.

In Canada, there is 2 types of work permits:

• Closed Work Permit (Employer-Specific):
  • Tied to a specific employer, job, and location
  • Requires a job offer (and often an LMIA)
  • Limited flexibility. Cannot change employer without a new permit
• Open Work Permit:
  • Not tied to a specific employer
  • Allows work for most employers in Canada
  • No job offer required in many cases
  • Provides flexibility to switch jobs easily

Work Permit vs. Work Visa; What’s the Difference?

Many people are confused between Canada’s “Work Permit” and “Work Visa”. The main difference is in what they are and how they are used.

Here are the differences:

Work Permit

• Meaning: It is a paper from the Canadian government. It gives a foreign person permission to work in Canada.
• Type: It is a permit, not a visa.
• Kinds:
  • Open Work Permit: You can work for any employer in Canada.
  • Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit: You can work only for one employer, in one job, in one place, for a set time.

Work Visa

• Meaning: It is a stamp or sticker in the passport. It lets you enter Canada as a worker.
• Type: It is a visa required for entry into the country.
• Connection with Work Permit:
  • When you apply for a Work Permit, and it is accepted, the Canadian embassy gives you a Work Visa + Work Permit.
  • Work Visa = for entering Canada
  • Work Permit = for working after entry

What’s a Work Permit?

A Canada Work Permit is a paper from the Canadian government. It gives permission for a foreign worker to do a job in Canada.

Without a Work Permit, you can’t legally work in Canada.

Many people get confused, and that’s normal. Immigration rules can feel heavy. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert. That’s why immigration companies like SugimotoVisa are here: to guide, explain, and make the process clear.

If you’re dreaming of living and working in Canada, this small paper called the Work Permit is your first key.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

When we talk about work permits in Canada, there are two main programs:

Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream

Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker

LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract

• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• NAFTA Work Permits
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

This program is for people who have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer usually needs to get an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).

LMIA is a paper that shows the government: “We need this worker, because no Canadian is ready for this job.” After LMIA approval, you can apply for your work permit.

2. International Mobility Program (IMP)

This program is different: you don’t always need an LMIA. It is used when bringing a foreign worker is seen as good for Canada in other ways (social, cultural, or economic).
Common cases:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for students who finish studies in Canada
• Spousal Open Work Permit (for husband or wife of a student/worker)
• Workers moving inside a company (intra-company transfer)
• Special trade agreements like CUSMA (Canada-US-Mexico Agreement)

FAQs