IMMIGRATION SERVICES

Work Permit Canada

Work legally in Canada with the right permit and a clear application strategy. Whether you have a job offer or qualify for an open work permit, we guide you through the process to improve your chances of approval.

OVERVIEW

What Is a Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or under open work conditions. There are two main types of work permits: employer-specific (closed) work permits and open work permits.

Some work permits require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), while others are LMIA-exempt depending on the situation.

IRCC advises workers to apply to extend or change their work permit before it expires, and generally at least 30 days before expiry.

WHO THIS IS FOR

Is Work Permit Support Right for You?

This service is for foreign nationals who want to work in Canada and need help applying for a new work permit, extending an existing permit, changing employers, restoring status, or understanding which work permit category applies.

Workers With a Canadian Job Offer

You have a job offer from a Canadian employer and need to know whether you require an LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt work permit.

Workers Extending Their Permit

Your current work permit is expiring soon, and you need to apply to extend it or change the conditions before it expires.

Workers Changing Employers

You have an employer-specific work permit and want to change jobs, employers, occupation, or work location.

Applicants Seeking an Open Work Permit

You may qualify for an open work permit through a spouse, partner, post-graduation pathway, PR application, public policy, or another eligible category.

A work permit is not one-size-fits-all. Your job offer, employer, status, expiry date, LMIA requirement, family situation, and immigration goals all affect the correct application route.

ELIGIBILITY

Who Qualifies for a Work Permit in Canada?

Eligibility for a work permit depends on the type of application, but generally you must

1

Valid Job Offer

Have a valid job offer (for employer-specific permits)

2

Meet Job Requirements

Meet the requirements of the position and employer

3

Temporary Intent

Demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your permit expires (if temporary)

4

Health & Security

Meet health and security requirements

5

Qualify

Qualify under a specific program (LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt)

Types of Work Permits

There are several pathways to obtaining a work permit in Canada, including:

  • Employer-Specific Work Permits (LMIA-based)
  • Open Work Permits (e.g., spousal open work permit)
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt categories)

COMMON PROBLEMS

Mistakes That Can Affect a Work Permit Application

Work permit applications can be delayed, refused, or create status problems when applicants choose the wrong category, miss deadlines, or misunderstand their permit conditions.

Applying for the Wrong Work Permit Type

Some applicants apply for an open work permit when they do not qualify, or an employer-specific permit when the job offer requires additional employer steps.

Missing the Expiry Date

If a work permit is about to expire, the timing of the extension matters. Applying before expiry may allow the person to remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC decides the application.

Working After Status Has Expired

If a work permit has already expired, a person may need restoration. IRCC states that restoration may be available if the permit expired fewer than 90 days ago, but the person cannot work while the restoration application is in progress.

Changing Employers Without Authorization

Workers with employer-specific permits usually need a new work permit to change employers, jobs, or conditions. Open work permit holders may change employers while the permit remains valid.

Weak Job Offer or Employer Documents

The job offer, duties, wage, NOC/TEER, employer details, and LMIA or exemption information must be consistent and properly supported.

Ignoring Long-Term Immigration Goals

A work permit decision can affect later permanent residence options, including Canadian work experience, provincial nomination, employer support, and timing.

OUR PROCESS

How We Help

We support you throughout the work permit application process.

1

Assess Eligibility

Assess your eligibility and determine the best pathway

2

Review Job Offer

Review your job offer and supporting documents

3

Meet LMIA Requirements

Ensure LMIA requirements are met (if applicable)

4

Submit Application

Prepare and submit a complete application

5

Provide Guidance

Provide guidance on next steps after approval

WHAT WOY REVIEWS

What We Check Before Advising You

Before preparing a work permit application, we review your current status, work permit category, employer documents, eligibility, timing, and any risks that may affect approval.

  • Your current immigration status in Canada, if applicable
  • Your current work permit type and expiry date
  • Whether you need a new work permit, extension, or restoration
  • Whether you qualify for an open work permit
  • Whether the job requires an LMIA or may be LMIA-exempt
  • Your job offer, employment contract, wage, duties, and work location
  • The correct NOC/TEER classification
  • Your employer’s documents and compliance requirements
  • Your education, experience, licences, or qualifications for the role
  • Your travel plans and maintained status considerations
  • Any previous refusals, overstays, or status issues
  • How the work permit may support your PR or provincial nomination pathway


Our goal is to help you choose the correct work permit route before submitting. The right application depends on your status, employer, timing, and eligibility.

FEES & COSTS

Work Permit

Work permit applications include both government fees and professional service fees. Costs vary depending on the type of permit and your individual circumstances.

Visit our Pricing page or book a consultation for a personalized cost breakdown.

View Full Pricing

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE

Your Pre-Consultation Checklist

You do not need to have everything perfect before speaking with us. Bring what you already have, and we will explain what is missing.

1

Prepare Your Identity and Status Documents

Bring your passport, current work permit, study permit, visitor record, visa, entry stamps, previous permits, or any IRCC correspondence.

2

Prepare Your Job Offer and Employer Documents

Bring your job offer letter, employment contract, job duties, wage details, employer contact information, LMIA approval if applicable, or LMIA-exemption details.

3

Prepare Your Work and Education Records

Bring your resume, employment letters, pay records, certificates, transcripts, licences, certifications, or documents showing you are qualified for the position.

4

Prepare Family or PR-Related Documents

If applying through a spouse, partner, PR pathway, or public policy, bring relationship documents, proof of your spouse’s status, PR application details, or nomination documents.

5

Prepare Previous Refusals or Status Issues

Bring refusal letters, restoration documents, expired permit records, application numbers, portal screenshots, GCMS notes if available, or any past immigration concerns.

If you are unsure whether a document is useful, bring it. Work permit applications depend on timing, eligibility, and consistency between your job, documents, and immigration status.

AFTER YOUR CONSULTATION

What Happens Next?

After your consultation, you will understand which work permit route applies, what documents are missing, and what steps should be taken before submission.

We Confirm the Correct Work Permit Route

We review whether you need an employer-specific work permit, open work permit, extension, restoration, LMIA-based application, or LMIA-exempt route.

We Review Timing and Status Risks

We check your expiry date, maintained status position, restoration options, travel plans, and whether any urgent action is needed.

We Identify Document Gaps

We explain what documents are missing, weak, inconsistent, expired, or likely to raise concerns during processing.

We Prepare or Review the Application

If WOY is retained, we help complete the forms, organize employer and worker documents, prepare supporting explanations, and review the application for consistency.

We Support You After Submission

We help monitor the application, respond to IRCC requests where applicable, explain the decision, and guide your next steps for work authorization or future PR planning.

FAQ

Work Permit FAQs

What is the difference between an open and closed work permit?

An employer-specific (closed) work permit allows you to work for one employer only, while an open work permit allows you to work for most employers in Canada.

Do I need an LMIA for a work permit?

Not always. Some work permits require an LMIA, while others are LMIA-exempt depending on the program or your eligibility.

Can my spouse work in Canada?

In many cases, spouses of work permit holders may be eligible for an open work permit.

How long does it take to process a work permit?

Processing times vary based on your location and application type, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Can I apply for permanent residence after a work permit?

Yes. Canadian work experience can improve your eligibility for permanent residence programs such as Express Entry.

Not sure which Work Permit is right for you?

Book a consultation to receive personalized guidance and a clear plan for working in Canada.

Book A Consultation