Understanding Canada Work Permits | Immigration Services

Working in Canada as a foreign national requires a valid work permit, unless you are exempt from this requirement. As of early 2026, the Canadian government has implemented significant policy shifts aimed at prioritizing high-skilled workers and important sectors like healthcare, trades, and STEM.

For those navigating these complex regulations, Group NB’s Immigration Services offers professional advice to simplify your application and enhance your chances of success.

Primary Types of Canadian Work Permits

Canada categorizes work permits into two main streams. The right choice depends on your current status and whether you already have a job offer.

1. Open Work Permits

An Open Work Permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada. You do not need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a specific job offer to apply. Common categories include:

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): For students who graduated from a Designated Learning Institution.
International Experience Canada (IEC): Often referred to as “Working Holidays.”
Spousal Open Work Permits: For spouses of certain skilled workers or international students.

2. Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permits

A Closed Work Permit authorizes you to work according to the specific conditions on your permit, which usually include:

The name of the specific employer you can work for.
The duration of the work.
The location of the job.

In most cases, your employer must obtain a neutral or positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada to prove that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

General Eligibility Requirements

Regardless of the permit type, all applicants must satisfy Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they:

Intent to Leave: Will leave Canada when the work permit expires.
Financial Proof: Have enough money to take care of themselves and family members during their stay and to return home.
Admissibility: Have no record of criminal activity and are not a danger to Canada’s security.
Health: Are in good health (a medical exam may be required).
Eligible Employers: Will not work for an employer listed as “ineligible” on the government’s non-compliance list.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The application process is primarily handled through the canada.ca online portal.

1. Determine Eligibility: Use the online tool to see which permit you qualify for.

2. Gather Documents: This typically includes a valid passport, proof of job offer (for closed permits), and proof of financial support.

3. Pay Fees: Standard fees include the processing fee ($155 CAD) and the Open Work Permit holder fee ($100 CAD), if applicable.

4. Submit Biometrics: Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a photo at an official collection point.

5. Wait for Processing: Processing times vary significantly by the applicant’s country of residence.

Important Policy Updates for 2025-2026

Recent changes have been implemented to manage the volume of temporary residents:

Flagpoling Restrictions: Applicants can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (border crossing); applications must be submitted online.
Spousal Permit Changes: Eligibility for spousal open work permits is now increasingly tied to the skill level (TEER) of the primary worker’s occupation.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details on your specific situation, always consult the Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship service page.

FAQ: Canada Work Permits

No. As of the latest 2025-2026 policy updates, “flagpoling” (applying at a port of entry) for a PGWP is no longer permitted. All PGWP applications must now be submitted online through the Canada.ca portal.

It depends on the type of permit you apply for. An Open Work Permit (like a PGWP or Working Holiday) does not require a job offer. However, an Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit requires a formal offer and, usually, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Open Work Permit: Offers flexibility to work for almost any employer in Canada.
Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit: Ties you to one specific employer, location, and duration. For example, if you are hired as a pool contractor by a specific firm in Ontario, your permit would only allow you to work for that specific company in that specific role.

The standard processing fee is $155 CAD. If you are applying for an Open Work Permit, there is an additional holder fee of $100 CAD. Please note that biometrics fees may also apply.

Eligibility for spousal permits has become more restrictive in 2026. It is now largely determined by the TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) level of your occupation. Generally, spouses of high-skilled workers or specific student categories remain eligible.

To be allowed into Canada, you must:
Have no criminal record.
Not be a security risk.
Be in good health (often requiring a medical exam).
Prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself and will leave Canada once your permit expires.

A work permit is a status document, not a travel document. To re-enter Canada, you must also hold a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your citizenship.

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