Work Permit
If you are planning to work in Canada, you will need a work permit to do so legally. A work permit is a document that authorizes you to work for a specific employer, in a specific occupation, and for a specific period of time. There are different types of work permits in Canada, depending on your situation and the purpose of your work. In this post, we will explain everything you need to know about applying for a work permit in Canada, including the eligibility requirements, the application process, the fees, and the work permit processing time.
Who Needs a Work Permit in Canada?
Generally speaking, if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you want to work in Canada for any length of time, you will need a work permit. However, there are some exceptions for certain categories of workers who can work in Canada without a work permit, such as:
- Business visitors who are engaged in international business activities but are not part of the Canadian labour market
- Professionals who are covered by free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, CETA, or CPTPP
- Intra-company transferees who are transferred to Canada by their foreign employer
- Spouses or common-law partners of certain foreign workers or international students
- International students who are enrolled in a designated learning institution and want to work on or off campus
- Caregivers who provide care for children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities in private homes
- Refugees or refugee claimants who have been granted permission to work by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Some foreign nationals who are authorized to work without a work permit under a public policy or humanitarian reason
If you are not sure whether you need a work permit or not, you can check the IRCC website or consult an immigration expert.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada?
The first step to apply for a work permit in Canada is to find out which type of work permit you are eligible for. There are two main types of work permits in Canada: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
An employer-specific work permit lets you work for a specific employer, in a specific occupation, and for
a specific period of time. The conditions of your work permit, such as the name of the employer, the location of work, and the duration of work, will be stated on your work permit document. You cannot change your employer or occupation without applying for a new work permit.
To apply for an employer-specific work permit, you will need:
- A job offer or an employment contract from a Canadian employer
- A positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless your job is exempt from this requirement
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of meeting the requirements of the job, such as education, training, or experience
- Proof of having enough money to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada
- Proof of being admissible to Canada, such as medical exams, criminal checks, or biometrics
You can apply for an employer-specific work permit online or on paper. The online application is faster and more convenient. You will need to create an account on the IRCC website and fill out an online form with your personal information and details of your job offer. You will also need to upload electronic copies of your documents and pay the application fees online.
The application fees for an employer-specific work permit include:
- The work permit fee: $155 CAD per person
- The biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person (if applicable)
- The open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD per person (if applicable)
The work permit processing time for an employer-specific work permit varies depending on your country of origin, the type of job you have been offered, and the completeness of your application. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.
Open Work Permits
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who are ineligible due to public health or safety reasons. You can also change your employer or occupation at any time without applying for a new work permit.
To apply for an open work permit, you will need:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof of meeting the eligibility criteria for an open work permit category, such as being a spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student, being a refugee claimant, or being a participant in International Experience Canada
- Proof of having enough money to support yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada
- Proof of being admissible to Canada, such as medical exams, criminal checks, or biometrics
You can apply for an open work permit online or on paper. The online application is faster and more convenient. You will need to create an account on the IRCC website and fill out an online form with your personal information and details of your open work permit category. You will also need to upload electronic copies of your documents and pay the application fees online.
The application fees for an open work permit include:
- The work permit fee: $155 CAD per person
- The biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person (if applicable)
- The open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD per person
The work permit processing time for an open work permit varies depending on your country of origin, the type of open work permit category you are applying for, and the completeness of your application. You can check the current processing times on the IRCC website.
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FAQs
A work permit application Canada lets you work legally in Canada. You need to choose the right type of work permit, submit an online or paper application, pay the fees, and provide documents and biometrics (if needed). The processing time varies by case.
An open work permit application lets you work for any employer in Canada. You can change your job anytime. You can only get one in specific situations, such as being a spouse of a skilled worker or a refugee claimant.
There are two types of work permit in Canada: employer-specific and open. An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer, one job, and one location. An open work permit gives you more flexibility. The type you need depends on your situation and your work purpose. You can check the IRCC website or ask an immigration expert.
The steps for applying for work permit in Canada are:
- Find out your work permit type
- Get a job offer or an LMIA (if needed)
- Fill out an online form and upload your documents
- Pay the fees and give biometrics (if needed)
- Wait for the decision and receive your work permit