Anyone who is not a PR or isn’t a citizen of Canada and wants to work in Canada must first apply for a work permit. A Canadian work permit is an official document which is issued by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) that allows the approved person to work in Canada for a specified period of time.
There are basically 2 types of work permits, which you can apply for, depending upon your situation:
NOTE: No matter which work permit you apply for, you must always work under an employer who is not on the ineligible employers list.
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1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
As the name suggests, the Employer-Specific Work Permit (ESWP), also known as a closed work permit, allows an individual to get employment in Canada but only work for a particular employer. There will be conditions listed on your ESWP and you will be required to work according to those conditions only.
On the work permit, you can see the employer’s name, the location where you will be working, and how long you will work for that employer.
You may apply for an employer-specific work permit after you receive an employment contract from your employer. Along with the contract, you also need to have either the employment contract number (for LMIA-exempt employees) or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Your employer can get an employment contract number if they used the Employer Portal to hire you. If not, you can use the employment contract for the same.
2. Open Work Permit
An open work permit is more advantageous compared to a closed one since it allows you to work for any employer in Canada. Before choosing an employer, make sure they
- don’t offer inappropriate services, such as strip-tease, erotic dances/massages/services
- aren’t listed on the ineligible employer list of the IRCC
There are a few jobs that may need you to first get a medical exam. In case you want to be pre-eligible for such jobs, get a medical exam and medical conditions will not be mentioned on your work permit.
Spouse Open Work Permit
A Spouse Open Work Permit lets the spouse or common-law partner work in Canada if any of the following conditions apply to them:
- Their spouse or partner has a valid Canadian work permit/study permit
- Their spouse/partner applied for permanent residence through any Canadian immigration program/Atlantic Immigration Program
- They are being sponsored by their spouse or partner
Canada Work Permit Fee
| Work Permit Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Employer-Specific Work Permit | CAN$155 |
| Open Work Permit | CAN$100 |
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