Employer-specific or open, LMIA or exempt, and the routes built for graduates, young people and spouses. How the work permit system is organised, and how each permit leads on to permanent residence.
Most people who move to Canada for work start with a temporary work permit, not permanent residence. The permit decides who you can work for, for how long, and whether your family can come with you. Choosing the right one at the start saves months later.
The two kinds of permit
Every Canadian work permit is one of two types. An employer-specific permit names one employer, one job and one location. You can only work in that role, and changing employer means a new permit. An open permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada, but it is only issued in particular situations, such as to recent graduates, some spouses and partners, and people waiting on certain permanent residence applications.
LMIA or LMIA-exempt
Most employer-specific permits run through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The employer first needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, showing that no Canadian or permanent resident was available for the job. Only then can the worker apply for the permit.
The International Mobility Program covers roles that are exempt from the LMIA, usually because they bring a broader benefit to Canada or fall under a trade agreement. Intra-company transferees and professionals covered by free trade agreements are the most common examples.
| Route | Who it suits | Needs a job offer? |
|---|---|---|
| TFWP with LMIA | Workers hired by an employer who has proved a labour shortage | Yes |
| Global Talent Stream | Highly specialised roles, with a 10 business day service standard for the employer's application | Yes |
| International Mobility Program | Intra-company transfers, trade agreement professionals and other LMIA-exempt roles | Usually |
| International Experience Canada | Young people from partner countries, aged 18 to 35 (18 to 30 for some) | Depends on category |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit | Graduates of eligible Canadian programs | No |
Routes built for particular groups
- International Experience Canada gives young people from partner countries a working holiday, young professionals or co-op permit. Age limits and quotas depend on your country.
- The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets eligible graduates of Canadian institutions work for up to three years, depending on the length of their program.
- Spouses and partners of some workers and students can get an open work permit. Eligibility has narrowed in recent years and now depends on the principal's occupation or program.
Documents you will usually need
- A job offer and, where required, the employer's positive LMIA or offer of employment number.
- Proof you meet the job's requirements, such as qualifications, licences and experience letters.
- Proof of funds, a valid passport and biometrics.
- A medical exam or police certificates, depending on the job and where you have lived.
From work permit to permanent residence
A work permit is temporary, but Canadian work experience is one of the strongest assets in the permanent residence system. One year of skilled work in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) within the last three years can qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry. Provincial nominee programs and the Atlantic Immigration Program also reward work with an employer in their region.
That is why we plan the permanent residence route before a client accepts a job, not after. The right permit, in the right occupation and province, can make the second step straightforward.
Want this applied to your own case?
General guidance only. Your circumstances decide what actually applies, and the first conversation is free.