Work permit
Statutory definition
(1) A foreign national may not enter Canada to work without first obtaining a work permit.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a foreign national who is authorized under section 186 to work in Canada without a work permit.
Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, SOR/2002-227, s 8
Explanation
A work permit is issued by an officer under IRPR s 200 and authorises a foreign national to work in Canada. Work permits are either employer-specific (closed) — specifying the employer, position, and location — or open, permitting the holder to work for any employer in Canada.
Most closed work permits require the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) demonstrating that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident was available to fill the role. LMIA-exempt work permits are available under international agreements (such as CUSMA/USMCA), intra-company transfers, and certain post-graduation and spousal streams.
How this term is used
A work permit is typically issued for a specific period and must be renewed before expiry. Foreign nationals who apply to extend their work permit before it expires may continue working under the conditions of their previous permit while the application is in process (implied status). A work permit holder who changes employers or job duties may need a new permit if the original permit is employer-specific. Section 186 of the IRPR lists categories of persons who may work without a permit, including certain business visitors and qualifying off-campus students.