A Canadian work permit is a document that authorises a foreign national to work in Canada. Most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada require a work permit unless their work falls within an exemption under the IRPR. Work permits are either employer-specific (closed) — authorising work for a named employer in a specific occupation and location — or open — authorising work for any employer in any occupation.

Work permits are issued under two main program streams: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and the International Mobility Program (IMP), which covers LMIA-exempt categories (including intra-company transfers, trade agreement beneficiaries, and international agreement streams).

The authority to work in Canada is governed by s 30 of the IRPA, which provides that a foreign national may not work unless authorised under the Act. IRPR regulations 195 to 205 set out the conditions for issuing work permits, work permit exemptions, and employer obligations. Work without authorisation is a violation of the conditions of stay and grounds for removal.

LMIA-based work permits (TFWP): The employer first obtains a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), demonstrating that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the position. The foreign national then applies for a work permit using the positive LMIA as the basis.

LMIA-exempt work permits (IMP): Certain categories are exempt from the LMIA requirement, including:

• Intra-company transferees (International Agreements — C12)
• Trade agreement beneficiaries (CUSMA/USMCA, CETA, CPTPP)
• Spouses of skilled workers and international students
• Significant benefit to Canada (C10, C11)
• Charitable or religious workers

For LMIA-exempt categories, the employer submits an offer of employment through the IRCC employer portal (Employer Portal compliance) before the work permit application is submitted by the foreign national.

Open work permits: Certain foreign nationals qualify for a work permit not tied to a specific employer — see the Open Work Permit page.

A work permit is a temporary status document — it does not confer permanent residence rights. Work permit holders who wish to remain in Canada permanently must apply through a separate PR pathway (e.g. Express Entry CEC, PNP, or sponsorship).

Work permit holders are required to comply with the conditions of their permit, including working only for the authorised employer (closed permits), in the authorised occupation, and at the authorised location. Violations may result in permit cancellation and removal proceedings.

Implied status provisions under r 186(u) of the IRPR allow a work permit holder who has applied for renewal before their permit expires to continue working under the same conditions while the renewal is pending. Applicants should apply well before expiry to benefit from implied status.

The distinction between closed and open work permits is significant: most TFWP work permits are closed (employer-specific), while many IMP permits and all PGWP/spousal OWP permits are open.