October 9, 2025
Understanding the Different Types of Work Permits Available in Canada
Canada is one of the most popular destinations for skilled immigrants, entrepreneurs, and temporary workers who want to gain international work experience. Owing to its strong economy, high standard of living, and pro-immigration policies, Canada attracts thousands of foreign workers every year. To be able to work in Canada legally, though, one must have a valid work permit.
For those who want to work in Canada, an understanding of the different types of work permits is beneficial. Regardless of whether you are working temporarily, transferring through a multinational company, or working while awaiting permanent residency, an understanding of which permit relates to your situation can ease the process. In case you need help, consulting a Canada work permit agent in Toronto or the best immigration consultants in Toronto can guide you through the application process without any hassle.
Employer-Specific Work Permits
An employer-specific work permit, or a closed work permit, is granted to allow a foreign national to work for a specific employer in Canada under certain conditions. These conditions would typically stipulate the employer’s name, duration of employment, and location of employment.
Key Requirements:
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- Valid employment offers from a Canadian employer.
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- The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
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- The worker must comply with the conditions set in the work permit.
Who is Eligible?
This permit is appropriate for individuals who have secured employment with a Canadian employer willing to go through the LMIA process. However, there are exceptions for particular occupations and circumstances when the LMIA is not required.
Open Work Permits
An open work permit allows foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada, except for those on the ineligible list for non-compliance. An open work permit is more versatile because it is not employer specific.
Common Types of Open Work Permits:
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- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) – This is available for spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers, international students, or applicants of certain permanent residence programs.
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- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – For foreign students having graduated from a designated program in a reputable Canadian institution.
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- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – For those in transition from temporary to permanent resident.
Benefits of an Open Work Permit:
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- No LMIA needed.
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- Workers can freely change employers.
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- Improved opportunities for career advancement.
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- International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permits: The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA. The program is designed to respond to Canada’s broader economic, social, and cultural interests.
Standard IMP Work Permit Types:
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- Intra-Company Transfers – Multinational employees are permitted to be transferred to a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.
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- Significant Benefit Work Permits – Issued to the employment of individuals whose work in Canada will benefit Canada greatly in a social, cultural, or economic manner.
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- Reciprocal Employment Work Permits – Includes programs such as the International Experience Canada (IEC), enabling youth professionals and working holiday applicants to work in Canada.
Agricultural and Seasonal Worker Permits
Canada operates different programs through which foreign workers employed on temporary work arrangements in the seasonal agriculture and agriculture-labor sectors work.
Principal Programs:
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- SAWP – For the Mexican and certain Caribbean nation laborers who move for planting and harvest periods.
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- TFWP – Includes agricultural jobs that consist of low-wage as well as high-wage work jobs that need foreign work in the supplemental arrangement.
Caregiver Work Permit
Canada has special work permits for foreign caregivers who provide home care services to children, seniors, or the medically indigent. Work permits for these caregivers often lead to permanent residency as a step.
Types of Caregiver Work Permits:
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- Home Child Care Provider Pilot
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- Home Support Worker Pilot
Under these programs, caregivers may apply for an open work permit if they are qualified.
Work Permits under Free Trade Agreements
Canada has signed a number of international trade agreements that make it easier for work permits to be approved by citizens of selected countries.
- Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Work Permits – Authorizes American and Mexican experts to work in Canada under specified categories of employment.
- Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) – Grants work permit exemptions for specific EU professionals.
How to Obtain a Work Permit in Canada?
Getting a work permit is a multi-step process, and the requirements differ based on the type of permit. General Steps:
- Establish eligibility based on the type of permit required.
- Gather documents required, including a job offer letter, LMIA (if required), and proof of qualifications.
- Submit an online or paper application with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Provide biometrics and appear for an interview if required.
- Wait for processing and obtain the permit when approved.