If you want to come work in Canada, you first need to obtain a work permit. In Canada, there are 2 options:
- Open work permit, and
- Employer-specific work permit.
In both cases, you need to respect multiple criteria eligibility requirements to obtain the visa and be able to come to Canada.
JuriGo helps you understand how to come work in Canada in 2025 and in 2026!
Who Can Apply For A Work Permit?
If you wish to apply for a permit allowing you to work in Canada, you first need to verify your eligibility with the requirements for all applicants.
After, you will have additional requirements depending on where you apply from:
- When you apply from outside Canada,
- When you apply from inside Canada, or
- When you enter at a port of entry.
Eligibility Requirements For All Applicants
Regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you are applying for, you will be required to demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires. Indeed, this is a temporary visa.
You will also have to show that you have enough money to take care of yourself (and your family) during your stay and to return to your country of origin. To receive your visa, it will be required to:
- Obey the law and have no record or criminal activity,
- Not be a danger to Canada’s security, and
- Be in good health and have a medical exam (if applicable).
Regarding the work permit, you should not plan to work for an employer listed as ineligible on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions. The officer taking care of your application can also ask for any additional documents.
Eligibility Requirements If You Apply From Outside Canada
Anybody can apply before they enter Canada. Nonetheless, it is possible that the nearest visa office has specific requirements that you need to meet. This will depend on the country or territory you are applying from.
Eligibility Requirements If You Apply From Inside Canada
If you are already in Canada and you want to apply for a work permit, you first need to verify your eligibility. Indeed, you need to have:
- A valid study (or work) permit,
- A spouse, common-law partner, or parents with a valid study or work permit,
- A temporary resident permit that is valid for at least 6 months.
- To wait for a decision on an application for permanent residency
- Claim the refugee protection, and
- Been recognized as a Convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
You can also apply directly from within Canada if you are allowed to work without a work permit, but you are required to obtain said permit to work in a different job. It will also be the case if you are a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement.
In other words, visitors are not eligible to apply for a work visa if they are currently inside Canada; they will have to apply from their home country.
Eligibility Requirements If You Apply When You Enter Canada At A Port Of Entry
Generally speaking, you need to apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada, However, some people are eligible to apply directly at a port of entry. To do so, you will have to meet all of the following criteria:
- You are from a visa-exempt country or you are a visa-exempt traveller,
- You are eligible for an electronic travel authorization or to travel without a visitor visa, and
- You meet other requirements depending on the type of work permit you are applying for.
Therefore, you will not be able to apply for a work permit at a point of entry if you need a visitor visa or if you are an International Experience Canada applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
You will also be forbidden to do so if you are applying for a post-graduation work permit or under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
Do you want a work permit? Find an immigration lawyer today with the help of JuriGo!
What Is An Open Work Permit?
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada. Contrary to a closed permit, you are not job-specific. In other words, your employer doesn’t need:
- A labour market impact assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada, and
- A proof that they have submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee.
Because of the liberty associated with this work permit, it is limited to specific situations. Furthermore, even if you hold such a permit, you are forbidden to work for an employer that either:
- Is listed as ineligible, or
- Regularly offers striptease, erotic dance or escort services, or erotic massage.
It is also possible that your open work permit has restrictions. The most common restrictions concern the type of job you can hold and the location you can work. These restrictions are listed on your work permit.
Did You Know? This year, the fees for an open work permit are one hundred Canadian dollars.
Employer-Specific Work Permit – What Should I Know?
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as:
- The name of your employer,
- How long you can work, and
- The location where you can work.
Also, if you wish to obtain such a permit, you need to first have an employer. Then, the employer will also have some obligations. He will need to provide a copy of your employment contract and one of the followings:
- A copy of a labour market impact assessment, or
- An offer of employment number.
To receive the employment number, the worker must first be exempt from the assessment. The employer must also use the Employer Portal.
Want To Work In Canada? Find An Immigration Lawyer With JuriGo?
It might be complicated to identify which permit or visa is the right one for you. Even if you know you want to come work, there are multiple options depending on your own personal situation.
To simplify the process, you will need to find an attorney specialized in immigration law. That way, you will have someone on your side who is able to provide you with all the help needed to navigate the immigration process
Fill out the form below and we will take care of finding the right lawyer for you, entirely free of charge!