Work in Canada
Everything you need to understand Canadian work permits, employer requirements, and your path from worker to permanent resident.
Last verified: June 2026 · Source: IRCC, IRPA, IRPR
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How do I get a work permit in Canada?
Authorization to work in Canada flows from IRPA s.30, with the detailed work permit rules set out in IRPR s.195–s.209. There are two main types: employer-specific (tied to one employer and job) and open work permits (work for any employer). The process depends on which type you need.
LMIA-Required Work Permit
- Employer advertises the job and applies for LMIA from ESDC
- ESDC reviews and issues a positive LMIA (4–13 weeks)
- You receive the LMIA number from your employer
- You apply for a work permit online at IRCC with the LMIA
- IRCC processes your application (2–9 weeks)
- You enter Canada and begin work
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (IRPR s.204–s.205)
- Confirm your category (CUSMA, ICT, IEC, spousal, etc.)
- Employer submits an Offer of Employment via Employer Portal
- You receive the Offer of Employment number (A-number)
- You apply for a work permit online with the A-number
- IRCC processes your application (2–9 weeks)
- You enter Canada and begin work
LMIA vs LMIA-Exempt: Quick Comparison
| Factor | LMIA Required | LMIA-Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| Employer burden | High (job ads, fees) | Lower (portal submission) |
| Processing time | 4–13 wks (LMIA) + 2–9 wks (WP) | 2–9 weeks |
| ESDC fee | $1,000 CAD per position | None (Employer Portal: $230) |
| Examples | Most skilled jobs | CUSMA, ICT, IEC, spousal OWP |
Free Work Permit Tools
No account required. All tools use official IRCC data.
Canada Work Permit Guides
Detailed walkthroughs based on IRCC policy and IRPA/IRPR regulations.
Work Permits Guide
Employer-specific vs open work permits, IRPR s.195–s.209
LMIA Canada
How employers get ESDC approval to hire foreign workers
Open Work Permits
Who qualifies for employer-free authorization
Engineers in Canada
NOC codes, licensing, and provincial pathways
Nurses in Canada
NCLEX-RN, NNAS, and priority immigration streams
Can I get permanent residence through work?
Yes. Canada's immigration system is designed to convert temporary workers into permanent residents. The primary economic pathways are managed through Express Entry, which includes the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) specifically for people with Canadian work experience.
Canadian Experience Class
1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (TEER 0–3) in the past 3 years. Often the most direct Express Entry pathway for those with Canadian experience.
Federal Skilled Worker
Points-based; no Canadian experience required. Generally need CLB 7+, skilled work experience, and education credentials.
Provincial Nominee
Provinces nominate workers already in their labour market. A nomination adds 600 CRS points, which generally leads to an invitation to apply.
Immigration Overview · $79.99 CAD
Your Work Permit & PR Overview
Get an Immigration Overview: NOC exploration, LMIA-exempt categories that may apply, CRS score projection, and a timeline reference from work permit to permanent residence.
- ✓Program matching across Canadian pathways
- ✓CRS score breakdown and point values
- ✓Full government fee breakdown
- ✓Processing time projections