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Work in Canada

Everything you need to understand Canadian work permits, employer requirements, and your path from worker to permanent resident.

Last verified: March 2026 · Source: IRCC, IRPA, IRPR

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How do I get a work permit in Canada?

Canadian work permits are governed by IRPA s.199–s.209 and 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 (IRPA 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.

NOC Finder

Find your occupation code

Document Checklist

Know what to gather

Fee Calculator

Estimate application costs

Processing Times

Current IRCC estimates

Canada Work Permit Guides

Detailed walkthroughs based on IRCC policy and IRPA/IRPR regulations.

Work Permits Guide

Employer-specific vs open work permits, IRPA s.199–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. Fastest pathway — typically 6 months.

Federal Skilled Worker

Points-based; no Canadian experience required. Need CLB 7+, skilled work experience, and education credentials.

Provincial Nominee

Provinces nominate workers already in their labour market. Adds 600 CRS points — nearly guarantees an ITA.

Personalized Report · $149.99 CAD

Your Work Permit & PR Strategy

Get a custom Immigration Pathway Report: your NOC analysis, LMIA-exempt categories you qualify for, CRS score projection, and a step-by-step roadmap from work permit to permanent residence.

✓Program matching across Canadian pathways
✓CRS score optimization strategies
✓Full government fee breakdown
✓Processing time projections

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Frequently Asked Questions — Working in Canada

Do I need an LMIA to work in Canada?

Not always. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for most employer-specific work permits, but many categories are LMIA-exempt under IRPA s.204–s.205. LMIA-exempt categories include intra-company transfers, CUSMA/USMCA workers, International Experience Canada (IEC), and spouses of skilled workers or international students. If your employer cannot find a qualified Canadian, they apply for an LMIA through ESDC before you apply for your work permit.

Can I switch from a work permit to permanent residence?

Yes. Canada has multiple pathways from temporary work to permanent residence. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry is the most direct — you need at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the past 3 years. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also target workers in specific occupations, with many provinces having streams specifically for workers already employed in the province.

What is a NOC code and why does it matter?

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is Canada's system for categorizing jobs. Your NOC code and TEER category determines which immigration programs you qualify for. TEER 0–3 occupations are eligible for Express Entry and most economic immigration programs. Higher TEER categories have more pathways available. Use the free NOC Finder tool to identify your code based on your job duties.

How long does a Canadian work permit take to process?

Processing times vary by work permit type. An online application from outside Canada typically takes 2–9 weeks. Port of entry applications can be processed same-day for eligible CUSMA professionals. LMIA-based permits require ESDC processing first (typically 4–13 weeks for the LMIA itself). Check our Processing Times tool for current official IRCC estimates by permit category.

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Admissibility Screener

Free tool — check if you can enter or stay in Canada

Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.