Work Permit
Find out how to apply for a Work Permit and the needed supporting documents
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Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics:
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In most cases, you will need to apply for a Work Permit if you are planning to come to Canada for Work. This article will let you know the specifics of Work Permits, how to apply, the necessary supporting documents and the processing times.
Eligibility
There are some general eligibility requirements applicable to all Work Permit applicants. They need to:
- prove to an officer that they will leave Canada when their work permit expires,
- show that they have enough money to take care of themselves and their family members during their stay in Canada and to return home,
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity,
- not be a danger to Canada’s security,
- be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed,
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions,
- not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages, and
- give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
Types of Work Permits
There are two types of Work Permits: an Open Work Permit and an Employer-Specific Work Permit. You can check for which one you can be eligible to here.
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:
You can only get an Open Work Permit in specific situations, such as if you are a dependent family members of permanent residents, a participant in the Working Holiday of International Experience Canada, a refugee or refugee claimant, applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit, etc. You can find if you are eligible by answering a few questions here.
- who is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or
- who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
You can only get an Open Work Permit in specific situations, such as if you are a dependent family members of permanent residents, a participant in the Working Holiday of International Experience Canada, a refugee or refugee claimant, applying for the Bridging Open Work Permit, etc. You can find if you are eligible by answering a few questions here.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An Employer-Specific Work Permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your Work Permit, which include:
- the name of the employer,
- the period of employment, and
- the location where you can work (if applicable).
How to Apply
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You have two options to apply for a Work Permit from outside Canada, either (i) online, or (ii) on paper:
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Honestly, applying in paper is way easier and reassuring than online for the following reasons:
- Visa Application Centers can answer questions in local languages and make sure that applications are complete.
- Visa Application Centers can provide application photographs and photocopies for a fee, thus making sure your photographs are acceptable.
- You can pay in cash in Visa Application Centers.
- If applying online and need a Temporary Resident Visa, you will still need to bring your passport to the Visa Application Center (for them to send it to the Canadian Consulate) and pay a fee almost the same as when applying directly with them. You will just be able to save a few bucks (less than $5), it is not worth it.
Biometrics
Depending on the country of nationality on your passport, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints scanning and photograph) to a Visa Application Center, for a fee of $85. You can check here if you need to provide them.
Medical Examination
You might need to pass a Medical Exam with an IRCC approved doctor. Find out more in our medical exams article.
Forms and Supporting Documents
In regards to forms to fill and supporting documents to provide, we invite you to check our dedicated guide on the matter.
Police Certificates
You might be required to provide a police certificate for the countries you have lived in. You need to wait to be asked to provide the police certificate(s). Check here on how to get the right police certificate by country.
Processing Times
Processing times for a Work Permit depend on the country from where you are applying.
You can find out your country's processing times here. You need to select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Work Permit", then choose the country you are applying from.
You can find out your country's processing times here. You need to select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Work Permit", then choose the country you are applying from.
