How to Get a Canadian Work Permit: Ultimate Guide

When compared to other countries, Canada offers some of the best treatments and benefits for immigrants, making it a worthy destination for all sorts of travel. That’s why, when it comes to work-based immigration, the Canadian work permit is among the most coveted by people from around the world.

Of course, numerous benefits make a sound case for immigration to Canada. For example, according to the Canadian Medical Association, “70% of health care spending in Canada is covered by the government,” which is highly appealing to immigrants everywhere. We’ve covered Canada immigration in various articles you can find in our blog.

However, for this article, we’ll focus on telling you all about Canadian work permits. From how to obtain them to eligibility and requirements, processing times, and much more. If you’re about to start your immigration journey, or you’re inside Canada already, and want to start working as soon as possible, this article has everything you need. Let’s get right into it!

What Is a Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific period. It is typically required if you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and wish to engage in employment in the country.

Work permits are often job-specific, meaning they are tied to a particular employer, role, and location. However, there are also more flexible options, like the open work permit, which allows individuals to work for almost any employer across the country. Work permits play a key role in Canada's immigration system by supporting labor market needs. It also facilitates the contribution of skilled and unskilled workers to the Canadian economy.

Benefits of Canadian Work Permits

Holding a Canadian work permit offers a variety of advantages, both personal and professional. Some of the key benefits include:

• The legal right to work in Canada

• Opportunities to gain Canadian work experience

• Pathways to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs

• The ability to bring eligible family members to Canada

• Access to social services in some cases, such as healthcare coverage (depending on the province)

• Increased employment options and income opportunities

• Potential eligibility for an open work permit for spouses or common-law partners

• Better integration into Canadian society and career development

Before we discuss eligibility, we’ll tell you about the different types of work permits available to immigrants in Canada.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

Canada offers several types of work permits to accommodate different employment scenarios, immigration goals, and applicant profiles. Understanding the distinctions between these types is essential, as each comes with its own eligibility criteria, restrictions, and application process. Choosing the right type of work permit not only ensures legal compliance but also helps individuals maximize their opportunities while working in Canada.

Canadian Open Work Permit

A Canadian open work permit is one of the most flexible work authorization options available. The holder of this permit can work for almost any employer in Canada. Of course, there are a few exceptions. For example, you can’t work for adult entertainment companies or companies that don’t comply with labor standards.

The Canadian open work permit application is often available to specific groups of applicants:

• The spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students

• Refugee claimants

• Certain temporary residents

This type of permit is especially helpful for those who want the freedom to explore various job opportunities across different industries or locations in Canada. Canadian open work permits are also a strong stepping stone toward permanent residency. This is because they allow individuals to gain work experience in the country, which is a valuable factor in many immigration pathways.

Canadian Employer-Specific Work Permit

A Canadian employer-specific work permit, also known as a closed work permit, allows a foreign national to work for one specific employer, in one particular role, and usually at one location. These permits are generally issued based on a job offer supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless the position is exempt from that requirement.

This type of work permit includes specific conditions, such as:

• The name of the employer you can work for

• The duration of your work permit

• The location where you can work (in some cases)

This permit is common for foreign workers entering Canada through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP). While it’s more restrictive than an open work permit, it is often a direct pathway into Canadian employment for skilled and semi-skilled workers.

International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permits

International Experience Canada (IEC) is a government program that allows international youth, typically aged 18 to 35, to live, travel, and work in Canada for up to two years. It also provides Canadian youth with similar opportunities abroad through reciprocal agreements with partner countries. IEC is designed to promote cultural exchange, personal development, and global work experience.

Although it isn’t actually a work permit itself, it provides access to either open or employer-specific work permits according to your situation.

IEC Categories

There are three main categories under IEC, each tailored to different goals and employment arrangements:

Working Holiday:

This category is ideal if you want the flexibility to travel across Canada and work temporarily to support your stay.

• No job offer is required before applying

• You can work for multiple employers in multiple locations

• A Canadian open work permit is issued

• A medical exam may be required for certain jobs (e.g., healthcare, childcare)

Young Professionals:

This is for applicants with a job offer that contributes to their professional development.

• The job must be paid and not self-employed

• You must work for the same employer at the same location

• A Canadian employer-specific work permit is issued

• The position must fall under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of Canada’s NOC system (TEER 4 may be allowed if directly related to your studies)

• You’ll need to provide a translated diploma, certificate, or degree in English or French

International Co-op (Internship):

Designed for students enrolled in post-secondary programs who need a work placement to complete their studies.

• You must be a registered student

• You need a job offer for a placement or internship directly tied to your field of study

• You must work for the same employer at the same location

• An employer-specific work permit is issued

• Wages and work standards must comply with provincial labour laws (some internships may be unpaid, depending on those laws)

You can apply for the IEC directly through the IRCC website.

Eligibility and Canadian Work Permit Requirements

Before applying for a work permit, it's crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by IRCC. While the requirements may vary depending on the type of permit and applicant background, general expectations include having a valid job offer (in most cases), proving your intention to leave Canada once your permit expires, and showing that you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay.

The Canadian work permit requirements can differ depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada, the type of job you’re pursuing, and your country of origin. Because of these variations, it’s strongly recommended to consult the official Canadian government website or seek advice from a licensed immigration consultant or attorney before applying.

Documents Required for Canada Work Permits

To submit a complete application, you’ll need to prepare and submit several important documents. These may include:

• A valid passport

• A written job offer or employment contract

• A copy of the Canadian work permit form, completed and signed

• A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable

• Medical exam results, if required for your job or stay duration

But that’s not all. You’ll also need translations of key documents not originally in English or French. These are the documents we receive most translation requests from:

Academic Document Translations

As part of the application process, you may be required to submit proof of your academic and professional qualifications. This typically includes degrees, diplomas, transcripts, training certificates, or licenses relevant to the job you’ve been offered in Canada. If these documents are issued in a language other than English or French, they must be translated by a certified professional before submission. Accurate academic document translations help ensure that IRCC can properly assess your eligibility and qualifications in support of your Canadian work permit application. Incomplete or unofficial translations may lead to delays or even a refusal.

Proof of Funds and Bank Statement Translation

Applicants are typically required to prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves while in Canada. This can include presenting financial statements from the past several months. If your financial information is in a language other than English or French, you will need to translate bank statements, balance sheets, and more relevant documents into one of Canada’s official languages before submitting your application. Make sure translations are certified, accurate translations, as IRCC does not accept incomplete or informal translations.

Police Clearance Certificate Translation

As part of the application process, many applicants must submit a police clearance certificate to demonstrate they have no criminal record. If this certificate is issued in a language other than English or French, police clearance translation is required. The translation should be done by a certified translator and must include a copy of the original document along with the translated version.

Birth Certificate Translation (if applicable)

If you are bringing children with you to Canada, their birth certificates may be required to prove your relationship. In such cases, birth certificates issued in other languages must be translated into English or French before submission. This requirement applies only when traveling with accompanying family members and is typically relevant for enrolling children in schools or applying for dependent visas.

Marriage Certificate Translation (if applicable)

Likewise, if you are traveling with your spouse or common-law partner, a marriage certificate may be necessary to prove your relationship. If the original certificate is not in English or French, it must be professionally translated.

Canadian Work Permit Application Process

Whether you’re applying from outside Canada or already residing in the country under a different status, it’s important to follow the proper procedure for a Canadian work permit application.

If you're wondering how to get a Canadian work permit, the first step is usually securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In many cases, this offer must be supported by a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), though some positions and programs are LMIA-exempt. After that, you’ll need to gather all supporting documents, complete the application forms, and submit your application either online or through a visa office.

Knowing how to apply for a Canadian work permit correctly means understanding which category you fall under—such as open or employer-specific work permits—and tailoring your application accordingly. Online applications are common and allow for faster communication and document submission, while paper applications may still be used in some circumstances.

After submitting your application, IRCC will review your documents, assess your eligibility, and may request biometrics or additional information. If approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction or an actual work permit, depending on your location and method of application.

Canadian Work Permit Processing Time

One of the most frequently asked questions is: How long does it take to get Canadian work permits? Once your application has been submitted, the waiting game begins. Processing times can vary widely depending on the type of permit, the country from which you’re applying, and the completeness of your application. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Online applications tend to be processed faster than paper ones, and applications submitted from within Canada may also move more quickly.

IRCC provides an online tool to help you check the current estimated processing times based on your specific circumstances. To avoid unnecessary delays, it’s essential to ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and includes all required translations and supporting documents.

Canadian Work Permit Extension

Canadian work permits are typically issued for a limited duration, depending on the nature of the job, employer, and individual circumstances. If you plan to stay in Canada beyond your initial permit’s expiry date, you may be eligible to apply for a Canadian work permit extension. Applying for an extension allows you to continue working legally in Canada while your new permit is being processed, provided you apply before your current permit expires.

To request a Canadian work permit extension, you must submit a new application to IRCC, ideally at least 30 days before your current permit expires. The application must include updated documents, such as a valid passport, a new or extended job offer (if applicable), proof of continued financial support, and any changes to your employment status. You’ll also need to fill out the appropriate forms and pay the extension processing fee.

It’s important to note that you must remain in Canada while your extension is being processed. During this time, you may continue working under what is known as "maintained status" (formerly called implied status), as long as you applied before the expiration of your previous permit and remain under the same conditions.

IRCC may also request updated translations of previously submitted documents if any of the information has changed or needs clarification, so make sure all translations are current, clear, and certified.

Canadian Work Permit Extension Processing Time

The Canadian work permit extension processing time depends on several factors, such as the volume of applications, your current location in Canada, and the method you used to submit your request. On average, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

To track your application, you can use your IRCC online account, where you’ll receive status updates and messages from immigration officers. Submitting a complete application with all required documents and accurate translations can help prevent delays. For the most up-to-date processing estimates, always refer to the official IRCC processing time tool, as wait times can change depending on government workloads and seasonal trends.

The Last Step: Don’t Overlook Your Translations

Applying for a Canadian work permit is a big step, and getting all the details right matters. From your job offer and passport to bank statements, diplomas, and police certificates, your paperwork paints the full picture of who you are and why you’re a great fit for Canada. But if any of those documents are in a language other than English or French, they’ll need to be translated accurately and professionally. It's a small detail that makes a big difference: incorrect or incomplete translations can cause delays or even rejections.

That’s where MotaWord can help. With certified, human-quality translation services and experience handling everything from bank statements to academic documents, MotaWord ensures your application meets IRCC requirements the first time around. Whether you're applying on your own or helping a family member get ready, it’s worth having a reliable partner on the language side of things. Good luck on your journey to Canada — and if you ever need a fast, reliable translation, you know where to find us.

Canadian Work Permits FAQs

This section covers the Canadian work permit FAQs. Whether you're still planning your move or already working in Canada, these answers can help clarify important details about costs, documentation, and job flexibility.

How Much Is a Canadian Work Permit?

The cost of obtaining a Canadian work permit depends on your situation and the type of application you're submitting. Below is a breakdown of the most common fees as of the latest available information:

• Work permit (including extensions) – per person: CAD $155.00

• Work permit for a group of 3 or more performing artists: CAD $465.00 (maximum fee for the group if applying at the same time and place)

• Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100.00 (in addition to the standard work permit fee)

• International Experience Canada (IEC) participants: CAD $179.75

• Restore your status as a worker: CAD $394.75 (includes CAD $239.75 to restore your status and CAD $155 for a new work permit)

These fees must be paid at the time of application and are non-refundable, even if your application is not approved. Additional costs, such as biometrics, document translation, and medical exams, may also apply depending on your case.

Where Is the Canadian Work Permit Document Number?

The Canadian work permit document number is a unique identifier located on your actual work permit. It typically starts with a letter (often “U”) followed by several numbers (e.g., U123456789). You’ll find it at the top right or top center of your work permit document, depending on the format. This number is essential when tracking your application, communicating with IRCC, or applying for an extension. Make sure to keep a secure copy of your work permit, as this number serves as a key reference throughout your stay in Canada.

Can I Switch Jobs on a Canadian Work Permit?

It depends on the type of work permit you hold. If you have an open work permit, you can usually change employers, job roles, and locations without needing to apply for a new permit. That said, you must still follow IRCC guidelines and report any significant changes, especially if your work involves sectors requiring a medical exam (like healthcare or childcare).

If you hold an employer-specific work permit, switching jobs is more restrictive. These permits tie you to a particular employer, job title, and location. To change any of these, you must apply for a new work permit. Working for another employer without proper authorization may lead to loss of status or even removal from Canada.

Still, there are a few important exceptions to know:

• If you’re a victim of abuse or at risk of abuse in your workplace you may qualify for an open work permit for vulnerable workers. It allows you to leave your current employer safely.

• IEC Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship) participants hold employer-specific work permits and generally cannot switch employers or locations without reapplying.

When in doubt, consult IRCC or a certified immigration consultant before making any employment changes.