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Work permits in Canada: types, LMIA and what you need to know

By Postulio teamPublished 5 min read

In short

In Canada, most work permits are employer-specific: you can only work for the employer named on the permit. An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer. The employer often needs an LMIA, and in Quebec a CAQ is added. Always check the conditions on IRCC’s pages before taking any step.

What is a work permit in Canada?

A work permit allows someone who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident to work in Canada, under the conditions written on it. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issues two types of permits: the employer-specific work permit, which requires a job offer, and the open work permit, which does not.

According to IRCC’s help centre (opens in a new tab), most work permits are employer-specific. Understanding yours helps you avoid two mistakes: applying for jobs your permit does not allow you to hold, or not daring to apply when your permit is open.

This article is not immigration advice. Rules change often: always check IRCC’s official pages, and the Government of Quebec’s if you work there, before taking any step. For advice on your situation, consult a lawyer or a regulated consultant.

Employer-specific or open work permit: what’s the difference?

Permit typeJob offerWho you can work for
Employer-specific work permitRequiredOnly the employer named on the permit
Open work permit (opens in a new tab)Not requiredAny employer in Canada, except those on the non-compliant list and those that regularly offer certain erotic services

With an employer-specific permit, changing jobs generally requires a new authorization from IRCC, and often steps by your new employer. With an open permit, you can apply freely, within any limits written on your permit, such as a specific province.

So reread the conditions printed on your permit before you apply: employer, validity period and any restrictions. Those are what count, not the program that brought you here.

Who can get an open work permit?

IRCC groups the people who may be eligible for an open permit into four broad categories: students, graduates and youth; spouses and dependent children; vulnerable people; and other applicants. They include the post-graduation work permit, the International Experience Canada permit and certain permits for family members of foreign workers.

Each category has its own conditions, which have often changed in recent years. Read the IRCC page for your specific situation rather than a summary, and note the page’s date modified.

What is an LMIA, and who applies for it?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document a Canadian employer may need to get before hiring a foreign worker. According to IRCC (opens in a new tab), a positive LMIA shows that a foreign worker is needed to do the job; it is sometimes called a "confirmation letter". The employer applies for it, not the candidate.

Some hires are exempt. Outside Quebec, the Francophone Mobility (opens in a new tab) stream lets an employer hire someone who will live and work in a province or territory other than Quebec without an LMIA. According to IRCC (page modified April 20, 2026), the person must show intermediate French speaking and listening skills, at least level 5 of the Canadian Language Benchmarks (NCLC). All jobs are eligible except primary agriculture jobs in TEER categories 4 and 5. Your French then becomes a direct argument with an employer, as our guide to bilingualism as a job asset explains.

How does hiring a temporary worker work in Quebec?

In Quebec, hiring a temporary foreign worker follows a three-step process, according to Québec.ca’s page on the required authorizations (opens in a new tab) (in French), updated July 17, 2026:

  1. The employer applies for an LMIA from the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec at the same time.
  2. The worker submits an application for temporary selection to get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), sent at the same time as the LMIA application.
  3. The worker then gets a work permit from the Government of Canada, if the LMIA is positive and the temporary selection is approved.

Exceptions exist, notably for continuous work of 30 days or less. The same page notes that since April 10, 2026, the federal government has again been refusing to process certain LMIA applications for jobs paid less than $36 an hour in the Montréal and Laval regions. These measures change often: check them before taking any step.

Can you work while studying in Canada?

Yes, under conditions. According to IRCC (opens in a new tab) (page modified April 15, 2026), an international student can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled school breaks. Among other things, your study permit must carry a condition that allows it, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution and you must have a social insurance number.

After your studies, the post-graduation work permit (opens in a new tab) lets you gain Canadian work experience. According to IRCC (page modified March 9, 2026), you need an eligible program of at least 8 months (900 hours for a Quebec credential), most applicants must provide language test results, and you can only get this permit once. It lasts from 8 months to 3 years depending on the program.

How do you show your status on a resume?

State your authorization to work factually, at the top of your resume or in your cover letter: "Open work permit valid until March 2028" or "Permanent resident". Never include a document number. If your permit is tied to another employer, do not hide it: say instead whether the position could be covered by a step on the employer’s side, such as an LMIA exemption.

Our resume guide for newcomers explains how to present your status and credentials. If your education is from abroad, our ECA guide explains the difference between an immigration document and recognition for employment.

How can Postulio help?

Postulio does not handle any immigration process and does not give legal advice. CV Studio reminds you to state your authorization to work in Canada and helps you word it clearly. The Premium plan adds a newcomer path covering credential equivalency, Canadian workplace norms and networking. These tools do not guarantee a job or an interview.

Sources

Updated · By Postulio team

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