Work in Canada
Whether you have a job offer or qualify for an open work permit — Asteco guides you through every work authorization pathway available in Canada.
About Work Permits in Canada
A work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work legally in Canada. There are two main types — employer-specific work permits (tied to a specific employer, job, and location) and open work permits (which allow you to work for almost any employer in Canada). The type of work permit you need depends on your situation, your employer, and whether the job requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Two Types of Work Permits
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Tied to a specific employer, occupation, and location. Your employer must typically obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you can apply — unless the job is LMIA-exempt through the International Mobility Program.
Open Work Permit
Allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada without being tied to a specific job or company. Available in specific circumstances such as post-graduation, spousal sponsorship, bridging for PR applicants, or International Experience Canada.
LMIA vs LMIA-Exempt — What is the Difference?
The pathway to an employer-specific work permit depends on whether the job requires an LMIA or qualifies for an exemption through the International Mobility Program.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Requires LMIA — managed by ESDC
Administered by
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Process
Employer applies for LMIA → receives positive decision → provides documents to worker → worker applies for work permit
International Mobility Program
LMIA-exempt — managed by IRCC
Administered by
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Process
Determine exemption code → employer submits offer of employment online → worker applies for work permit
Who Does Not Need a Work Permit?
Some foreign nationals can perform certain work in Canada without a work permit:
Working without authorization in Canada can have serious immigration consequences including inadmissibility findings. Always confirm your work authorization status with our RCIC before beginning any work in Canada.
Where to Apply
Outside Canada
Most work permit applicants apply from outside Canada through the IRCC online portal. If approved, you receive a Port of Entry letter and your work permit is issued when you arrive in Canada.
Inside Canada
You may be able to apply for or extend a work permit from within Canada if you already have valid temporary status or meet specific eligibility criteria.
Port of Entry
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States, residents of Greenland, and residents of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon may apply at a Canadian port of entry in certain circumstances.
Government Processing Fees
Government fees are set by IRCC and ESDC and are subject to change without notice. LMIA application fees paid by employers to ESDC are separate and additional. Always verify current fees at canada.ca before applying.
IRCC Government Fees — Work Permits
| Fee Item | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit processing fee (employer-specific) | $155 CAD |
| Open work permit processing fee | $100 CAD |
| Employer offer of employment — IMP (paid by employer) | $230 CAD |
| Biometrics (if required) | $85 CAD |
| Work permit extension | $155 CAD |
| Work permit restoration fee | $229 CAD + $155 CAD |
Important: Government fees are payable directly to IRCC and are separate from Asteco's professional fees. Fees are subject to change by IRCC at any time.
Disclaimer: Work permit eligibility, LMIA-exempt categories, and processing times are established by IRCC and ESDC and are subject to change at any time without notice. This page reflects guidelines current as of March 31, 2026. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Consult our RCIC before making any immigration decisions.