Open Work Permits

You are allowed to work for any employer in Canada (some exceptions apply)

Working Holiday Program (international Youth Experience)

If you are between 18 and 30 (some are up to 35) years old and your country has a an agreement with Canada under the International Experience Canada program, you can stay in Canada for 1-2 years depending on your country and are allowed to work for any employer while you are in Canada.

Work during your study

When you study at a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, you are allowed to work during your study (conditions apply). This will help you pay your living expenses and also gain an experience in working in your field of study. You don’t need to apply for a work permit for this as your study permit gives you an authorization to work as part of your study permit.

Work after study (post-graduation work permit)

When you graduate from a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, you can apply to stay in Canada as a worker for up to 3 years (depending on the length of your program). will help you gain work experience in your field of study and will pay your living expenses and also gain an experience in working in your field of study.

Work while your spouse or common-law partner studies

If your spouse is attending a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, you are allowed to work while your spouse or common-law partner is studying in Canada. You are also allowed to continue working after your spouse or common-law partner graduates if your spouse or common-law partner is employed in an occupation that is listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) at Skill Type 0 (managerial occupations), or Skill Level A (professional occupations) or Skill level B (technical and trade occupations).

Work while your permanent resident application being processed (exclude Quebec applicant)

If you applied for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and have a valid work permit that expires in 4 months or less, you may apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit which allows you to work while you wait for the results of your application.

Employer-specific work permits

You are allowed to work only for specific employers.

Work with an arranged employment

If you have a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer and are issued a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) assessed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), you may apply for a work permit along with the LMIA document. To get a positive LMIA, your employer must meet the eligibility and prove that a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident cannot fill the position.