Work Permit (LMIA and post-graduation permit)
Canada issues several types of temporary work permits: employer-specific permits (generally supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment, LMIA), open permits (including the Post-Graduation Work Permit for graduates of designated learning institutions), and permits under international agreements (CUSMA, Mobilité Francophone, etc.).
Main conditions
- ✓For an employer-specific permit: have a job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA from Service Canada, or be exempt from this requirement
- ✓For the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): have completed a program of study of at least 8 months at an eligible designated learning institution
- ✓Demonstrate intent to leave Canada at the end of the permit, unless dual intent for permanent residence is authorized
- ✓Be medically and security admissible
- ✓Certain streams (Mobilité Francophone, specialized occupations) are LMIA-exempt
Countries of origin
Open to candidates from most countries, unless otherwise stated or subject to specific consular restrictions.
Understanding the program
Two main families of work permits
An employer-specific work permit requires a job offer and only allows you to work for the employer, and under the conditions, it states. An open work permit does not require a job offer and, depending on its conditions, allows you to work for most employers.
IRCC offers a tool that indicates which permit matches your situation: it is better to use it than to guess, because choosing the wrong permit wastes time and money.
The Labour Market Impact Assessment
In many cases, the Canadian employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a temporary foreign worker. This step belongs to the employer, not the candidate. Some situations are exempt from the LMIA, notably under international agreements or programs such as Francophone Mobility.
For a candidate, the practical point is to ask the employer where they stand on this step before planning a move.
Where and how to apply
According to IRCC, you can apply for a work permit from abroad, from within Canada or at a port of entry, depending on your situation. Once working, it is possible to extend the permit, change its conditions or change jobs or employers, following the procedure provided.
The post-graduation work permit is among the applications that have their own instructions, and family members of certain workers, including spouses and dependent children, may be eligible for an open work permit. The precise criteria are detailed on the corresponding official pages.
After obtaining the permit
Once you have the permit, you can apply for a Social Insurance Number, which is necessary to be paid legally. You also have rights as a worker: IRCC explains how to learn about them and how to report an abusive employer. Keep a copy of your permit and note its expiry date so you can file an extension application on time.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an employer-specific and an open permit?
- The employer-specific permit is tied to a given employer and requires a job offer. The open permit does not require a job offer and offers more flexibility, but is only granted in specific situations.
- Who must apply for the LMIA?
- The Canadian employer carries out this step, not the candidate. Some workers are exempt depending on the program or international agreement that applies.
- Can my spouse work in Canada?
- IRCC provides open work permits for family members of certain workers, including spouses and dependent children. Eligibility depends on the worker's situation: check the criteria on the official page.
Information checked against official pages on October 12, 2026.