If you wish to work in Canada, it is highly likely that you will need a work permit depending on your situation and the nature of the job you are targeting. Here is an overview of the steps to follow, the types of permits available, and the necessary criteria to successfully submit an application.
There are several options available if you wish to work in Canada: you can find a job in Canada from abroad, be in a relationship with someone who is going to study or work in Canada with a valid permit (special cases only), apply through one of the three streams of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, or apply for permanent residence.
The work permit in Canada
To work temporarily in Canada, you must have a job offer from an employer and apply for a work permit. Beforehand, your future employer must request a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and pay the associated fees. If the assessment confirms that no Canadian or permanent resident is available for the position offered to you, you can apply for your work permit. This tool can help you determine if you need a work permit and what type of work permit suits you.
Some employers are exempt from the LMIA. Check out the Francophone Mobility program if you speak French, or the Young Professionals permit (see below). Additionally, some people working in specialized professions, such as performing artists, may come to work in Canada without a work permit under certain conditions. Finally, you won't need a job offer if you apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) or a post-graduation work permit. For more information, consult the immigration and citizenship section of the Canadian government website.
In most cases, the work permit application must be submitted online on the Government of Canada website. After submitting your application, you can check the processing times on this page.
Applicants who receive a closed work permit are allowed to work for only one predetermined employer.
Work permits for Spouses in Canada.
Some applicants can obtain an open work permit (OWP) without employer restrictions: this is the case for certain spouses and partners of a person coming to study or work in Canada with a valid permit. As of January 21, 2025, Canada is restricting access to open work permits for spouses or partners of international students and foreign workers. Here are the updated criteria:
For spouses of international students
Only partners of students enrolled in the following programs can apply for an OWP:
- Master's programs (minimum duration of 16 months)
- Doctoral programs
- Certain designated professional programs (list specified by IRCC).
For spouses of foreign workers
Eligibility now depends on the TEER category (formerly NOC) of the permit holder:
- TEER 0 or 1: Automatic access to the OWP for the spouse.
- TEER 2 or 3: Only for certain shortage sectors (healthcare, construction, natural resources, etc.).
Key changes in 2025
- The total number of study permits will be capped at 437,000 in 2025 (down from 509,390 in 2023), indirectly reducing family OWPs.
- Spouses of closed permit holders (linked to an employer) will no longer be able to obtain an OWP unless the job falls under eligible TEER categories.
Required documents for the application
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law union (cohabitation ≥12 months).
- Copy of the spouse's valid work/study permit.
Important:
If you wish to extend your stay in Canada, you must renew your status at least 30 days before your current work permit expires.
Good to know:
Depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in addition to your work permit.
What are the conditions for obtaining a work permit in Canada?
You must convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of the authorized period of your stay. You must also prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members during your stay in the country. You must respect the law, present no danger to the country, and have no criminal record. A police certificate may be required. You must also be in good health and may be asked to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
Furthermore, you must not intend to obtain employment with an employer listed on the list of ineligible employers. Upon arrival, you must be able to provide any additional documents requested by the officer to determine your eligibility to enter the country.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
If your country of citizenship has an agreement with Canada and you are aged between 18 and 30 (35 for French citizens), you might be able to come to Canada through one of the three available IEC programs: the Working Holiday Visa (WHV), the Young Professionals permit, and the International Co-op Internship permit. The IEC procedures are simpler than the traditional work permit route, and processing times are shorter.
You must first register in the candidate pool on the Government of Canada website. You can express interest in multiple programs. The organization regularly invites candidates from the pool to apply. Note that these programs are limited to a certain number of beneficiaries per year. Invitations cease once annual quotas are reached.
The working holiday visa allows you to travel to Canada for a period of one or two years maximum, working to fund your trip: you can change employers as you wish. However, the Young Professionals permit only allows you to work for one employer, which must be secured before your departure, in a field related to your studies. This permit, also with a maximum duration of two years, aims to provide you with initial professional experience in Canada.
Finally, the International Co-op Internship permit will interest you if an internship is necessary for your studies in your home country, and you have an offer from a Canadian employer.
Good to know:
The WHV is a highly sought-after program, and candidates are selected randomly. Your chances of coming to Canada are higher if you apply in the Young Professionals or International Co-op Internship categories.
Permanent residence in Canada
If you wish to settle permanently in Canada, you can submit a permanent residence application. There are several options: you can register for the Express Entry program of the federal government or apply under an immigration program of one of the provinces or territories of Canada.
In the Express Entry program, candidates for permanent residence enter a pool where they are ranked based on a points system. Your work experience, level of education, having a job offer, or your connection to Canada can earn you points.
Canadian authorities regularly invite candidates with the highest points to apply for permanent residence. Joining the Express Entry program is free, but the permanent residence application is fee-based. Additionally, you will incur costs for translating your documents, for example.
Canadian provinces and territories, except Quebec, can select candidates from the Express Entry pool that interest them. These provinces and territories have their own immigration criteria. Inquire with the government of the province or territory where you wish to live.
Finding a job in Canada
It may seem challenging to find a job in Canada, but with organization and perseverance, you can succeed. If you are a newcomer with an open work permit, don't hesitate to start working in a survival job while you find the job or career that truly interests you. During your search, learn about regulated and non-regulated jobs, the documents you'll need to start your job search, and how to prepare a resume, a cover letter, and references for job interviews. It's very common for employers to contact your former employers before hiring, even if they are abroad. This video, published by the Canadian government, can help you get organized. Note that the Canadian resume does not include a photo to avoid any form of discrimination during the job search.
You can start by researching the companies you want to work for. Check the job postings on their website or contact human resources directly to ask if they are hiring. Check job search websites like LinkedIn or Craigslist, and the classified ads section of newspapers, to maximize your chances. Additionally, job fairs are regularly organized events in Canada. You can meet employers there to discuss employment opportunities.
Many resources are available to help you with your job search in Canada, including immigrant assistance organizations. These organizations offer resume writing workshops and job search training sessions. The Job Bank provides free information on professions and careers related to working in Canada, such as job opportunities and salaries. Up to 2,000 new jobs are posted there every day! Service Canada has important information on job search and application, and the website jobs.gc.ca lists employment opportunities within the federal public service.
Use the services of a placement agency that searches for jobs on your behalf if you need assistance. To obtain a list of government employment and training assistance services, contact the Service Canada Center in your area or visit in person. Finally, don't forget to check the website of the province that interests you.
Good to know:
To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a Canadian bank account. You should apply for these as soon as you arrive in Canada.
Networking and volunteering in Canada
It is easier to find a job in Canada if you have already established a network of contacts. Ask your family members, friends, and acquaintances if they know of any job openings. Many jobs are never advertised online.
Volunteering means providing a service of your own free will without compensation. Working as a volunteer can help you gain Canadian work experience, improve your language skills in French or English, and build your network of contacts. Search online for the term "volunteer" and the name of the city you are in, or contact an immigrant assistance organization. You can also visit the Volunteer Canada website.
Having your credentials assessed in Canada
You will need to have your credentials assessed if you immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker, if you come to Canada to work in a specific profession or trade, or if you come to Canada to study. To apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for the credentials you obtained abroad, including your diplomas and certificates.
For regulated professions, it is often the regulatory body that assesses your credentials. Check with the regulatory body or any group responsible for your profession to see if you need to have your credentials assessed. They will tell you which credential assessment organization to contact. You can find the contact details of these organizations on the Job Bank website. About 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated, including professions like architects, plumbers, and engineers. In Canada, specific jobs and trades can be regulated in certain provinces and territories and not in others. If you have a license to practice in a given province or territory, that license may not be accepted in other provinces and territories.
For non-regulated professions, some employers require candidates to be licensed or certified by the relevant professional association. A foreign credential assessment organization can evaluate your diplomas for a fee. You can then include the information obtained in your resume. Learn more about how to have your credentials assessed to work in Canada.
Useful links:
Immigration Canada Service - work permit application
Immigration Canada Service - check if you need a permit
Jobs for newcomers to Canada - Job Bank
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