Types of work permits

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. If you’re not sure if you need one, find out if you need a work permit.

There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

Open work permits

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for an employer:

Employer-specific work permits

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:

  • the name of the employer you can work for,
  • how long you can work, and
  • the location where you can work (if applicable).

Answer a few questions to find out what kind of work permit you can apply for and what the next steps are.

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