Temporary Work Permits

Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

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

• who is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
• who regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

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
• the location where you can work (if applicable)

For work permit, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from employment and social development Canada; or Proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the employer portal and paid the employer compliance fee is necessary. To be eligible for an open work permit, graduating international students must meet the requirements under the post-graduation work permit program.