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Work permits for Canada: open work permit and PGWP

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

Most people who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents need a work permit to work in Canada. An employer-specific permit needs a job offer, and often a labour market impact assessment. An open permit lets you work for most employers but is only for certain situations. The fee is $155, plus $100 for an open permit.

Who handles it

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Handles it everywhere in Canada.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. There are two kinds: employer-specific permits and open permits.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • All applicants must show they have enough money for themselves and their family, include the required documents, and show they will leave Canada before the permit expires.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • An employer-specific permit needs a job offer. Most jobs also need a labour market impact assessment (LMIA), which your employer gets before you apply.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer and needs no job offer. It is only for set groups, such as post-graduation work permit applicants, working holiday participants and some spouses and family members.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Steps

  1. To extend your permit or change its conditions, apply at least 30 calendar days before it expires.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Cost

  • The work permit processing fee is $155, unless you are exempt.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • People getting an open work permit pay an extra $100 open work permit holder fee.

    Source: ircc.canada.cachecked #

Good to know

  • Most people applying from outside Canada cannot get an open work permit. Most open work permit applicants apply from inside Canada.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

  • If you apply to extend before your permit expires, you can stay in Canada while IRCC processes your application. This is called maintained status.

    Source: canada.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?

For an employer-specific permit, yes, and the employer must not be on the non-compliant list. Open work permits do not need a job offer.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Can I keep working if my work permit expires while my extension is processed?

Yes, if you applied before it expired. You keep working under the same conditions as your current permit until IRCC decides.

Source: canada.cachecked #

When should I apply to extend my work permit?

At least 30 calendar days before it expires. Check in-Canada processing times too, so your application is more likely to be processed before or soon after your permit ends.

Source: canada.cachecked #

What is an LMIA?

A labour market impact assessment shows there is a need to hire a foreign worker for the job. Your employer applies for it, if needed, and gives you the LMIA letter to include with your application.

Source: canada.cachecked #

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Work permits for Canada: open work permit and PGWP", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/work-permit