by A Canada work permit lets a foreign national work in Canada legally. In short, there are two types: an employer-specific work permit, which needs a job offer, and an open work permit, which only some people can get. This guide explains both, the fees and the steps, using official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) pages.
Last verified: 12 October 2026. Still job hunting? Read our guide to visa sponsorship jobs in Canada.
The two types of Canada work permit
| Feature | Employer-specific work permit | Open work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer needed? | Yes | No |
| Who can work for | The employer named on the permit | Most employers in Canada |
| Usually needs | An LMIA or an offer of employment submitted by the employer | Eligibility under a specific situation |
| Who gets it | The most common type | Only people in special circumstances |
You cannot choose your permit type, because it depends on your situation. Also, IRCC says most people applying from outside Canada cannot get an open work permit.
Employer-specific work permit
In practice, this permit lets you work under the conditions on the permit until it expires. To apply, however, you need a job offer from an employer who is not on IRCC’s list of non-compliant employers.
In many cases the employer needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves there is a need to hire a foreign worker. If so, the employer then gives you documents such as the LMIA letter and Annex A. On the other hand, if no LMIA is needed, the employer pays a CAD230 employer compliance fee and submits the job offer through the Employer Portal.
Open work permit: who may qualify
An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer. However, only certain groups qualify. IRCC lists, for example:
- post-graduation work permit applicants
- International Experience Canada working holiday applicants
- family members of some work permit holders and permanent residence applicants
- spouses and common-law partners of some international students
- sponsored family members
- refugees, protected persons and victims of workplace abuse
Canada work permit fees (CAD)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work permit, including extensions, per person | CAD155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | CAD100 |
| Employer compliance fee (paid by employer, where no LMIA is needed) | CAD230 |
| Biometrics, per person | CAD85 |
| Biometrics, family of 2 or more | CAD170 maximum |
Worked example: an applicant from India with an employer-specific permit pays CAD155 for the permit plus CAD85 for biometrics, which is CAD240 (two hundred and forty Canadian dollars). An open work permit applicant pays CAD155, plus the CAD100 open work permit holder fee, plus CAD85 for biometrics, which is CAD340.
Canada work permit requirements for all applicants
If you apply from outside Canada, IRCC says you must:
- show you will leave Canada before your work permit expires
- have enough money to support yourself and your family during your stay
- include all required documents
- give any other documents IRCC asks for to prove you can enter Canada
However, your application can be refused for reasons such as medical inadmissibility, a criminal record, security concerns or misrepresentation. For this reason, IRCC may ask for a police certificate.
Step-by-step: applying for a Canada work permit
- Find out which permit type fits your situation.
- For an employer-specific permit, get the job offer and either the LMIA documents or the offer of employment number from your employer.
- Gather your documents, including proof of funds.
- Apply online from outside Canada, from inside Canada if eligible, or at a port of entry if eligible.
- Pay the fees and give biometrics if asked.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Canada work permit without a job offer?
Only if you qualify for an open work permit, for example as a post-graduation work permit applicant or a family member of an eligible worker.
Who pays the LMIA?
The employer. In other words, where an LMIA is needed, employers usually pay a processing fee to Employment and Social Development Canada.
Can my spouse work in Canada with me?
Possibly. For example, IRCC says family members of some work permit holders may qualify for an open work permit.
Official sources
- Employer-specific work permits, IRCC
- Open work permits, IRCC
- Work permit: apply from outside Canada, eligibility
- IRCC fee list
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check IRCC before applying.
