Work Permit

Work Permit in Canada

What is a Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada.

It usually specifies:

• The employer’s name
• The nature of employment
• The location of work
• The duration of permitted employment

Note: Some categories of work in Canada do not require a work permit, but most foreign workers need one before starting employment.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit is not job-specific, meaning you can work for almost any employer in Canada. There are two categories:

• Unrestricted Open Work Permit Allows you to work in any occupation, at any location.
• Restricted Open Work Permit May restrict you to a certain location or exclude certain employers.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

Also known as a “closed work permit,” this type of permit ties you to one employer. It specifies:

Other Types of Work Permits

Summary

Canada offers multiple types of work permits depending on your situation:

• Open Work Permit Work for any employer (general freedom).
• Employer-Specific Work Permit Work for a designated employer only.
• Special permits for spouses, dependents, and certain occupations.

Each pathway has its own eligibility rules, so choosing the right type depends on your profile, immigration goals, and family situation.

This page provides a basic outline of the respective application, which may or may not be applicable to you. Do not solely rely on the information here. To check your eligibility and get accurate information you can contact our team at Plato Immigration.