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Work Permit in Canada – Trusted Canada Work Permit Consultant

Applying for a Canadian work visa can be complex. As a leading Canada Work Permit Consultant, Plato Immigration provides step-by-step assistance for open work permits, employer-specific permits, spousal permits, and more. Our certified RCIC consultants make your process smooth and error-free.

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.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

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:

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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.

Eligibility for Open Work Permit:

You may qualify if you are:

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1

A permanent residency applicant

A dependent family member of a PR applicant

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2
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A spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student

Part of specific youth exchange or pilot programs

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4

Examples of Open Work Permits:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
  • Temporary Work Permits for spouses/common-law partners
  • Youth Mobility Program Permit
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program spousal permit

Employer-Specific Work Permit

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

Eligibility for Open Work Permit:

You may qualify if you are:

  • Employer’s name
  • Duration of employment
  • Work location

If you want to change jobs, you must apply for a new work permit.

Common categories requiring employer-specific work permits:

  • Academics
  • Religious workers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Athletes and coaches
  • Agricultural workers
  • Film industry workerss

Other Types of Work Permits

Student Dependent Work Permit

  • Allows spouses of certain international students (usually Master’s degree or higher) to apply for an open work permit.
  • Their children may also apply for visitor or study permits.

Spousal Work Permit

  • Available for spouses/common-law partners of Canadian citizens or PRs.
  • Especially relevant if you are applying under an inland spousal sponsorship.

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. Need expert guidance on your work permit or work visa? Connect with our licensed Canada Work Permit Consultant and Canada Work Visa Consultant today for accurate assessment and faster approval.

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.

Tools & Resources

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