Canada Work Permits
Employer-specific and open work permits, including for spouses of eligible students and workers.
A Canadian work permit lets foreign nationals work in Canada temporarily. Employer-specific permits usually need a job offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption. Open work permits — such as the PGWP and certain spousal permits — let you work for most employers.
Last updated September 2026 · Immiways Migration Advisory Services, Himayat Nagar, Hyderabad
Key facts
- Visa type
- Temporary — work permit
- Main types
- Employer-specific (LMIA / LMIA-exempt) and open work permits
- Job offer
- Required for employer-specific permits
- Spouses
- Open work permits available in limited categories
- PR link
- Canadian work experience counts towards CEC and PNPs
Canada Work Permits: overview
Work permits are a common stepping stone to Canadian PR. Experience gained in Canada counts strongly in Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class and many provincial streams.
Rules for spousal open work permits were tightened in 2024–2025, so eligibility depends on what your spouse is studying or where they work. We check the current conditions before you apply.
Benefits
- Earn in Canadian dollars
- Gain Canadian work experience for PR
- Family may accompany you
- Some permits allow any employer
Eligibility requirements
- Valid job offer (employer-specific permits)
- LMIA or eligible LMIA exemption
- Qualifications and experience for the role
- Proof you will leave at the end of your authorised stay
- Medical exam and police clearance if required
Documents checklist
A typical list — we give you a personalised checklist for your case.
- Passport
- Job offer letter and employment contract
- LMIA number or exemption code
- Educational certificates
- Experience letters
- Resume
- Spouse's study or work permit (spousal OWP)
- Marriage certificate (spousal OWP)
Step-by-step process
- 01
Eligibility check
We identify the right work permit category.
- 02
Employer documents
Guidance on LMIA or offer-of-employment requirements.
- 03
Application
We prepare and file the work permit application.
- 04
Biometrics
Attend your biometrics appointment.
- 05
Decision & travel
Receive the port-of-entry letter and travel to Canada.
How Immiways Migration helps
- Free eligibility assessment
- Personalised document checklist
- Forms and application prepared for you
- Regular updates until a decision
Canada Work Permits: FAQs
Can Immiways find me a job in Canada?
No. We are a visa advisory, not a recruiter. Once you have a genuine offer, we handle the work permit.
Can my spouse get an open work permit?
Only in certain categories, for example spouses of some master's and doctoral students or of workers in eligible occupations. We check the current rules.
Does Canadian work experience help with PR?
Yes. Skilled Canadian experience can qualify you for the Canadian Experience Class and adds CRS points.