Understand the Canada work permit requirements for 2027: the two permit types, who is eligible, which documents you need, the official fees, and the mistakes that lead to refusals.
For many people, a Canadian job can open the door to a new life. However, most foreign nationals need a work permit before they can work in Canada, and the rules depend on the type of job and permit. This guide explains the main requirements, based on information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Please note: this is general information from an independent website. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the official instructions in your IRCC application.
Quick answer: Canada work permit requirements
In short, you must show an officer that you will leave Canada when your permit ends, that you have enough money for yourself and your family, and that you are not inadmissible for health, criminal or security reasons. In addition, an employer-specific permit needs a genuine job offer, which usually comes with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption.
Types of Canada work permit
To begin with, IRCC issues two main types of work permit. According to IRCC, most permits are employer-specific, and you cannot choose which type you receive.
| Feature | Employer-specific work permit | Open work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | Required | Not required |
| Employer | One named employer, job and location | Most employers, with some exceptions |
| Typical basis | A positive LMIA, or an LMIA-exempt offer | Special situations set by IRCC |
| Who uses it | Most foreign workers | For example, some spouses and some graduates |
Because open work permits are only for specific situations, you should check IRCC’s “Find the work permit you need” tool before you assume you qualify.
Canada work permit requirements for all applicants
IRCC sets basic requirements for everyone who applies from outside Canada. Moreover, the officer may also ask for more documents during processing.
Intent to leave
First, you must show that you will leave Canada before your work permit expires.
Enough money
Also, you must show you can support yourself and your family members during your stay and for your return home.
No criminal record
In some cases, the officer may request a police certificate.
Medical admissibility
Similarly, you may need a medical exam, depending on your job and your home country.
No security risk
Likewise, applicants must not be a danger to the security of Canada.
Complete, honest documents
Above all, include every required form, and never misrepresent any information.
Furthermore, IRCC says you cannot work for an employer listed as ineligible, or for an employer that regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
Job offer and LMIA requirements
For an employer-specific permit, the employer usually needs a positive LMIA from ESDC. In other words, an LMIA shows that hiring a foreign worker is needed for that job. Alternatively, some jobs are exempt from the LMIA, and the employer submits the offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal instead.
| Item | What ESDC says |
|---|---|
| LMIA processing fee | CAD $1,000 per position, paid by the employer |
| Can the worker pay it? | No. For low-wage positions, it “can’t be paid by nor be recovered from” the worker |
| Recruitment fees | Employers must make sure no one recruiting for them charges workers recruitment fees |
| Employment agreement | Employers must give a signed agreement to the worker on or before the first day of work |
Important: if anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or an LMIA, stop and check it first. Our guide on how to verify a Canada job offer explains eight official checks. You can also read about LMIA jobs in Canada.
Canada work permit document checklist
Your personal checklist appears in your IRCC account after you apply. Even so, these documents are commonly needed for an employer-specific permit, so tick them off as you prepare.
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Canada work permit fees
IRCC’s fee list shows the following amounts in Canadian dollars. In addition, the employer pays separate LMIA or compliance fees, which must not be passed on to you where the rules forbid it.
| Fee | Amount (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit, including extensions, per person | $155 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100 |
| Biometrics, per person | $85 |
| Biometrics, family maximum | $170 |
For a more detailed breakdown, see also our guide to the Canada work visa application fee.
How to apply for a Canada work permit from outside Canada
The order matters because the employer’s steps usually come before yours.
- Find a genuine job offerFirst, look for real employers, for example on the Government of Canada Job Bank, and verify every offer.
- Employer completes the LMIA or exemptionThen the employer applies for the LMIA, or submits an LMIA-exempt offer, and shares the result with you.
- Gather your documentsNext, prepare your passport, contract, qualifications and proof of funds.
- Apply online and payAfter that, submit your application and pay the work permit and biometrics fees.
- Give biometrics and any medical examThen, once IRCC sends instructions, book your biometrics at a visa application centre.
- Receive the decisionFinally, if approved, you receive a letter, and the border officer issues the permit when you arrive in Canada.
In addition, applicants from Pakistan can read our step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canada work visa online from Pakistan.
Why work permit applications are refused
IRCC lists several grounds that can lead to refusal. However, it also notes that applications can be refused for reasons that are not on the list.
Not enough funds
For instance, the officer is not satisfied that you can support yourself and your family.
Doubts about leaving
For example, weak ties to your home country can raise doubts.
Job requirements
Similarly, you may not show that you can do the job offered.
Inadmissibility
Likewise, medical, criminal or security issues can make you inadmissible.
Misrepresentation
Above all, false documents can lead to a ban of at least 5 years.
Ineligible employer
Also, some employers are banned from hiring foreign workers.
If you are refused, read our guide to Canada visa refusal reasons before you reapply.
Can my family come with me?
According to IRCC, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children may be able to visit, study or work in Canada with you. However, each family member must check whether they need a visa or eTA, a study permit, or whether they can apply for an open work permit. In addition, you must show enough money for everyone who comes with you.
Your rights as a foreign worker
In general, temporary foreign workers have the same workplace rights as Canadians and permanent residents. Therefore, an employer must not keep your passport, charge you recruitment fees, or pay you less than your contract says. If something goes wrong, you can call the Government of Canada’s confidential tip line at 1-866-602-9448.
Example (fictional): Bilal, a welder in Faisalabad, receives a job offer from a fabrication company in Alberta. First, he checks that the company is real and asks for the LMIA letter and Annex A. Then he gathers his trade certificates, experience letters and six months of bank statements. As a result, his application clearly shows that he can do the job, support himself and return home when his permit ends.
Canada work permit requirements: FAQs
Do I need a job offer for a Canada work permit?
For an employer-specific permit, yes. However, some people qualify for an open work permit, which does not need a job offer.
How much does a Canada work permit cost?
IRCC lists the work permit fee as CAD $155 and biometrics as CAD $85. In addition, open work permits also need the CAD $100 open work permit holder fee.
Who pays for the LMIA?
As a rule, the employer pays the CAD $1,000 LMIA fee. For low-wage positions, ESDC says it cannot be recovered from the worker.
Can I choose an open work permit instead?
No. IRCC says you cannot choose the type of permit you receive. Instead, your situation decides which permit you can apply for.
Do I need a medical exam?
Sometimes. In fact, it depends on the job and the countries where you have lived, so follow the instructions IRCC gives you.
Can an agent guarantee my work permit?
No. In fact, only immigration officers decide, and IRCC says no one can guarantee you a job or a visa to Canada.
Have a Canadian job offer?
Meanwhile, you can message us through the WhatsApp button on this page for general guidance on the steps above. We are not a licensed immigration consultant or law firm, we do not sell jobs, and we cannot guarantee any permit.