Work Permits in Canada

Canada offers several types of work permits depending on the applicant’s circumstances, employment situation, education, family relationship and immigration program.

The two main categories are employer-specific work permits and open work permits. Employer-specific permits normally restrict the worker to a particular employer and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Open work permits allow eligible individuals to work for most employers in Canada without first obtaining a specific job offer.

Topic Immigration assists with LMIA-based work permits, Post-Graduation Work Permits, International Experience Canada applications, Spousal Open Work Permits and other Canadian work authorization options.

LMIA-Based Work Permit

Many foreign workers require an employer-specific work permit supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment.

Before the worker applies, the Canadian employer generally needs to determine whether an LMIA is required and, if so, obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Service Canada. The worker then uses the LMIA and employment documents to apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a work permit.

A positive LMIA does not automatically guarantee work permit approval. The foreign worker must still meet IRCC’s applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements.

We can assist with:

• LMIA eligibility and employer assessment
• NOC and occupation review
• Employer documentation
• Work permit applications
• Work permit extensions
• Changes of employer or employment conditions

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit available to certain international graduates who complete eligible programs at qualifying Designated Learning Institutions.

PGWP eligibility depends on several factors, including the institution and program, length of study, application timing, language requirements and, for some graduates, field-of-study requirements. IRCC currently requires applicants to satisfy both general PGWP requirements and any applicable program-specific language or field-of-study requirements.

Because PGWP rules have changed significantly in recent years, students should confirm eligibility before completing their studies or changing immigration status.

Common PGWP Issues

Applicants frequently need advice about:

• PGWP eligibility
• the 180-day application period
• language test requirements
• field-of-study requirements
• combining consecutive study programs
• applying from inside or outside Canada
• changing to visitor status before applying
• working while waiting for a PGWP decision
• PGWP refusals and restoration of status

A PGWP is generally an open work permit, meaning the holder can work for most eligible employers in Canada.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada (IEC) allows eligible citizens of participating countries and territories to work and travel in Canada.

The IEC program includes different categories depending on the applicant’s country or territory of citizenship. These may include:

Working Holiday
Normally provides an open work permit, allowing eligible participants to work for most employers in Canada.

Young Professionals
Generally provides an employer-specific work permit for eligible participants seeking professional work experience.

International Co-op (Internship)
Available in certain participating countries for eligible students completing work placements related to their studies.

Participation rules—including age limits, available categories and permitted duration—vary by country or territory. The 2026 IEC season is currently open, and eligible candidates generally create an IEC profile, enter the applicable pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply before submitting a work permit application.

IEC Work Permit Assistance

Topic Immigration can assist with:

• IEC eligibility assessment
• Working Holiday applications
• Young Professionals applications
• employer-specific IEC applications
• application documentation
• admissibility and immigration history issues
• transitioning from IEC to another Canadian work permit or permanent residence pathway

Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP)

Certain spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit.

Eligibility depends heavily on the immigration status and circumstances of the principal applicant.

Spouses of International Students

Since January 21, 2025, eligibility has been restricted.

A spouse or common-law partner may currently qualify when the international student holds a valid study permit and is enrolled in certain qualifying programs, including:

• a master’s degree program of at least 16 months
• a doctoral degree program
• certain eligible professional degree programs
• certain specifically designated programs

Eligible professional degree programs include specified programs in medicine, law, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nursing, education and engineering.

This means that not every spouse of an international student is automatically eligible for an open work permit.

Spouses of Foreign Workers

Since January 21, 2025, eligibility for spouses of temporary foreign workers has also become more limited.

For many workers who are not already on an eligible permanent residence pathway, the principal worker generally must:

• hold or be approved for qualifying work authorization
• be working or expected to work in Canada
• work in a TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupation, or in certain selected TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations
• normally have at least 16 months remaining on the work permit or authorized period of work when the spouse applies

There are separate rules and exceptions for some permanent-residence pathways, free trade agreements, significant investment projects and other categories.

Spouses of PGWP Holders

A spouse of a PGWP holder may be eligible for an open work permit if the PGWP holder meets the applicable worker requirements.

If the principal applicant has applied for a PGWP but is still waiting for a decision, IRCC may require the PGWP to be approved before the spouse’s open work permit can be finalized.

Because SOWP eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s exact study program, occupation, NOC/TEER, permit validity and immigration pathway, these applications should be reviewed carefully before filing.

Which Canadian Work Permit Is Right for You?

The correct work permit depends on your individual circumstances.

You may qualify through:

LMIA-Based Work Permit
For workers with a Canadian employer and an LMIA-supported job offer.

Post-Graduation Work Permit
For eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian study programs.

International Experience Canada
For eligible citizens of participating countries seeking temporary work experience in Canada.

Spousal Open Work Permit
For certain spouses or common-law partners of eligible students or foreign workers.

Some applicants may also qualify for other LMIA-exempt work permits through international agreements, intra-company transfers, permanent residence pathways or Canadian-interest categories.

Need Help Choosing the Right Work Permit?

Topic Immigration can review your immigration status, employment, education and family circumstances to determine which Canadian work permit options may be available to you.