A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work in Canada while they are there. A work permit to enter Canada can be obtained through several ways. Work permits can be granted based on a variety of criteria, such as a job offer from a Canadian company, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer, or some combination of these (prior education, spousal sponsorship, etc.).

Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream

LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract

• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• NAFTA Work Permits
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
• International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker