Comprehensive Guide to Applying for a Work Permit in Canada

Canada is a top destination for individuals seeking employment opportunities and a better quality of life. With its growing economy, strong labour laws, and multicultural society, it continues to attract thousands of foreign workers each year. If you’re looking to work in Canada legally, you’ll need to apply for a work permit—a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes you to work for a specific employer or in a particular job role.

This guide provides detailed steps on applying for a work permit in Canada, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students, application fees, and instructions on using the IRCC webform for inquiries or updates. It is designed to help foreign nationals navigate the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada process as of June 10, 2025.

Introduction to Work Permits in Canada

A work permit is a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specified period of time. There are two primary types of work permits:

• Employer-specific work permit: This permit restricts you to a specific employer, job, and location (if applicable). Conditions are outlined on the license, and it often requires a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• Open work permit: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible on the IRCC employer compliance list or those offering services like striptease or erotic massages. Open permits are granted in specific situations, such as for spouses of skilled workers or graduates under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Work permits are essential for most foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada; however, some exemptions exist, such as for international students working part-time under their study permits.

Eligibility for a Work Permit

To qualify for a work permit, you must meet general and specific requirements, which vary based on the permit type and your circumstances. General eligibility criteria include:

• Intent to leave: Demonstrate you will leave Canada when your permit expires.
• Financial support: Show sufficient funds to support yourself and any family members during your stay and to return home.
• Clean record: Have no criminal history (a police clearance certificate may be required) and be medically admissible.
• Employer compliance: Not plan to work for employers listed as ineligible or those offering prohibited services.
• Documentation: Provide any additional documents requested by IRCC to prove admissibility.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

For an employer-specific permit, you typically need:

• A job offer from a Canadian employer.
• An LMIA, unless exempt under programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP) or free trade agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
• An employment contract or offer of employment number submitted via the Employer Portal.

Open Work Permit

Open work permits are available in specific scenarios, such as:

• Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or students.
• International students applying for a PGWP.
• Applicants under programs such as Working Holidays for youth aged 18–35.

Eligibility for open permits often does not require an LMIA or a specific job offer, offering greater flexibility in the job market.

How to Apply for a Work Permit

Most work permit applications must be submitted online through an IRCC secure account. As of recent updates, applying at a port of entry (flagpole) is no longer allowed for most in-Canada applicants. Follow these steps:

1. Check eligibility: Use the IRCC’s online tool for Work permit eligibility to determine if you need a permit and which type suits your situation.
2. Gather documents: Common documents include:
• A valid passport.
• A job offer letter or employment contract (for employer-specific permits).
• LMIA or offer of employment number (if required).
• Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
• Police clearance certificate or medical exam results, if requested.
3. Create an IRCC account: Register for an account to apply online and manage your application.
4. Complete the application form: Answer questions in the IRCC portal to generate a personalized document checklist. Use the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 codes for job titles, as updated on November 16, 2022.
5. Pay the application fee: The standard work permit processing fee is $155 per person. For open work permits, an additional $100 fee applies for open work permit holders. If biometrics are required, an additional fee of $85 per individual or $170 for a family of two or more applying together will be charged. Check the IRCC fee list for updates.
6. Apply: Upload all documents and submit them through your IRCC account. Ensure completeness to avoid delays.

If you’re in Canada and apply before your current permit expires, you can continue working under the same conditions (maintained status) until a decision is made. However, leaving Canada during the processing may result in losing work authorization until approval is granted.

Application Fees

The following table summarizes key work permit fees as of June 10, 2025:

Note: Fees are subject to change; please verify the IRCC fee list for the most up-to-date information.

Processing Times

Processing times vary by country and application type. Check the IRCC processing times for current estimates, as they reflect the average time it takes to process 80% of applications. Applications for essential service occupations may be prioritized, which could impact standard processing times.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The PGWP is an open work permit for international students who have completed an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. It allows graduates to work for any employer, gaining valuable Canadian work experience that may support permanent residency applications.

Eligibility for PGWP

To qualify, you must:

• Complete a program of at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec programs) at a PGWP-eligible DLI. Check the DLI list.
• Maintain full-time student status during each semester (part-time allowed in the final semester).
• Apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation of program completion (e.g., degree conferral letter or transcript).
• Have a valid study permit at some point during the 180 days before applying.
• As of November 1, 2024, provide proof of language proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 for university graduates or CLB 5 for college graduates in English or French, based on tests like IELTS or TEF. Results must be valid (within 2 years) and uploaded, even if not listed in the checklist.

Applying for a PGWP

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm completion: Obtain a letter or transcript confirming program completion from your institution.
2. Gather documents: Include your passport, study permit, completion documents, and language test results.
3. Apply online: Use your IRCC secure account. Applications at ports of entry are no longer allowed as of June 21, 2024.
4. Pay fees: $155 work permit fee + $100 open work permit holder fee, plus $85 for biometrics if required.
5. Submit within deadlines: Apply within 180 days, ensuring your study permit is valid or was valid within that period.

The PGWP’s duration depends on your program length:

• 8 months to less than 2 years: PGWP valid for the duration of the program.
• 2 years or more: Up to 3 years, provided your passport is valid.
• Multiple programs: Combined duration may be considered, up to 3 years.

You cannot get a PGWP if you previously received one for another program. If you study from outside Canada after September 1, 2024, the time spent abroad is deducted from the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) duration.

Working While Waiting

If you apply for a PGWP before your study permit expires, you can work full-time while awaiting a decision, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Stop working immediately upon receiving final marks or program completion confirmation until your PGWP application is submitted.

Using the IRCC Webform

The IRCC webform is an online tool for contacting IRCC about your application. Common uses include:

• Status inquiries: Check on applications exceeding normal processing times.
• Updates: Change contact information, add a representative, or submit additional documents.
• Technical Issues: Report Problems with IRCC Online Services.
• Urgent requests: Request expedited processing for specific situations, such as travel within the next 3 months.

How to Use the Webform

1. Access the webform on the IRCC website.
2. Provide your application number or Unique Client Identifier (UCI). If unavailable, use placeholders (e.g., 0000000 for application number, 1111111111 for UCI).
3. Answer questions accurately and upload supporting documents if needed.
4. Submit your request and await a response, which may take approximately 30 days, depending on the complexity of your request.

IRCC will not respond to inquiries about applications within standard processing times. Ensure your request is specific to avoid delays.

Additional Considerations

• Maintained status: If you apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires, you can continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made. Leaving Canada during processing may revoke this status.
• Restoration of status: If your permit expires, you can apply to restore your worker status within 90 days for $394.75 ($239.75 restoration fee + $155 work permit fee).
• Family members: Spouses and dependent children may be eligible for open work or study permits under specific programs. Check IRCC family permits.
• Travel Considerations: If you require a visitor visa or eTA to re-enter Canada, please verify the requirements on IRCC’s travel documents page. 

Also know: how to convert a visitor visa to a work permit In Canada?

Conclusion

Applying for a work permit in Canada requires careful preparation, from confirming eligibility to submitting a complete application with the correct fees. The PGWP offers a valuable opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience, with updated language requirements as of November 2024. The IRCC web form is a valuable tool for managing your application, but responses may take some time. Always refer to the IRCC website for the latest information, and consider consulting a licensed immigration professional for complex cases. 

If you need help related to a work permit in Canada, you can contact Sambhav Immigration today and make your application process easy.