Canada’s booming job market and high quality of life make it a top destination for skilled workers worldwide. If you’re planning to build a career north of the border, a Canadian work permit is your essential first step. This guide walks you through the 2025 eligibility criteria, application pathways, and expert tips plus handy internal links to deepen your research.
What Is a Canadian Work Permit?
A work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to work legally in Canada for a specified employer or, in some cases, any employer. There are two main categories:
- Employer‑specific (Closed) Work Permit
- Tied to one employer and location
- Requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases
- Open Work Permit
- Employer‑ and location‑flexible
- Available to spouses of certain visa holders, international graduates, and participants in specific programs
Who’s Eligible for a 2025 Work Permit?
To qualify for a 2025 work permit, you must satisfy all of the following:
- Job Offer & LMIA (for Employer‑specific Permits)
- A genuine employment offer from a Canadian employer
- In most cases, your employer must secure a positive LMIA demonstrating that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can fill the position
- Program Exemptions (for Open Permits)
- Spouses or common‑law partners of skilled workers, international students, and certain permanent resident applicants
- Graduates from eligible Canadian post‑secondary institutions (see our PGWP eligibility checklist)
- Valid Travel Documents
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date
- Any required visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- Health & Character Requirements
- Medical exam (only if you work in health care, childcare, or stay more than six months)
- Police certificates to prove you have no criminal record
- Sufficient Settlement Funds
- Enough money to support yourself (and any family members) for at least three months after arrival
Tip: Review our Canada Work Permit FAQ for detailed answers to common questions.
Processing Times & Fees
| Application Type | Fee (CAD) | Estimated Processing Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Employer‑specific work permit | 155 | 4–12 weeks |
| Open work permit | 255 | 6–10 weeks |
| Biometrics (per person) | 85 | – |
| Medical exam | 100–250 | Depends on clinic |
*Processing times vary by visa office and seasonal demand. Check current updates on the IRCC processing times page.
💡 Insider Tips to Strengthen Your Application
- Tailor Your Job Offer
Ensure your employment contract clearly outlines duties, wages, and duration—this helps IRCC and Service Canada assess the genuineness of your position. - Double‑Check LMIA Exemptions
Certain occupations—like intra‑company transfers, CETA professionals, or IEC participants—can skip the LMIA. Confirm your status in our LMIA exemption overview. - Prepare for Port of Entry (POE)
Keep original documents handy when you arrive in Canada. Officers may ask to see your work permit approval letter, job offer, and proof of funds. - Stay Informed
Immigration rules can evolve. Bookmark our Canada Visa News page for the latest alerts and policy changes.
How to Apply?
- Gather Documentation
- Signed job offer letter and LMIA (if applicable)
- Passport, travel history, and identity documents
- Proof of education and professional credentials
- Create an IRCC Account
- Sign up at Canada.ca and complete your profile
- Complete the Online Application
- Choose “Work” > “Work Permit” > “Apply Online”
- Answer eligibility questions and upload documents
- Pay Fees
- Work permit processing: CAD 155
- Open work permit holder fee (if applicable): CAD 100
- Biometrics (if required): CAD 85 per person
- Submit Biometrics & Medical Exam
- Visit a Visa Application Centre for fingerprints and photo
- Schedule a medical exam with an IRCC‑approved physician
- Track Your Application
- Check your IRCC account for status updates
- Processing times in 2025 range from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on your country of application
FAQs
Q: Can I extend my work permit?
Yes, you can apply to renew up to 90 days before it expires, provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Q: Can dependants work in Canada?
Spouses of open work permit holders may be eligible for their own open work permit. See our Spousal Work Permit guide.
Q: Do I need a job offer before applying?
For employer‑specific permits, yes. Open permits don’t require one, but are limited to specific applicant groups.