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Work permit

There are two kinds. An employer-specific permit names your employer, job and location. An open work permit lets you work for most employers, but IRCC says most people applying from outside Canada can’t get one.

Open

Step-by-step checklist

0 of 6 done

1. Check which permit you can apply forWhat to expect: Employer-specific: you need a job offer. Most jobs need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows there is a need to hire a foreign worker.
2. Prepare forms and documentsWhat to expect: Includes your job offer and, if needed, the LMIA (Annex A), plus anything your local visa office asks for.
3. Apply onlineWhat to expect: Sign in, upload documents, pay fees, then give biometrics when asked.
4. Wait for the decisionWhat to expect: Check the current processing time with IRCC’s tool.
5. Arrive in CanadaWhat to expect: The border officer issues your permit when you enter.
6. After you get your permitWhat to expect: Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and check your provincial health insurance.

Documents you usually need

Job offer (employer-specific)
LMIA (Annex A), if your job needs one
Passport
Documents your local visa office asks for

Government fees

CAD

Work permit	$155
Biometrics (one person)	$85

Fees as listed by IRCC on 2026-10-30. Fees change; always check the official fee list. IRCC fee list ↗

After you apply

Biometrics, then processing, then the decision.
At the border you get the permit itself. Check that the employer, job and dates are right before you leave the counter.

Processing times change every week. Check today’s times on IRCC’s official tool. Check processing times ↗

Official sources:

Checked against IRCC pages on 2026-10-30.

General information only. This is not legal advice and does not check whether you are eligible. Your own checklist in your IRCC account is what counts. Last checked 2026-10-30.

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