Work Permits in Canada: LMIA, Open Work Permits, and PGWP Explained

A Canadian work permit is both a way to build your career and one of the strongest stepping stones to permanent residence. Canadian work experience boosts your CRS score, makes you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, and strengthens PNP applications. Understanding the different types of work permits — and which one fits your situation — is the first step.

This guide covers every major work permit type, how to apply, and how to use your work experience toward PR.

Types of work permits

Canada has two broad categories of work permits:

Employer-specific work permits

You can only work for the specific employer, in the specific position, and at the specific location listed on the permit. Most employer-specific permits require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — proof that no Canadian worker is available for the job.

Open work permits

You can work for any employer, in any position, anywhere in Canada. No LMIA required. Open work permits are issued in specific circumstances — you can't simply apply for one.

LMIA-based work permits

The LMIA is the foundation of most employer-specific work permits. It's a document the employer (not you) must obtain from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before you can get a work permit.

How the LMIA process works

1. Employer advertises the job — the employer must prove they tried to hire a Canadian first by advertising the position for at least 4 weeks on the Canada Job Bank and other platforms
2. Employer applies for LMIA — submits an application to ESDC with proof of recruitment efforts, the job details, and the offered wage
3. ESDC reviews — assesses whether hiring a foreign worker will have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on the Canadian labour market
4. Positive LMIA issued — the employer receives the LMIA and shares it with you
5. You apply for a work permit — using the LMIA number, you apply to IRCC for a work permit
6. Work permit issued — you can now work for that specific employer

LMIA processing times

LMIA processing times vary by stream:

• Global Talent Stream (GTS): 10 business days (for eligible tech and highly skilled occupations)
• High-wage positions: 2-4 months
• Low-wage positions: 2-5 months
• Agricultural streams: 1-3 months

Check current processing times for the most up-to-date estimates.

LMIA fees

The employer pays a $1,000 processing fee per position to ESDC. You (the worker) do not pay for the LMIA — if an employer asks you to pay for it, that's a red flag and likely a violation of immigration regulations.

CRS bonus for LMIA job offers

A valid job offer supported by a positive LMIA adds 50 CRS points for most NOC TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations, and 200 CRS points for senior management positions (NOC TEER 0, major group 00). This can make a significant difference in your Express Entry profile.

LMIA-exempt work permits

Several work permit categories don't require an LMIA:

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The IMP covers work permits that are issued based on broader economic, cultural, or competitive benefits to Canada rather than a specific labour market test. Key categories include:

Intra-company transfers — multinational companies can transfer employees to their Canadian branch without an LMIA. You must have worked for the company for at least one year in the past three years in a senior management, executive, or specialized knowledge role.

CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) professionals — citizens of the US and Mexico in specific professional occupations can get work permits without an LMIA under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.

Reciprocal employment agreements — bilateral agreements between Canada and other countries that allow workers to move between them.

Significant benefit to Canada — a broad category covering workers whose employment provides demonstrated social, cultural, or economic benefits.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

IEC is a popular program for young people (typically 18-35, depending on the country) from countries with a bilateral agreement with Canada. Three categories:

• Working Holiday — open work permit, work for any employer, up to 1-2 years
• Young Professionals — employer-specific, requires a job offer in your field of study
• International Co-op — for students who need a work placement as part of their studies

IEC is one of the easiest ways to get Canadian work experience if you're from an eligible country. Check the IRCC website for the list of participating countries and age limits.

Open work permits

Open work permits let you work for any employer without restrictions. You can't simply apply for one — you must qualify under a specific category:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The most common open work permit. Available to international students who graduated from an eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The length of the PGWP depends on the length of your program:

The PGWP is a critical bridge to PR — the Canadian work experience you gain counts toward the Canadian Experience Class and boosts your CRS score.

Spousal/partner open work permit

If your spouse or common-law partner is in Canada on a valid work permit or study permit (at the master's/PhD level), you may be eligible for an open work permit. This is also available to partners of spousal sponsorship applicants who applied inland.

Bridging open work permit (BOWP)

If you're in Canada on a work permit that's about to expire and you've already submitted a PR application through Express Entry, you can apply for a BOWP to continue working while your PR application is processed.

Vulnerable worker open work permit

For workers experiencing abuse or at risk of abuse in their workplace. This provides an escape route from exploitative employers.

How work experience helps your PR application

Canadian work experience is one of the most valuable assets in the immigration system. Here's how it helps:

CRS points for Express Entry

Canadian work experience also generates cross-factor points when combined with strong language scores or education — potentially adding another 25-50 CRS points.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility

The CEC is one of the three programs under Express Entry and requires:

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the past 3 years
• CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0/1 jobs, CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2/3 jobs
• No education requirement

CEC draws typically have lower CRS cutoffs than Federal Skilled Worker draws because the pool is smaller. Check recent draw results to see current CEC cutoffs.

PNP eligibility

Many PNP streams require or heavily favour candidates with Canadian work experience, particularly in the province. Working in Saskatchewan, for example, strengthens your SINP application significantly.

Applying for a work permit

From outside Canada

1. Get a job offer (and LMIA if required)
2. Gather documents: passport, job offer letter, LMIA (if applicable), proof of funds, police certificates
3. Apply online through the IRCC portal
4. Pay fees: $155 work permit fee + $85 biometrics + $100 open work permit holder fee (if applicable)
5. Provide biometrics at a visa application centre
6. Wait for processing — check current processing times by country
7. Receive your work permit at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada

From inside Canada

If you're already in Canada on a valid status (visitor, student, or existing work permit), you may be able to apply for a new work permit or extend your current one from within Canada.

1. Apply online through the IRCC portal
2. Pay the same fees
3. If you applied before your current permit expired, you have implied status — you can continue working under the same conditions while your application is processed
4. Provide biometrics if required

Common mistakes

1. Working without authorization — this can result in removal from Canada and a ban on future applications. Never work without a valid work permit.
2. Paying for your own LMIA — the employer pays the LMIA fee. If someone asks you to pay, it's likely a scam.
3. Not checking NOC requirements — your job duties must match the NOC code on your work permit and LMIA. Mismatches can cause problems for your PR application.
4. Letting your status lapse — if your work permit expires before you've applied for renewal, you lose implied status and must stop working immediately.
5. Not planning for PR early — don't wait until your work permit is about to expire to start the PR process. Begin planning and gathering documents (language test, ECA) at least a year before expiry.

Work permit to PR: the pathway

The most common pathway from work permit to PR:

1. Get Canadian work experience (at least 1 year in a skilled occupation)
2. Take a language test (IELTS or CELPIP) — aim for CLB 9+
3. Get a WES ECA for your foreign education
4. Create an Express Entry profile
5. Calculate your CRS score — Canadian work experience gives you a significant boost
6. Wait for an ITA or pursue a PNP nomination for the 600-point boost
7. Submit your PR application

With 1+ year of Canadian experience, CLB 9 language scores, and a bachelor's degree, many candidates have competitive CRS scores for CEC draws — even without a PNP nomination.

Resources

• CRS Calculator — see how Canadian work experience affects your score
• Express Entry — overview of the Express Entry system
• Processing times — check work permit processing times by country
• IELTS vs CELPIP — which language test to take
• WES ECA guide — credential assessment for your PR application
• PNP guide — provincial nomination pathways
• Latest immigration news — stay updated on work permit policy changes