Employer-specific work permits
There are 2 types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.
To be eligible for an employer-specific work permit, you need to meet certain requirements. Also, your Canadian employer needs to take steps before you can apply.
On this page
- What is an employer-specific work permit
- What you need to apply
- Ask your employer about a labour market impact assessment
- Is this the right permit for you
- Apply for an employer-specific work permit
What is an employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada under the conditions of the permit until the expiry date. The details are listed on your permit under the following sections:
- Additional Information – includes the employer, location and occupation
- Conditions – consists of a numbered list of requirements you need to meet
- Remarks – may contain additional clarifications or conditions that you may need to meet
See an example of a work permit.
Sample of the current version of an IMM 1442 work permit
You must comply with all the information listed on your work permit.
Popular employer-specific work permits
What you need to apply
To apply for an employer-specific work permit, you need
- to have a job offer from an employer who’s not on the list of non-compliant employers
- to meet the general requirements for all work permit applicants
Some people don’t need a work permit to work in Canada. If you need a work permit and don’t yet have one, you can’t
- legally work in Canada or
- write on a job application that you’re legally allowed to work in Canada
Don’t have a job offer?
Ask your employer about a labour market impact assessment
A labour market impact assessment (LMIA) is a document that proves there’s a need to hire a foreign worker to fill the job. Most jobs need an LMIA.
Before you apply for a work permit, your employer needs to
- find out if they need an LMIA for your job or if it’s LMIA-exempt
- apply for an LMIA (if needed)
- give you documents, like an LMIA letter and Annex A from their positive LMIA, which you’ll need to include in your application
Are you an employer?
Find out if you need an LMIA to hire a temporary foreign worker.
Is this the right work permit for you
Answer a few questions to find out
- if an employer-specific work permit is right for you
- if you need to follow special instructions to apply
Apply for an employer-specific work permit
The instructions to apply for a work permit vary depending on where you’re applying.