About the process
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. Answer a few questions if you’re not sure if you need a work permit or which one you should get.
There are 2 types of work permits. Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as
the name of the specific employer you can work for
how long you can work
the location where you can work (if applicable)
Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you
an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)
To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.
If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal
If your employer does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.
Open work permit
An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that