Detailed information about the different types of Canada Work Permits is given below:
|
Work Permit Type |
Details / Who it’s for |
|
Employer-Specific Work Permit |
Allows you to work only for the employer named on your permit, in a specific role and location. Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt job offer submitted through the Employer Portal. |
|
Open Work Permit |
Lets you work for almost any employer in Canada. Does not require a job offer or LMIA but is available only in specific cases such as international graduates (PGWP), spouses/partners of eligible workers or students, and PR applicants (Bridging Open Work Permit). |
|
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
A type of open work permit for international students who have completed a qualifying program at a Canadian institution, allowing them to gain Canadian work experience. |
|
Spousal Open Work Permit |
An open permit for spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled foreign workers or international students, enabling them to work for any employer in Canada. |
|
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) |
Available to workers who have applied for permanent residence and are waiting for a decision, allowing them to continue working while their application is processed. |
|
International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit |
Issued under LMIA exemptions (e.g., intra-company transferees, CUSMA professionals, youth exchange programs) to promote Canada’s economic, social, and cultural interests. |