What is a work permit?

• Employer-specific work permit: These permits restrict the work you can legally do in Canada by specifying your employer, the location of your work and the duration of your work. The duration of the permit depends on the duration of the job offer. The fee to apply for an employer-specific work permit starts at $155.

• Open work permit: These permits are less restrictive than employer-specific permits. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada (with a few exceptions), in any location. Open work permits are typically valid for one to three years, depending on the specific type of permit. However, the duration of your work permit is fixed. The fee to apply for an open work permit starts at $255.

There are also specific open work permits for certain categories of people. For example, the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) allows graduates of a designated learning institution (DLI) to work in Canada for eight months to three years, depending on the length of the study program they have completed. A bridging open work permit (BOWP) is for people who have applied for, or will soon apply for, permanent residency. 

Read more about working in Canada by visiting the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government department that oversees immigration programs, refugee protection, citizenship services and issuing Canadian travel documents. 

Example: Diego came to Canada from Mexico and currently resides in Ontario. He has applied for refugee status and is waiting for the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada to decide on his refugee claim. In the meantime, Diego has applied for an open work permit so that he can support himself in Canada.

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Read more for newcomers:

• Common questions from newcomers about working in Canada
  What’s a SIN number? How do you apply for a work permit? Can you work on a tourist visa? We answer these and other questions from newcomers to Canada.
• The best cities in Canada for work for newcomers
  Moving to Canada or new to the country? These six major cities have many job opportunities in different fields—plus we look at the cost of living in each.
• Credit scores and credit reports: What newcomers to Canada need to know
  As a newcomer to Canada, if you plan to borrow money or apply for a credit card, it helps to understand how credit scores and credit reports can affect you.
• What is the equivalent of fixed deposits in Canada? Finance terms in Canada vs. India
  Some financial products in Canada are similar to what’s available in India, like fixed deposits and GICs. Check out our list.

About MoneySense Editors

MoneySense editors and journalists work closely with leading personal finance experts in Canada. Since 1999, our award-winning magazine has helped Canadians navigate money matters.

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