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Canada Work Permit 2026: Types, Eligibility & Application Support
A Canada work permit authorizes foreign nationals to work legally, often as a stepping stone to permanent residence via CRS points (up to 50-200). Options include employer-specific (LMIA-required) and open permits (no LMIA, e.g., spousal, IEC youth).
A work permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer or in some cases, for any employer. Work permits are essential for gaining Canadian work experience and can be a pathway to permanent residence.
Benefits of a Canada Work Permit
- Legal work authorization with durations up to 3 years.
- Gain Canadian experience for Express Entry (50+ CRS points).
- Family accompaniment: Spousal open work permits and child study permits.
- Flexibility in open permits (e.g., IEC for youth 18-35).
- Pathway to PR (e.g., CEC after 1 year skilled work).
Types of Canada Work Permits in 2026
- Employer-Specific (Closed): Tied to one employer/job; usually LMIA-required (TFWP); most common
- Open Work Permits: Any employer (restrictions apply); LMIA-exempt (IMP categories like intra-company transfers, IEC Working Holiday/Young Professionals, PGWP for graduates, spousal for PR applicants/workers/students).
Popular Open Work Permit Categories
- IEC (youth 18-35, open 2025-2026 seasons).
- PGWP (post-graduation, up to 3 years).
- Spousal (for sponsored or high-skilled partners).
- Bridging Open (for PR applicants).
Work in Canada
Build your career
Employer-Specific
Open Work Permit
Determine type/eligibility (LMIA needed?)
Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer and obtain LMIA (if required).
Secure job offer/LMIA (if required—we assist employers)
Gather all required documents including passport, job offer, and qualifications.
Prepare docs (passport, offer, proofs)
Submit your work permit application online through the IRCC portal.
Apply online via IRCC (inside/outside Canada)
Provide biometrics at a designated service point if required.
Biometrics/medical (if requested)
Wait for application processing and respond to any additional requests.
Approval
Receive permit (processing 8-20 weeks average).
Note: Extensions/renewals possible; apply 30+ days early.
Proven Work Permit Success
95% rate across LMIA, open, and extensions.
Employer Relations
Strong relationships with Canadian employers to facilitate job matching and LMIA processes.
Career Pathway Planning
Strategic guidance to use work permits as stepping stones to permanent residence.
Fast Processing
Efficient application preparation to minimize processing times and avoid delays.
Application Support
Complete support from initial assessment to work permit approval and renewal.
Immigration Strategy
Integrated approach connecting work permits to long-term immigration goals.