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First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check whether you need a permit at all

Work permitsWork out what you needStep 2 of 7

BlockedDecides everything after · RequiredYou are here

2. Employer-specific or open

There are exactly two kinds.

Waiting on: Check whether you need a permit at all

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 2 of 7 · RequiredClose

Employer-specific or open

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepEmployer-specific work permitscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

There are exactly two kinds. An employer-specific permit names your employer, your job and your location, and you must follow every condition printed on it. An open permit lets you work for almost any employer, with no job offer needed. Most people applying from outside Canada aren't eligible for one.

Why it's required: This choice decides whether your employer has work to do before you can even apply. Get it wrong and the application is built on the wrong foundation.

Employer-specificJob offer neededThe employer, job and location are printed on the permit itself.

Open permitNo job offerOnly in specific situations, and usually applied for from inside Canada.

Open permit fee$100 extraThe open work permit holder fee, on top of the $155 permit fee.

Documents you'll need

Your job offer, if you have one
Your current status in Canada, if you are already here
Which open-permit situation you might fall under

Before this step

Not startedCheck whether you need a permit at all

Finishing this unlocks: Job offer from a Canadian employer, Apply for the work permit