This application for a work permit is for non-Canadian citizens who plan to work in Canada. To complete this application, you will need to provide a reason for being granted a temporary resident visa and explain what type of job you want to take on in Canada, among other details.

Are you looking for a job in Canada? Maybe you’re a businessman and have the need to relocate to the country. Either way, you will have to secure a valid work permit in order to make your stay in Canada legal. It is important that you begin this process not later than 90 days before your intended visit. If you are still unclear about the procedure, we’ve prepared this helpful guide.

A person can live and work in Canada for up to 3 months without a work permit but beyond that period, a valid work permit is required. Without a work authorization from the government, foreign workers are not allowed to work in the country.

How do I come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker?

To come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you must get a work permit. There are different kinds of work permits.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you need a work permit to work legally in Canada.

In general, you need to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa office before you come to Canada. For these work permits:

• You need to get a job offer from a Canadian employer before you apply.
• The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
• ESDC will decide whether the employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job.

There are special work permits for some kinds of workers. For example, there are special work permit programs for caregivers, business people and agricultural workers.

For more information, go to Working Temporarily in Canada on the IRCC website.

If You Are in Canada

If you are already in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a special type of work permit.

For more information, go to Eligibility to Apply from Inside Canada.

Work Permits are Temporary

You cannot use a work permit to immigrate to Canada. If you want to come to Canada as a permanent resident based on your work skills and experience, see if you qualify to apply as a skilled worker.