Employer-specific permits
LMIA-supported and eligible LMIA-exempt applications, including review of the job, employer documents and applicant qualifications.
Temporary residence · Work in Canada
Canada work permit guidance for changing circumstances
Work-permit eligibility can depend on the job, employer, family relationship, studies, permanent residence application and current status. MZIC helps you identify the correct category and the evidence it requires.
Understanding the permit
Start with the legal basis for working in Canada
A Canadian work permit may be employer-specific or open. Employer-specific applications can involve an LMIA or an LMIA-exempt category, while open work permits are available only to people who meet the requirements of an authorized category.
The application should be assessed together with the person’s current status, job details, employer documents, qualifications, immigration history and timing. A job offer by itself does not automatically establish work-permit eligibility.
Work permit services
Guidance across common work-permit categories
Open work permits
Assessment of authorized categories, including potentially eligible spouses and other applicants whose circumstances may permit open work authorization.
PGWP and BOWP
Review of post-graduation work permit eligibility or bridging options connected to an eligible permanent residence application.
Extensions and refusals
Status and timing review, extension strategy, refusal assessment, restoration considerations and reapplication where appropriate.
Where MZIC can help
Match the application to the correct category and evidence
Work permits are not interchangeable. Each category has its own legal basis, eligibility requirements, conditions and supporting documents.
- 01
Category assessment
Review the proposed work, employer, family or study connection, PR stage and potentially relevant exemption or open-permit category.
- 02
Status and timing review
Identify expiry dates, maintained-status considerations, restoration issues and when an application may be submitted.
- 03
Document strategy
Plan applicant and employer evidence, proof of qualifications, relationship documents and supporting explanations.
- 04
Application support
Assist with forms, evidence and submissions, or provide a detailed review before filing, according to the retained scope.
Related pathways
Work authorization may connect to study or permanent residence
A graduate’s study history may affect PGWP eligibility, while some permanent residence applicants may later qualify for a BOWP. Review the related pathway rather than assuming the work permit is automatic.
Common questions
Canada work permit FAQs
Do all Canadian work permits require an LMIA?
No. Some employer-specific work permits are supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment, while other categories are LMIA-exempt. Open work permits are available only in situations authorized by the immigration rules.
Can the spouse of a worker or student always obtain an open work permit?
No. Spousal open work permit eligibility depends on the principal applicant’s status, program or occupation and the requirements in effect at the time of application.
Is every graduate eligible for a post-graduation work permit?
No. PGWP eligibility depends on factors such as the school, program, mode and length of study, study history, status and any field-of-study or language requirements that apply.
When can someone apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit?
A BOWP is available only to certain permanent residence applicants who meet the applicable program, application-stage, status and location requirements. Creating an Express Entry profile or receiving a provincial nomination alone may not be enough.
Can I continue working after my work permit expires?
It depends on whether a qualifying extension application was submitted before expiry and whether the conditions for maintained status and continued work authorization are met. The person’s exact status and application history should be reviewed before working.
Official information
Work permit eligibility and procedures can change
Confirm current eligibility, employer requirements, open work permit categories and application procedures directly through IRCC.
Review Work in Canada on Canada.ca ↗Discuss your work permit
Get advice before choosing a work-permit category
Book a consultation with Edmonton RCIC Mouli Tasnuva to review eligibility, status, documentation concerns and practical next steps.