20 Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Canada

Updated August 2026. Work and study rules in Canada have changed a lot since the first version of this post. The two points that most affect those planning now: the off-campus work limit for students is 24 hours per week during term time, and since April 1, 2026 it is no longer necessary to obtain permission from co-op separated for mandatory internship. See the complete overview at Summary of the new rules.

Who is allowed to work in Canada?

Most foreigners need a work permit or study permit to work in Canada. You are eligible to work in Canada if:

• Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or
• Have a valid work permit, or
• You are an international student with a valid study permit authorizing you to work in Canada.

As a foreign national, you may be exempt from the work permit requirement under certain conditions that require only a short work stay in Canada, such as if you are a business visitor, short-term researcher, or foreign athlete. If you are not sure whether you need a work permit, check the government website for information specific to your situation.

Are language proficiency tests required to obtain a Canadian work permit?

In most cases, you do not need to take language tests to qualify for a Canadian work permit. However, proof of language proficiency may be required for certain specialized work permits, such as for live-in caregivers. Canadian visa offices in certain countries may also include language test scores as an eligibility requirement for a work permit.

Even though language test results are not required for your work permit application, your application may be denied when passing through immigration if border authorities believe you are not qualified to perform the work due to language barriers or an inability to communicate in English or French.

How much does a Canadian work permit cost?

The application processing fee for an employer-specific work permit in Canada is $155 CAD. For an open work permit, you will need to pay a total of $255 CAD, including an open work permit holder fee of $100 CAD. Regardless of the type of work permit you apply for, you will need to pay a biometrics fee of $85CAD when submitting your application.

You should also account for other costs you may have to incur, such as medical exams, criminal background checks, language tests (if necessary), educational credentials evaluation, document translations, and more.

Do I need a Canadian job offer to apply for a work permit?

You need a valid job offer (so-called Job Offers) from an employer in Canada to apply for an employer-specific work permit. However, if you are eligible for an open work permit, you do not need a job offer.

You can only qualify for an open work permit in Canada if you meet one of the following conditions:* You are an international student who graduated from a Canadian Designated Educational Institution (DLI) and are eligible for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP).

• You have applied for Canada permanent residence or are a dependent of a PR applicant.
• You are the spouse or partner of an international student or temporary foreign worker in Canada.
• You have a temporary residence permit in Canada.
• You are an international student in Canada but can no longer meet the cost of your study program.
• You are a refugee or protected person in Canada.

Can an employer sponsor my work permit in Canada?

There is no employment sponsorship in Canada. If a Canadian employer wants to hire you, in most cases they must request a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to determine the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian job market.

You will need a copy of this LMIA and a formal employment contract from your employer to request an employer-specific work authorization. Employers do not require an LMIA to hire candidates who are eligible for or already have an open work permit.

What is the processing time for Canadian work permits?

The processing time for your work permit application can vary significantly depending on which country you are applying from. Deadlines change constantly and vary greatly by country of origin, always consult the IRCC official deadline tool. As an example of what has already been seen, in February 2023 the processing time for work permit applications filed online made from Brazil is eight weeks. Applications submitted from within Canada may take up to 24 weeks to be processed. The best thing is to always check the government website for the most up-to-date data, as this is constantly changing.

Regardless of the country you are applying from, you may be eligible for two-week processing of your work permit if you have received a job offer under the Global Talent Stream.

Can I include my family in my Canadian work permit application?

Your immediate family members, such as your spouse, common-law partner or dependent children, may be included in your work permit application. If your application is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, study permit (provided they have been accepted into a Canadian university or college), or visitor registration for the duration of your work permit.

Your children can also accompany you to Canada as visitors or on a study permit if they are enrolled in a Canadian-designated educational institution.

Other family members, including your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces or nephews, cannot be included in your work permit application and cannot accompany you to Canada on the basis of your work permit.

What is the age limit for a Canadian work permit? Foreign workers must be at least 18 years of age to qualify for a Canadian work permit. In most cases, there is no upper age limit for Canadian work permits. The only exception is for work permits issued under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, where applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age. Some countries under the IEC program have different age limits to qualify for a Canadian work permit.

Can international students work in Canada?

As an international student in Canada, you may be eligible to work while studying if your study permit has a condition that indicates you are permitted to work on or off campus in Canada. If your study permit allows it, you do not need a separate work permit.

You can typically work on campus if you have a valid study permit, a Social Security Number (SIN) and are enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution as a full-time student. To be eligible for off-campus work, you must:

• Have a valid study permit
• Have a SIN *Already studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional study program or in a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• Be enrolled in a study program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

If your study permit does not allow you to work in Canada, but you meet the above eligibility criteria, you can request that a work condition be added to your study permit.

READ ALSO: “How to obtain a Social Security Number (SIN) when arriving in Canada: Complete guide”

If your program of study includes a co-op or internship period and completion of the internship is a requirement for graduation, you will need to apply for a co-op work permit or internship separately.

Historical note: a temporary exemption once applied to some study permit holders whose co-op placements ended by December 31, 2023. That measure has expired and should not be treated as a current rule. Confirm today’s co-op work permit requirements directly with IRCC.

Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?

You are not allowed to work in Canada on a visitor visa (also called a tourist visa). Visitors cannot legally engage in any commercial activities while in Canada.

As a visitor, you are permitted to seek employment in Canada, but you cannot begin working for a Canadian employer until you have a Canadian work permit or permanent residency.

Can I convert my visitor visa to a work permit in Canada?

Normally, visitors to Canada cannot simply convert their visitor status into a work permit from within the country. A temporary public policy once allowed some visitors with a valid job offer to apply for an employer-specific work permit without leaving Canada, but the federal government ended that policy on August 28, 2024. Applications submitted before that date continue to be processed. Today, the regular eligibility rules apply again, with limited exceptions depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Always confirm your situation on the official IRCC page before making travel or employment decisions.

Is it easy to get a job in Canada?

I don’t want to discourage you, but it’s important to point out that Canadian employers prefer to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents, so it’s easier to find a job in Canada if you already have one of these statuses. Add to this the fact that the process of hiring qualified foreign workers is neither very simple nor very cheap.

Most employers require a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to confirm that there are no Canadian workers available to fill a position before they can offer jobs to foreign workers. Additionally, even after an employer receives a positive LMIA, it can take a long time for a foreign worker to obtain a work permit, making it inconvenient for employers looking to fill immediate job openings.

However, it is not news that Canada faces a shortage of skilled workers in many sectors, so employers in certain sectors often turn to foreign workers. If you are a foreign worker with experience in an in-demand occupation, it may be easier to get a Canadian job offer and qualify for a work permit. The same goes for temporary residents in Canada who meet the requirements already mentioned, everything will depend on your experience and market needs.

How to look for a job in Canada

If you are looking for a job in Canada, there are several ways to find job opportunities. Some of them include:

• Searching for job postings: Popular job portals in Canada include the government’s Job Bank , LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, Workopolis and Grabjobs. If you have a list of employers you’re interested in working with, it’s also a good idea to track the jobs listed on their website’s career pages.
• Networking: Canada has a large hidden job market, and up to 65 to 80 percent of available jobs are not posted online or advertised. Instead, they are filled through employer networks. Networking can give you access to the hidden job market, references and insights into the industry and work culture. You can start to build your network in Canada through LinkedIn, networking events and coffee chats.
• Registration with employment agencies: Employment agencies such as Randstad Canada, Hays Canada and Robert Half match job seekers to open positions among their networks of employers.
• Attend Job Fairs: Job fairs are a great place to find entry-level jobs or jobs in a particular industry.
• Volunteering: Volunteering is part of Canadian culture. As a job seeker, volunteering can give you the opportunity to work closely with professionals from different sectors and get some (unpaid) Canadian experience under your belt.

How to write a resume for jobs in CanadaThe Canadian-style resume may be different from the one used in your home country. In general, there are three types of resume formats in Canada: reverse chronological, functional and combined. Your ideal CV will depend on several factors, including the length of your work history, employment gaps if any, and whether you are transitioning into a different industry or role.

Preparing a resume that impresses employers goes beyond choosing the right format. In Canada, most employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to pre-list resumes that match the job description, so it’s important to personalize your resume for each position using relevant keywords from the job posting. Another key difference is that Canadian resumes highlight your achievements in each job position rather than your job responsibilities.

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How to get a job in Canada without Canadian work experience

A lack of Canadian experience can be an obstacle for some newcomers looking for a job in Canada. Employers are more likely to hire candidates who are familiar with Canadian work culture and have the interpersonal and technical skills needed for a specific role.

However, the definition of Canadian experience is quite broad and is not limited to paid or full-time work. Instead, you can get valuable Canadian experience on your resume by volunteering or finding a part-time or survival job. Many of my friends started out washing dishes and doing all kinds of chores before they found themselves in technical roles today. You must keep in mind that you need to be prepared for everything, but only for a short period of time.

Why is networking so important in Canada?

Networking is an integral part of Canada’s work culture, and as a newcomer or even still in Brazil, this process can play a huge role in your job search. Depending on the sector, between 65 and 80% of job openings in Canada are filled through networks of recruiters or hiring managers. Your professional network can help you tap into this hidden job market through introductions, references, and employer recommendations.

Your network can also be valuable when you’re researching a particular industry or company, familiarizing yourself with technical jargon, learning about an organization’s hiring process, learning how to refine your resume or improving your elevator pitch, or evaluating whether a particular company is right for you.

Even after you land your first job in Canada, your network will continue to play a role in your career growth. Once you’ve established meaningful connections with professionals in your field, you can rely on them for career advice, guidance and access to their networks. You have no idea how human resources in Canada make a real CSI of your profile. They call to check in with everyone, so having friends here never hurts.

READ ALSO: “Most in-demand jobs in Quebec for newcomers”

Are work permit holders eligible for provincial health insurance in Canada?

Eligibility criteria for provincial health coverage varies by province. All provinces and territories allow work permit holders to qualify for publicly funded health care. However, depending on your province or territory, you may need a work permit valid for at least six or 12 months to qualify for your provincial/territorial health plan. To be eligible for provincial health coverage, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island require a work permit duration of at least six months, while Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the three territories require temporary foreign workers to have a valid work permit for at least 12 months.

READ ALSO: “How to request your health card in Quebec (RAMQ)”

British Columbia, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut have a waiting period of up to three months before you qualify for provincial or territorial health coverage.

Can I get Canadian permanent residency if I have a work permit?

Having a work permit does not automatically qualify you for permanent residence in Canada. However, the work experience you gain while in Canada with a valid work permit may make it easier to qualify for public relations.

If you have at least one year of Canadian experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation, you may be eligible to apply for your PR under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry program or Programme régulier des travailleurs qualifiés (PRTQ) through ARRIMA in Quebec.

If you plan to apply for permanent residency under the Federal Skilled Worker, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Express Entry stream of a Provincial Nominee Program, you can earn between 40 and 80 extra Comprehensive Rating System (CRS) points for one to five years of Canadian experience. Additionally, you may be eligible for up to 100 CRS points for skills transferability if you also have a higher education credential and work experience abroad. These additional points can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for Canadian permanent residency.

Is it possible to extend my Canadian work permit?

You can apply for an extension or change to your Canadian work permit if you have:

• An employer-specific work permit and your work is extended. Your employer may require a new LMIA before you can submit your extension request. Please note that if your role or pay changes, you are offered a different job by the same employer or you want to work for a different company, you will need to apply for a change to your work permit.
• An open work permit and you are eligible to continue working in Canada.

You must apply for a work permit extension at least 30 days before your current status in Canada expires. It is important to note that your work permit cannot be extended beyond the expiration date of your passport. If your passport is due to expire soon, you must first renew your passport and then apply for a work permit extension.

To apply for a work permit extension, you must:

• Complete your work permit extension application online on the IRCC website.
• Attach the necessary documents including your existing work permit, proof of employment, passport and the new LMIA your employer received.
• Pay the application processing fee of $155 CAD for an employer-specific work permit or $255 CAD for an open work permit. If you submitted your biometrics when you first applied for your work permit, you will not need to pay biometric fees again.
• Submit your application. If you applied for an extension before your work permit expired and the conditions of your employment have not changed, you can continue working under your initial work permit (same employer, role and location) while your application is being processed. If your employment conditions have changed, you will not be able to start your new job until your work permit is reissued.

Can I work a job in Canada with a Working Holiday Visa?

If you are in Canada on a working holiday visa, you can work in any industry or organization in Canada as long as you are not on the ineligible list. The Visa Working Holiday is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and allows young people from 30 countries to travel and work in Canada temporarily. The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit and you do not need a job offer to qualify. While in Canada, you can search for jobs, work for any eligible employer in any location, and even switch jobs.

Your open working holiday visa does not allow you to work for ineligible employers, including organizations that offer striptease, escort services and erotic massages. There may also be restrictions on working in certain regulated occupations, such as education and healthcare, as these professionals require a provincial license to practice in Canada. You may also need to be registered with a federal, provincial, or territorial regulator to work in other occupations, such as law, engineering, architecture, and more.

Concluding

As a newcomer, working in Canada allows you to gain global work experience and, for many, can be a stepping stone to settling in Canada permanently. However, not everyone is legally allowed to work in Canada. Most foreigners require a job offer to qualify for a work permit. If you are moving to Canada as a permanent resident everything becomes easier as you can work for any Canadian employer without any restrictions and you can start applying for jobs in Canada before you arrive.

For those arriving as a student or holder of an open or closed work permit, the benefits and opportunities may not be the same. Just keep in mind that you are not out of this fight. Canada values ​​its workforce above all else, regardless of creed, race or culture. It is a market full of opportunities that needs a lot of manpower to grow and is not willing to waste professionals. I arrived here at 43 years old, went to college, did an internship and am in my second job in just 3 years as a professional in Quebec. This in itself shows that nothing is impossible when we complete all the stages of a life project. I could even have come with a closed work visa if I had more information about the process, something that you, the reader, have much more of today.

Well, I think now you have a better idea of ​​how this work dynamic works in Canada. I hope this content can help you with your project. If you want more tips like this, sign up for our newsletter to receive updates about life in Quebec and your first steps as a newcomer.

See you in the next post! 😉