If you are from another country, a Canadian work permit allows you to get a job in Canada. In most cases, you need a permit to work in Canada. You can sometimes work in Canada without a job or permit.

You must apply to all places:

• Prove to the officer that you intend to leave Canada once your work permit expires.
• Show that you can afford to support yourself and your family during your stay and return home.
• It would help if you obeyed the law and you cannot have a criminal record (we might ask for a police clearance).
• Not be a threat to Canada’s national security
• Have good health and, if needed, a medical exam.
• Not plan to work for a company listed as “ineligible”.
• Do not work for an employer that offers regular stripteases, erotic dancing, escort services, or erotic massaging.
• Give the officer all the documents that they request to prove your entry into the country.

If you’re currently working in Canada and have applied for permanent residency, you might be eligible for an open bridging work permit. This is if your current work permit expires in less than four months. You can continue working while our decision is made on your permanent residence application. You have to have applied for permanent residence under the following categories:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program,
• Canadian Experience Class,
• Federal Skilled Trades Program,
• Provincial Nominee Program,
• Care for Children class, or
• Care for people with high medical needs class.

You must also:

• Currently in Canada
• have valid status on a work permit that is due to expire within four months,
• Select “Open Work Permit” when you fill out your work permit form.
• Pay the Work Permit Processing Fee and the Open Working Permit Holder Fee.

The processing time for a Work Permit is completely dependent on how well you have completed your application and where you submitted it. It can take anywhere from 1 to 27 weeks to process a Canadian work permit. Learn more by visiting our page about Canada Visa Processing Times in 2021.