How to apply for Canada work permit — IRCC
August 13, 2026 6:55 pm
The Canadian government has reminded foreign nationals travelling to the country that having an electronic travel authorisation or visitor visa does not give them the right to work in Canada.
According to the government, most foreign nationals who want to work in Canada need a valid work permit and must meet the applicable eligibility requirements before beginning employment.
“Having an electronic travel authorisation or visitor visa does not give you the right to work in Canada,” the government stated in guidance shared by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s X handle on Thursday.
The clarification is aimed at preventing visitors from mistakenly assuming that permission to enter Canada also gives them permission to take up employment.
A visitor visa or eTA allows eligible travellers to seek entry to Canada as visitors, but it is not an authorization to work.
Anyone intending to work should determine whether they require a work permit and whether they qualify before accepting employment.
Canada has different types of work permits, including employer-specific work permits and open work permits
An employer-specific work permit generally requires a job offer and restricts the worker to the conditions specified on the permit.
An open work permit, where available, does not require a specific job offer and may allow the holder to work for eligible employers.
IRCC advises prospective applicants to determine which type of permit applies to their circumstances before submitting an application.
How to Apply for a Work Permit
Foreign nationals can apply for a Canadian work permit through different routes, depending on their circumstances.
IRCC provides options to apply from outside Canada, apply from inside Canada or apply at a port of entry, although eligibility for each route varies.
Applicants can begin by signing in to their IRCC account and checking the requirements that apply to their circumstances.
They can also check current processing times and monitor the status of their applications through the Canadian government’s immigration website.
For people looking for employment, Canada’s Job Bank also provides information on employment opportunities, including jobs available to foreign candidates.
Types of Work Permits
There are two main types of work permits.
Employer-specific work permit: A job offer is generally required. The permit specifies the employer and may also specify the location and type of work.
Open work permit: A job offer is generally not required, but applicants must fall within one of the categories eligible for an open work permit.
IRCC also has special instructions for certain categories of workers, including international graduates, students, participants in International Experience Canada programmes and some family members of foreign workers.
Some foreign nationals may also be eligible to work without a work permit under specific exemptions. Applicants are advised to check whether an exemption applies to them before beginning employment.
After Obtaining a Work Permit
Once a person receives authorization to work in Canada, there are additional requirements and services they may need to access.
These include obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN), understanding workplace rights and labour standards, and complying with the conditions attached to the work permit.
Foreign workers who experience workplace abuse can also access government procedures for reporting abusive employers.
IRCC also provides information on extending a work permit, changing jobs or employers where permitted, restoring legal status and pathways that may eventually lead to permanent residence.
Warning Against Unauthorized Work
The Canadian government has warned that working without the required authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
Foreign nationals are therefore advised not to rely on a visitor visa or eTA as permission to work.
The government also encourages prospective workers to use official Canadian immigration channels when applying for work authorization and to understand the requirements before accepting employment.
For applicants, the key distinction is straightforward: a Canadian visitor visa or eTA permits travel as a visitor; it does not, by itself, provide authorization to work.
Those seeking employment in Canada should determine which work-permit category applies to them and follow the appropriate IRCC application process before starting work.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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