Work Permits · 2026 Guide

Canada Work Permits:
Every path to working in Canada.

Whether you need an LMIA-based work permit, a free-trade visa, or an open work permit as a spouse or graduate, we help you find the right path and apply with confidence. Expert guidance from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) based in Vancouver.

Free Assessment Explore all 22 permits
Experience
30+ years
Certification
RCIC R411151
Languages
English · Español
Based in
Vancouver, B.C.
Index
22 visas · 04 programs
01
TFWP
Temporary Foreign Worker Program — requires LMIA
07
Visas
02
IMP
International Mobility Program — LMIA exempt
09
Visas
03
Open Permits
Work for any Canadian employer — no job offer
05
Visas
04
Entrepreneur
Business owner permits — LMIA exempt
02
Visas
Reference Map

All 22 Canada work permits, mapped

A complete reference to the federal work-permit streams available to foreign nationals — organized by program, selection criteria, and eligibility pathway. Click any category to explore the visas it contains.

L1 · Root
Reference Map · Work Permits

Working visas in Canada

22Visas
04Programs
14Categories
L2 · Programs
L3 · Category · L4 · Visas Temporary Foreign Worker Program — 7 visas requiring an LMIA
Choose a category on the left to view its visas.
L3 · Category · L4 · Visas International Mobility Program — 9 LMIA-exempt streams
Choose a category on the left to view its visas.
L3 · Category · L4 · Visas Open Work Permits — 5 visas that don’t require a job offer
Choose a category on the left to view its visas.
L3 · Category · L4 · Visas Entrepreneur Permits — 2 LMIA-exempt business streams
Choose a category on the left to view its visas.
How we work

From consultation to approved permit

A clear four step process designed to maximize your chances of approval while keeping you informed every step of the way.

01

Free consultation

We review your situation, identify eligible work permits, and outline realistic timelines. No commitment required.

02

Strategy & documents

We build your application strategy, prepare all forms, and guide you through the exact documents IRCC will require.

03

Submission to IRCC

We submit your complete application and handle all communications with IRCC or ESDC on your behalf.

04

Approval & arrival

We support you through approval, port of entry procedures, and next steps once you’re legally working in Canada.

Frequently asked questions about work permits

No. Only TFWP permits require an LMIA. The International Mobility Program (IMP), open work permits, and entrepreneur streams are LMIA exempt, covering over 15 different pathways.

With 22 federal streams available, the right work permit depends on your citizenship, job offer, experience, and goals. An RCIC reviews your case and identifies the pathway with the highest approval chances.

Not always. Employer specific permits (LMIA, intra-company, free trade) need a job offer. Open work permits (PGWP, spousal, IEC Working Holiday) don’t require one.

Yes. Your spouse usually qualifies for a Spousal Open Work Permit if you hold a skilled work permit (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3). Dependent children can apply for study permits and attend Canadian public schools.

Yes. Canadian work experience boosts your eligibility for Express Entry, PNPs, and the Canadian Experience Class. A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) lets you keep working while your PR is processed.

Processing times vary by stream. The Global Talent Stream offers 2 week expedited processing. Standard LMIA based permits take 2 to 6 months. Always check the official IRCC processing time tool for current estimates.

Only RCICs, lawyers, and Quebec notaries are legally authorized to represent you before IRCC. A licensed RCIC is accountable to the CICC, trained in immigration law, and dramatically reduces refusal risk.

Ready to start

Your Canadian work permit starts with a conversation.

Book a free assessment with a licensed RCIC. We’ll identify the right permit for your situation.

Free Assessment
30+years RCIC R411151 English · Español Vancouver, B.C.