Work Permit

There are two types of Work Permit to work and live in Canada. 

Types of work permits

Employer-specific work permit

An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as:

  • the name of the specific employer you can work for
  • how long you can work
  • the location where you can work (if applicable)

Open work permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that:

  • is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
  • regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

What is considered work?

Work is any activity that:

  • you are paid to do, or
  • you are not paid to do but is a job that:
    • you would usually be paid for, or
    • would be a valuable work experience for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (for example, an unpaid intern).

Pay includes money or commission:

  • an employer gives you,
  • you receive for a service, or
  • you receive for any other activity.

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