Canada Work Permits in 2026: Which Type Do You Need?
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. The right type depends on your employer, your job, your nationality, and your situation.
Two main types
- Employer-specific (closed) work permit. Tied to one employer, one job and one location.
- Open work permit. Lets you work for almost any employer. It is available only in specific situations, such as the post-graduation work permit, certain spousal permits, and bridging permits for people waiting for a permanent residence decision.
LMIA or LMIA-exempt
- LMIA-based. Your employer must first get a Labour Market Impact Assessment showing no Canadian is available for the job. See our LMIA guide.
- LMIA-exempt. Covered by the International Mobility Program, for example intra-company transfers and certain trade agreement categories. See our LMIA-exempt guide.
Canada's 2026 to 2028 plan targets about 170,000 admissions under the International Mobility Program and about 60,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, according to IRCC's levels plan.
What changed
Temporary work permits have tightened. IRCC has narrowed spousal open work permits and post-graduation permits, and changed LMIA rules for employers. IRCC also introduced a time-limited policy on March 13, 2026 to help select workers already in Canada extend their permits. Check IRCC for its current status.
Open work permit types
- Post-graduation work permit
- Spousal open work permit
- Bridging open work permit, for permanent residence applicants whose work permit is about to expire
- International Experience Canada working holiday, for eligible nationalities
Get help from a licensed consultant
Choosing the wrong permit type wastes time and money. I can review your situation and tell you which route fits. No one can guarantee an approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch employers on a closed work permit? Not without a new permit tied to the new employer.
Does an open work permit require a job offer? No, but you must qualify for the specific category.
Do I always need an LMIA? No. Many categories are LMIA-exempt.
Sources: IRCC, Temporary foreign workers; IRCC, work permit pages; law-firm summaries.
This page is general information, not legal advice on your situation.