A work permit is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a specific employer and for a specific period of time. There are various types of work permits available, each tailored to different circumstances and types of employment. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Types of Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Closed Work Permit)
   • Tied to one employer, one job, and one location.
   • Requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
   • Commonly used under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
2. Open Work Permit
   • Not job-specific and allows the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada.
   • Does not require an LMIA.
   • Commonly issued to:
     • Spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students.
     • International students who have graduated from a designated learning institution.
     • Refugee claimants and protected persons.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
   • Available to graduates from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions.
   • Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada.
   • Duration depends on the length of the study program, up to a maximum of three years.