Work in Canada

A post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) is available to international students who have completed an eligible program of study at a designated learning institution in Canada.

In Quebec, most foreign nationals who wish to work temporarily must first obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) before their employer can provide them with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for the work permit application.

A work permit based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is intended for foreign nationals whose prospective employer in Canada has demonstrated the need to hire them because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

A transitional open work permit is available to certain foreign nationals in Quebec who already hold a valid Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) and are awaiting the decision on their permanent residence application.

An open work permit allows certain foreign nationals to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

A work permit without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can be obtained through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which is designed for situations where hiring a foreign worker brings broader economic, cultural, or social benefits to Canada, or where reciprocal opportunities exist for Canadians abroad.

A Working Holiday Permit (Permis Vacances-Travail, PVT) is part of Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program, designed for young citizens of partner countries who want to travel and work in Canada temporarily.