Work permit: How to apply
Floods in British Columbia
If you were directly affected by the floods, there may be special measures for you.
How to apply
You need to apply online for a work permit. Answer a few questions to find out how to apply.
Ukraine – Apply for an open work permit
As a Ukrainian national, you can apply for an open work permit.
Outside Canada: Apply from outside Canada
Even if your work permit application is approved, you can only travel to Canada if you’re exempt from COVID-19 travel restrictions. In most cases, you must qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller.
To get the forms you need, tell us how you’re applying and where you’re applying from.
Apply online from inside Canada
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
To apply online, you’ll need:
If you have problems applying online
You can submit a paper application if either
- you can’t apply online because of a disability
- there’s a problem with the online application
- In some cases, you may be able to apply online if you follow special instructions.
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
Venezuelan passport holders
You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.
Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool
Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.
Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application
We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.
Fees for open work permits
If you’re applying for an open work permit, make sure you pay all applicable fees:
- work permit fee ($155)
- open work permit holder fee ($100)
COVID-19: Changes to biometrics requirement for in-Canada temporary residence applicants
As a temporary measure, if you’re in Canada and applying to work, study or stay temporarily in Canada, you do not need to give your biometrics. Learn more about the exemption.
Step 5: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:
- pay your fees
- submit your application
- check your status
Inside Canada – Not eligible: Apply online under a public policy
Normally, visitors can’t apply for work permits from inside Canada. Due to COVID-19, visitors can now apply online for an employer-specific work permit by following the steps below.
Who’s eligible
You must
- be physically present in Canada when you apply
- apply for your employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2023
- Applications submitted before or after these dates are not eligible.
- be a visitor with valid status when you apply for the work permit
- If your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit.
Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) holders are also eligible for this public policy.
If you held a work permit in the last 12 months
You may be able to work while we process your application. Find out how.
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
To apply online, you’ll need
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
You should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
Venezuelan passport holders
You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.
Step 3: Know the fees you have to pay
In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application.
COVID-19: Changes to biometrics requirement for in-Canada temporary residence applicants
As a temporary measure, if you’re in Canada and applying to work, study or stay temporarily in Canada, you do not need to give your biometrics. Learn more about the exemption.
Step 4: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- pay your fees
- submit your application forms
- check your status
How to start your application
Once you sign in to your account, you’ll need to
- go to the “Start your application” section on the account welcome page
- click “Apply to come to Canada”
- on the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section
- click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button
Get your document checklist
You must answer some questions. Make sure you answer these questions correctly:
- You would like to work temporarily
- Either less than or more than 6 months
- Your current immigration status is as a visitor
- When asked “Are you applying under the Canada–USA–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) or under a Public Policy related to work permits as announced by IRCC for an employer specific work permit?”, answer “yes”
We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you.
Create an account or sign inIf you can’t apply online
You can submit a paper application if either
- you can’t apply online because of a disability
- there’s a problem with the online application
My work permit has expired, and I have no status in Canada : Apply to restore your status as a worker
If your work permit has expired, you need to apply to restore your status as a worker.
Port of entry – Visa required
You can’t apply for a work permit at a port of entry. You need to follow the instructions for applying for a work permit from outside Canada.
Port of entry – Visa not required
Port of entry – I don’t know if I need a visa
If you’re not sure, you can answer a few questions to find out if you need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to Canada.
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