Understand the consequences of unauthorized work
It’s illegal to work in Canada without authorization. In most cases, you need a valid work permit to work in Canada.
Consequences of unauthorized work can include
- being removed from Canada
- having a permanent record of fraud with IRCC
- being banned from returning to Canada for 5 years
- impacting your chances of having future applications approved, including for permanent residence
- facing unsafe work conditions
- being the victim of wage theft
- being the victim of abuse and threats
- being the victim of forced or unpaid labour
Learn about your rights and the conditions of your permit to avoid the serious consequences of unauthorized work.
On this page
Visitors
Having a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) or visitor visa does not give you the right to work in Canada. In most cases, you need a work permit to work in Canada.
Most visitors in Canada are not eligible to apply for a work permit in Canada.
Workers
In most cases, you need a valid work permit to work in Canada. This is your first step to working legally in Canada. Use our online tool to find out if you need a work permit to work in Canada.
Know the warning signs of fraud
You may be getting scammed if someone
- promises you a work permit or a job offer to work in Canada if you pay them
- tells you they will help you become a permanent resident if you work for them
- asks you to send documents or payment through social media
- tells you that you can stay in Canada for much longer than the length of your work permit
- offers your free room and board in exchange for work in Canada
Learn more about how to protect yourself from immigration and citizenship fraud.
Understand the conditions on your work permit
Read your work permit carefully. It sets out all the conditions for working in Canada. If you don’t meet those conditions, you may become inadmissible and subsequently be removed from Canada.
Extend your work permit before it expires
You should apply to extend your work permit at least 30 days before your current permit expires. This extension allows you to stay in Canada legally until a decision is made on your application, which means you’ll be on maintained status.
If you’re a worker on maintained status and you leave Canada, you’ll lose the ability to work when you return. You won’t be able to work until your application to extend your work permit is approved.
Change the conditions on your work permit
You can apply to make changes to the conditions on your work permit, such as
- the type of work you can do
- the employers you can work for
- where you can work
- For example, you need a medical exam to be able to work in certain sectors, such as health care. You can remove the medical conditions on where you can work once you get a medical exam.
When your work permit expires
You must stop working if you’re still in Canada and either of the following happens:
- Your permit expired before you applied for a new work permit.
- You didn’t respect the conditions of your permit.
If you’re allowed to work without a work permit
Some people can work without a work permit in Canada. If this applies to you, you must have valid temporary resident status while working.
If you received a visitor record to work without a work permit, be sure to
- read all the conditions carefully and
- extend your authorized stay before it expires
Understand your rights as a foreign worker
Canada’s labour laws
As a temporary foreign worker, you’re protected by Canada’s labour laws.
Your employer
- must pay you for your work
- must make sure that your workplace is safe
- can’t take your passport or work permit away from you
Each province and territory has an employment or labour standards office that deals with labour and employment laws. They can talk to you about fair pay, hours of work, rest periods and working conditions, and they can provide other services as well.
You don’t need your employer’s permission to contact these employment or labour standard offices or to go to their websites. You also can’t be punished or deported for contacting them to learn more about Canada’s labour laws.
Most occupations are covered under provincial and territorial laws. However, federal labour and employment laws may apply if you work for
- the federal government
- a bank
- a company that transports goods between provinces
- a telecommunications company
- most businesses owned and run by the federal government
More information on your rights as a foreign worker
Find out more about your rights if you’re hired under the International Mobility Program.
Find out more about your rights if you’re hired under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Employment agreements
If you have an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you an employment agreement. You and your employer must sign the agreement, which should include
- the details of your job
- the conditions of your employment
- the highest number of hours you will work in a week
- how much you will be paid for your work
The laws on hours of work and overtime (extra time or time worked after regular hours) depend on the province or territory you’re working in.
Your agreement may also have details about any money coming out of your pay for programs like the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance.
Always keep a copy of your agreement for your records. You and your employer must always follow the agreement. If you disagree about work details in the future, having a copy may help you.
Contact your local employment or labour standards office to learn more about employment contracts.
Students
International students and recent graduates in Canada have options to work legally in Canada.
Work while you study
You can work as an international student in Canada if your study permit lists a condition that says you’re allowed to work on or off campus:
Pay close attention to the number of hours you can work off campus.
Working more hours than you’re allowed is a violation of your study permit conditions. You can lose your student status for not meeting the conditions, and your future study or work permit applications may not be approved. You may also have to leave the country.
Work after you graduate
To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. Some graduates are eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). If you’re not eligible for a PGWP, you may still be able to work in Canada after you graduate.
Find out if you’re eligible for another type of work permit.
If you’ve applied for a PGWP, you can work full-time until we make a decision on your work permit application if you
- had a valid study permit when you submitted your application
- completed your study program
- were eligible to work off campus without a work permit while studying and didn’t work more hours than you were allowed to
If these conditions don’t apply to you, you must wait until your work permit arrives to begin your new job. It’s illegal to work in Canada without authorization.