Employer-Specific Work Permit
Canada
Last updated: December 21, 2025
1-3 years
$113
4-6 months
Medium
About this Visa
This work permit lets you work in Canada for one specific employer. You need a job offer from a Canadian company first. Once approved, you can only work for that employer in that exact job. If you want to switch jobs, you need a new permit. This visa is different from an "open work permit" that lets you work anywhere. The employer-specific permit is more common but harder to get because the employer must prove they cannot find a Canadian worker to do the job. Most permits take 4-6 months to approve. A new fast option (Innovation Stream) is available for certain tech companies and might be quicker.
Key Benefits
- Work legally for your employer
- Your spouse can get an open work permit (if you have a TEER 0/1 job and your permit lasts 16+ months)
- Access to provincial healthcare after 3 months
- Canadian work counts toward permanent residence
- Protected by Canadian labor laws
- Can travel outside Canada and return
- Children cannot come (as of January 2025)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- Must have a confirmed job offer
- Must meet the job requirements
- No criminal record
- Good health (medical exam required)
- Must plan to leave Canada when your permit expires
- Job must be in skill categories TEER 0-3 (for fast-track option)
- No language test required (for now)
Financial Requirement
Show you have enough money to support yourself. No set minimum amount.
Documents
- Valid passportGood for entire stay
- Signed job offer from employerMust be signed by both parties
- Police certificateFrom every country you lived 6+ months
- Medical examRequired if staying 6+ months
- Education certificatesProving you can do the job
- Previous employer lettersShowing your work experience
- Proof of fundsShow you can support yourself
- Employer business documentsProving they are real and can pay you
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.