Most people need a work permit to work in Canada. There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits. Except for a few exceptions, an open work permit is not job-specific and allows you to work for any employer in Canada. An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which includes a specific employer. You may be eligible for an open work permit if you are in one of the following situations:
- Permanent residence applicants who have applied to an office in Canada
- Dependent family members of some permanent residence applicants
- Spouses and common-law partners of some workers and international students
- Refugees, refugee claimants, protected persons and their family members
- Some temporary resident permit holders
- Some young workers participating in special programs
Whether or not you are eligible for a work permit depends on factors such as place where you apply and proof of sufficient funds to take care of yourself and that you will leave Canada on expiry of the work permit.