Canada Work Permit 2026 — Types, LMIA, and How to Apply
Every Canada work permit pathway explained: LMIA-based, LMIA-exempt (IMP), PGWP, spousal open work permits, and IEC — with 2026 fees and processing times.
Two Systems: TFWP vs IMP
Every Canadian work permit falls under one of two federal programs:
| Program | Needs LMIA? | 2026 Admissions Target |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Yes | 60,000 |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | No (LMIA-exempt) | 170,000 |
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan clearly favours the LMIA-exempt route — nearly 3 IMP spots for every 1 TFWP spot. If you can qualify for an IMP category (CUSMA, intra-company transfer, PGWP, IEC, spousal open work permit), you skip the LMIA entirely, saving your employer time and about CAD $1,000.
Major Work Permit Types
| Type | LMIA Required | Open or Employer-Specific |
|---|---|---|
| LMIA-based (TFWP) | Yes — $1,000/position, employer pays | Employer-specific |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | No | Open — any employer |
| Spousal / Common-Law Open Work Permit | No | Open |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | No | Open, ages 18–35 |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | No | Employer-specific |
| Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) | No | Open, for PR applicants already in Canada |
2026 Fees
- Work permit application: CAD $155 per person
- Open Work Permit Holder Fee: +CAD $100 (on top of the $155, so $255 total for any open permit)
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person (most first-time applicants or after a 10-year gap)
- Employer LMIA fee: CAD $1,000 per position, paid by the employer — it is illegal for an employer to pass this cost to the worker
- IMP employer compliance fee: CAD $230, paid by the employer for LMIA-exempt hires
2026 Processing Times
| Permit Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | ~10 days |
| IEC | 2–8 weeks |
| PGWP | 2–5 months |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | 4–16 weeks |
| LMIA-based (after LMIA approval) | 2–8 weeks; LMIA itself takes 30–60 days |
PGWP: The Big One for Students
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is LMIA-exempt, open (any employer, any role), and valid for the length of your program up to a maximum of 3 years. IRCC has frozen the PGWP eligible-program list for 2026 to give current students stability. You must apply within 180 days of receiving your final marks — miss this window and you permanently lose eligibility.
Spousal Open Work Permit — Tightened Rules
Since January 21, 2025, spouses of foreign workers only qualify for an open work permit if the principal worker holds a job in NOC TEER 0 or 1, or a select TEER 2/3 occupation on IRCC's list, with at least 16 months of work authorization remaining. TEER 4 and 5 workers' spouses generally no longer qualify. Graduate students (Master's or PhD) can sponsor a spouse regardless of TEER level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an open and closed (employer-specific) work permit?
An open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada without restriction. A closed permit ties you to one specific employer, job, and location — changing employers usually requires a new permit application, sometimes with a new LMIA.
Do I need an LMIA for every job offer?
No. LMIA-exempt categories under the International Mobility Program cover CUSMA professionals, intra-company transfers, PGWP holders, IEC participants, and several other pathways. Check whether your specific situation qualifies for an exemption before assuming you need one.
Can I start working before my permit is approved?
Generally no, except under "implied status" if you applied to extend an existing work permit before it expired, in which case you may continue working under the same conditions while the extension is processed.