Welcome to Canada. If you are new here—whether as an immigrant, refugee, student or temporary foreign worker—you likely want to find employment and start earning as soon as possible. This guide explains who can legally work in Canada, how to apply for a work permit, what documents you need, where to look for work, and what to watch for in job offers and hiring practices.
Who can legally work in Canada?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can work in Canada without a work permit. Permanent resident (PR) status is granted through immigration programs for skilled workers and other streams. Examples include federal programs for skilled workers and trade workers, as well as provincial and territorial immigration streams. Use government eligibility tools to determine which program suits your profile.
Foreign nationals who are not permanent residents may be able to work through temporary pathways. Options include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which has several streams and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from an employer to show the need to hire a foreign worker. Caregivers and certain other temporary workers can sometimes apply for permanent residence after meeting work experience and other criteria.
International students enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution for a qualifying program can work on and off campus under specific conditions and may be eligible for a post-graduate work permit after graduation. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and other immigration programs allow people who gain Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency later. The International Experience Class also lets eligible youth live and work in Canada for a limited time. Some work permits are employer-specific; others are open and allow work for any employer in eligible situations.
How do I apply for a work permit to work in Canada?
Work permit applications are typically submitted online. An online tool helps you determine whether you need a work permit and which type applies: employer-specific or open. Application fees apply and processing times vary based on your country of residence. The length of a work permit depends on the job offer or, for students, the program length. If you plan to pursue permanent residence, you may need to renew your permit until you meet the eligibility requirements for PR. Apply to extend a permit well before its expiry—ideally at least 30 days in advance.
What do I need to legally work in Canada?
Everyone working in Canada—citizens, permanent residents and temporary workers—needs a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply for your SIN, keep it confidential, and only provide it to an employer after you are hired for tax and payroll purposes. Do not include your SIN on job applications or share it unnecessarily.
Can refugees work in Canada?
If you arrived in Canada as a refugee claimant, you may be eligible to work or study while your claim is processed. Apply for a work permit or study permit as required. In many cases, permit application fees are waived while you await a decision on your claim.
How many hours can international students work in Canada?
Full-time international students with the proper conditions on their study permit can work off-campus up to the permitted weekly limit during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work may have no hour limits for eligible students. Rules and allowable hours can change, so check the current limits that apply to your study permit. After graduation, a post-graduate work permit allows full-time work and can lead to the work experience required for some permanent residency programs.
Can I change a tourist visa to a work visa in Canada?
Policies change over time. Currently, visitors generally cannot convert a tourist status to a work permit from inside Canada; temporary measures that previously allowed this have ended. Check the most recent guidance before making plans.
What is the legal age to work in Canada?
The minimum working age varies by province or territory, by industry and by the nature of the job. Some roles—especially in entertainment or hazardous industries—may require additional permits or parental consent for youth workers. Check provincial or territorial employment standards for the exact age rules where you plan to work.
How do I find work in Canada?
After obtaining your SIN, begin your job search. Numerous government-funded and non-profit organizations provide free services for newcomers, including job postings, résumé writing, interview practice and language classes in English and French. Government job banks and local settlement agencies can help you find listings and prepare for the Canadian labour market. Many of these services are available in multiple languages and are geared specifically to newcomers’ needs.
What information can potential employers ask for?
Employers should only request information relevant to your ability to perform the job. You are not required to provide personal details such as your SIN, date of birth, race, religion, or gender identity during the application process. Human rights laws prohibit discriminatory hiring practices. Be cautious of job scams—legitimate employers will not ask for money to confirm a job, nor will they request sensitive personal information before you are hired. If in doubt, consult a government or non-profit job search service for verification.
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What is included in a job offer?
A clear job offer should state the scope of work, salary or wages, hours, schedule, benefits, vacation and sick leave, and any probationary terms. Before accepting an offer, consider having a settlement or employment support agency review it to ensure the terms and compensation are fair and aligned with industry norms.
You have a job—what are the next steps?
Open a Canadian bank account to receive salary payments by direct deposit. Banks may offer special newcomer packages and allow account opening before arrival in some cases. You will need one or two original pieces of identification, typically one with a photo and date of birth and another document showing your address. Compare banks for fees, services, and newcomer options to choose the right fit.
Once employed, confirm payroll setup so you receive pay on time and verify that any required tax withholdings and benefits are in place. Keep copies of employment agreements and pay stubs for your records.
Read more about moving to Canada:
- How to prepare your finances for coming to Canada
- Credit scores and credit reports: what newcomers to Canada need to know
- How much you need to earn to afford a home in Toronto and the GTA
- How the Bank of Canada’s interest rate works—and why it may rise
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