Quick answer: a work permit is the document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada. There are two main types: the employer-specific work permit, which requires a job offer, and the open work permit, which does not. Which one applies to you depends on your situation. At Linda Salas & Associates, we review your case and explain your options clearly.
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What types of work permits are there?
- Employer-specific work permit (job offer required): lets you work under the conditions listed on your permit, such as the employer you work for. In most cases, the employer needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or must show the job offer is LMIA-exempt.
- Open work permit (no job offer required): only available in specific situations, for example for eligible graduates applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or for some spouses or partners of workers or students who meet the current requirements.
Can I extend or change my work permit?
Yes. According to IRCC, you must apply to extend or change the conditions of your work permit if it will expire soon or if you want to change employers or other conditions listed on it. IRCC advises applying at least 30 days before your current permit expires.
How we help
- Case assessment: we review your current status, history and goals.
- Strategy: we explain which type of permit fits your situation and what risks to consider.
- Document checklist: you get a personalized checklist and we review every document.
- Application preparation: we prepare forms, letters and document packages.
- Submission and follow-up: we submit your application and support you until a decision is made.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying for an extension too late or letting your permit expire.
- Changing employers or positions before changing the conditions of your permit.
- Submitting incomplete documents or documents that don’t support the job offer.
- Choosing a type of permit that doesn’t match your situation.
Why choose Linda Salas & Associates?
- Led by Linda Salas, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R510397). You can verify her registration with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
- More than 18 years of experience in Canadian immigration.
- Service in English and Spanish.
- Rated 4.7 across more than 280 Google reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
It depends on the type of permit. An employer-specific permit requires a job offer; an open work permit does not, but it is only available in specific situations.
When should I apply to extend my work permit?
IRCC advises applying at least 30 days before your current permit expires. We recommend contacting us earlier so your documents are well prepared.
Can I change employers?
If you hold an employer-specific permit, you usually need to apply to change your permit conditions before working for a new employer. We review your case and tell you the right path.
Do you guarantee approval?
No. No one can guarantee an approval: the decision belongs to IRCC. Our job is to prepare your application as completely and strongly as possible.
Do you offer service in Spanish?
Yes. Our whole team works in English and Spanish.
Ready for the next step?
Tell us about your situation and we’ll explain your options.
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Official sources: IRCC – Work in Canada temporarily; IRCC – Extend or change the conditions on your work permit. Last reviewed: November 2026. This page is for information only and does not replace individual advice.