A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer, in a specific occupation, and for a specific period.

There are two main types: Employer-Specific Work Permits (which are tied to a specific job and employer) and Open Work Permits (which allow you to work for any employer in Canada). The type you need depends on your situation.

Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit, your country of residence, and the completeness of your application. It can take from a few weeks to several months.

For employer-specific work permits, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is required. For open work permits, a job offer is not needed.

If your work permit is issued under section R206 with exemption codes S61 or S62, the initial validity is 24 months, and renewals can be for 1-year periods.