CanadiaNow

Meta Description: Work permits explained: open vs employer-specific, LMIA basics, eligibility, extensions, and maintained status. Official IRCC links.

Work permit overview (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit.html

Work in Canada temporarily (IRCC hub):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html

Find out if you need a work permit (IRCC tool/page):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/need-permit.html

Work permit eligibility (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit/eligibility.html

Work permit: how to apply (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/work-permit/apply.html

Applying from outside Canada (Guide 5487):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5487-applying-work-permit-outside-canada.html

Applying inside Canada (extend/change conditions) (Guide 5553):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5553-applying-change-conditions-extend-your-stay-canada-worker.html

Extend or change a work permit (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend.html

Maintained status (extend/change before expiry) (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/extend/apply.html

Open work permit (IRCC Help Centre):
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=176&top=17

LMIA: do you need one? (IRCC/ESDC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/hire-temporary-foreign/find-need-labour-market-impact-assessment.html

Hire a temporary foreign worker (ESDC/TFWP hub):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html

Check processing times (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

International Experience Canada (IEC) (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/about.html

Professional illustration showing a Canadian work permit application process with passport, laptop, documents, and Toronto skyline, representing how to apply for a work permit in Canada from inside the country in 2026.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada from Inside the Country (2026)

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Applying for a first Canadian work permit from inside Canada depends on which category you qualify under: open permit, LMIA-based, or LMIA-exempt. Here is the full process, documents, and processing time for 2026.

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Work Permit Holders Studying in Canada: The June 27, 2026 Policy Expiry Explained

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A temporary IRCC policy allowing work permit holders to study without a study permit expires June 27, 2026. If you are studying under this policy, you have less than 3 weeks to apply for a study permit, stop studying, or confirm another exemption applies.

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Over 1.3 million Canadian work permits will expire in 2026. Learn how to extend yours under maintained status, the April 2026 IRCC update, fees, documents, and what to do if your permit already expired.

International student in Canada holding a laptop with a 24-hour work limit calendar, representing 2026 off-campus work rules for study permit holders.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada? The 24-Hour Rule (2026)

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Quick Answer International students in Canada with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus ...

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PGWP Application Timeline: When to Apply After Graduation (2026 Rules)

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Graduating in 2026? You have 180 days to apply for a PGWP, and the clock starts at program completion, not your ceremony. Step-by-step timeline, language test rules, and what to avoid.

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Can You Work in Canada on a Visitor Visa?

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This is one of the most misunderstood questions in Canadian immigration. The short answer is no — but the full ...

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Updated September 2026. Your permanent residence application is in. Your work permit is not going to last until the decision. ...

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LMIA Explained (2026): What It Is, What It’s Worth for PR, and How to Spot Scams

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