Reviewed: 19 October 2026. General information only, not legal or individual immigration advice. This article does not determine your permit type or eligibility.
Two permit descriptions, different questions
Canada’s official temporary-work hub distinguishes employer-specific work permits from open work permits. It states that an employer-specific permit requires a job offer, while an open permit does not require one. That does not mean an open permit is available to anyone who would like to work in Canada.
Start with the official eligibility guidance linked from the hub. Your circumstances, intended work and applicable program determine which questions need answering.
For an employer-specific offer, clarify the process
Ask who the employer is, what job is offered and which employer-side steps are relevant. The official hub links to guidance about Labour Market Impact Assessments and other hiring processes. Do not assume every offer follows the same assessment procedure or that an employer can guarantee a permit.
Check the written role, location, pay and proposed dates against the supporting documents. A job advertisement or recruiter message is not itself work authorization.
For an open permit, check the category first
The government lists specific pathways and instructions, including some connected to study, family or other circumstances. Read the applicable category rather than assuming that being unemployed, visiting Canada or having an overseas qualification is enough.
The hub also separates applications from outside Canada, inside Canada and at a port of entry. These are not interchangeable options for every applicant. Follow the instructions for your circumstances and verify what permission is needed before work begins.
Temporary work and permanent residence are separate questions. Use official immigration guidance if exploring longer-term possibilities; neither an employment offer nor a temporary permit guarantees that outcome.
Visit ErdoBar Insights for more candidate-focused preparation.
Your next step: Contact ErdoBar with your target Canadian role and experience to ask about recruitment support. Take permit eligibility questions to IRCC or a qualified adviser. No job, permit or permanent-residence outcome is promised.
