Permis fermé ou ouvert — connaître la différence avant de signer un contrat.
1. Closed permit or open permit
There are two broad categories of work permit:
- The closed permit — tied to a specific employer
- The open permit — tied to no employer
The open permit is intended, for example, for certain spouses of workers or students, and for graduates holding a post-graduation work permit.
| Closed permit | Open permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Authorized employer | One only, named on the permit | Any employer (with restrictions) |
| Changing jobs | New permit required | Possible without a new permit |
| Who gets it? | Workers recruited via LMIA | Spouses of workers/students, graduates (PGWP), some temporary residents |
| LMIA required? | Generally yes | No |
| CAQ required? | Generally yes (in Quebec) | Sometimes |
2. The closed permit: LMIA and CAQ
Most closed permits require two prior authorizations:
- An LMIA — your employer requests it from Service Canada
- A CAQ for work — issued by the Quebec government
Once the LMIA and the CAQ are obtained, you apply for the work permit from the federal government. The physical permit is handed to you at the border. Check immediately the conditions printed on it: employer, occupation, location, dates. Any error must be reported promptly.
3. When an LMIA is not required
Some work permits are exempt from the LMIA:
- Several international-mobility programs
- Open permits
- People who already hold a CSQ toward permanent residence
The exact programs change: confirm your situation with your employer or a regulated immigration consultant before leaving.
4. Respecting your permit conditions
With a closed permit, you can only work for the listed employer, in the listed occupation, at the listed location. Any change requires a new permit application.
Working outside the conditions of your permit is a violation that can lead to loss of status. If your situation changes, or if you face mistreatment, seek information: there are remedies, including an open work permit for vulnerable workers.
5. Your rights as a worker
Whatever your immigration status, your rights as an employee are protected by the CNESST: minimum wage, paid vacation, overtime, health and safety.
No one may pay you « under the table » or below the minimum wage because you are new. If a problem arises, free legal aid and community organizations can support you.
6. Your action list
Follow these steps to understand and secure your work permit. Check each box as you go: your progress is saved if you're signed in.
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions on the work permit: the difference between closed and open, who pays for the LMIA, changing employer, and remedies in case of abuse.
What is the difference between a closed and an open permit?
A closed permit ties you to one employer, occupation and work location in particular: you cannot work elsewhere without applying for a new permit.
An open permit is not tied to any specific employer: you can work for almost any employer, subject to the restrictions printed on the permit.
The type you get depends on the immigration program through which you came.
Who pays for the LMIA — the employer or me?
The employer. The LMIA is the employer's process and cost: they must demonstrate to Service Canada that no local worker was available.
It is not legal for an employer or recruiter to bill you for the LMIA or the job. If anyone asks you to pay for a job, an LMIA or a « guaranteed » permit, treat it as fraud.
Can I change employer with a closed permit?
Not automatically. A closed permit authorizes you to work only for the named employer. To change, you generally need a new permit, and the new employer may have to complete the authorizations first.
If you're stuck with an abusive employer, do not switch to illegal work — there are remedies, including an open work permit for vulnerable workers. Consult free legal aid quickly.
My permit is approaching expiry — what should I do?
Act early. Launch any renewal several months before expiry. If you file your application before expiry, you generally keep the right to continue working while awaiting the decision — this is maintained status.
If you let the permit expire without filing, you lose the right to work immediately. See our guide on renewing and extending a permit.
8. See also
These related resources may be useful:
- Parcours — Temporary worker — all your steps, from LMIA to permanent residence.
- Renew or extend your permit — before expiry, to keep your status.
- The CSQ — Quebec Selection Certificate — the selection step toward permanent residence.
- Your rights as a temporary foreign worker — your protections and recourse, whatever your permit type.
9. Official sources
For official information:
Author's note: a closed permit creates an imbalance — your status depends on a single employer. Know your rights from day one: the CNESST protects you whatever your status, and no good job is paid for in advance.
