Working in Canada
An open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian programs, often the step to Canadian experience and permanent residence.
Open. You need CLB 7 (university) or CLB 5 (college), an eligible field of study for many non-degree programs, and to apply within 180 days of finishing.
The main federal route to permanent residence for skilled workers, through the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades programs. You create a profile and IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates.
Open. IRCC is recalculating every profile under the new CRS rules from November 3, 2026, and rounds resume once that is done.
Provinces and territories nominate people who fit their own labour needs. A nomination through an Express Entry-linked stream adds 600 CRS points.
Open. Each province runs its own streams and intake rounds, and several changed or paused streams in 2026, so check your province.
Keeps you working while IRCC decides your permanent residence application.
Open to eligible permanent residence applicants whose work permit is about to expire.
Statuses change, sometimes with little notice. Always confirm on the official page before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
