Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Work Permit Inside Canada?

May 15, 2025

Ishita Soni

Where Should You Apply for a Work Permit?

In most cases, people who want to work in Canada must apply for a work permit before coming to the country. However, there are nine specific situations where you’re allowed to apply for a work permit while you’re already inside Canada. If none of these situations apply to you, you must apply from outside Canada, either online or at a port of entry (if allowed).

You Have a Valid Study or Work Permit

If you’re already in Canada with a valid study or work permit, you can apply for a new work permit before your current one expires.

Example: You lose your job but find another and apply for a new work permit before your current one ends—this qualifies you.

Your Spouse, Partner, or Parent Has a Valid Permit

If your spouse, common-law partner, or parent has a valid study or work permit and you are in Canada, you may also be eligible to apply for a work permit.

Example: Your spouse is studying and still has time left on their study permit. You may apply for a work permit during this time.

You’re Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

If you just graduated from a Canadian school and your study permit is still valid, you may be eligible for a PGWP, which allows you to work for almost any employer.

But remember, simply graduating is not enough. You must also meet all PGWP eligibility requirements.

You or Your Family Member Has a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

If you, your spouse, or parent has a TRP valid for at least six months, you can apply for a work permit.

TRPs are for people who were otherwise not allowed to enter Canada but were given special permission for compelling reasons, like visiting a sick relative or attending a funeral.

You’ve Applied for Permanent Residence and Are Waiting

If you have applied for permanent residency under specific programs—like spousal sponsorship or the TRP holder class—you can apply for a work permit while waiting for a decision.

Example: You applied for permanent residence through your Canadian spouse. If IRCC has confirmed they received your application, and you’re living together, you may qualify for a work permit.

You’re Allowed to Work Without a Permit, But Need One for Another Job

Some people can work in Canada without a work permit, like clergy, athletes, or artists. However, if they want to do a different job, they’ll need a regular work permit and may apply from within Canada.

Also, if you’re on maintained status (you applied to extend your permit before it expired), you may continue working until a decision is made.

You’re a US or Mexican Professional Under CUSMA

If you’re from the US or Mexico and qualify under CUSMA (Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement), you may be able to apply from inside Canada.

There are four types of eligible applicants:

1. Professionals with specific jobs and qualifications
2. Intra-company transferees
3. Traders doing business with Canada
4. Investors investing in Canadian companies

You Have Made a Refugee Claim

If you’re in Canada and have applied for refugee protection, you may qualify to apply for a work permit.

You must prove that returning to your home country would put you at risk of torture, danger, or cruel treatment due to your race, religion, politics, or other personal reasons.

You’re a Convention Refugee or Protected Person

If the Canadian government has officially decided that you are a refugee or protected person, you are eligible to apply for a work permit.

This includes those who passed a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) or received a positive decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).

What is “Maintained Status”?

If you apply to extend your work or study permit before it expires, you may stay in Canada under the same conditions while waiting for a decision.

But this only applies if you don’t leave Canada. Once you leave, your maintained status is lost.

How to Apply for a Work Permit from Within Canada

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Check which of the 9 scenarios you fall under.
2. Meet the general requirements, such as:
   • Promise to leave Canada after your job ends.
   • Show proof of enough funds to live and return to your home country.
   • Be medically and criminally admissible.
   • Maintain your legal Status
3. Gather documents, such as:
   • Job offer or PR application proof (depending on the scenario)
   • Passport (make sure it’s not expiring within next 6 months)
4. Apply online through your IRCC Portal.
5. Pay the  fees:

Keep a copy of everything you submit. Processing takes about 233 days, so apply early if possible.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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