There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.

1. Open work permits
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

2. Employer-specific work permits
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, which include:

• The name of the employer you can work for,
• The location where you can work (if applicable).
• How long you can work, and 

In most cases, the Canadian Employer will need to apply for LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), to hire a foreign worker. In order to receive a Positive LMIA, the employer must prove to Canadian Government that the hiring of a foreign worker will have a positive or neutral effect on the Labour Market of Canada. The Canadian employer must also prove that they could not find a suitable Canadian citizen or Permanent resident to fill up the job for which they have applied for LMIA.