Any foreign national who wishes to work in the Canadian economy requires a permit, with some exemptions from Canadian Government. If you need a work permit, you may be eligible for either an:

• employer-specific work permit OR
• open work permit

If you’re applying for a work permit and your family members want to come to Canada, they must also apply to visit, or to work or study in Canada. They can apply at the same time as you.

If your spouse or common-law partner doesn’t plan to work, they may apply to come to Canada with you as either a:

• visitor
• student

Your dependent children may also apply to come with you to Canada as either a:

• visitor
• student
• worker