Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Check whether you need a permit at all

Work permitsDecision and arrivalStep 7 of 7

BlockedFree · RequiredYou are here

7. Know your rights and your permit's conditions

You have the same labour rights and protections as anyone else working in Canada (pay, hours, rest, a safe workplace), regardless of your permit type.

Waiting on: Collect the permit at the border

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step 7 of 7 · RequiredClose

Know your rights and your permit's conditions

BlockedRequired

The authority on this stepTemporary foreign worker rights and labour standardscanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

You have the same labour rights and protections as anyone else working in Canada (pay, hours, rest, a safe workplace), regardless of your permit type. Your employer cannot take your passport or work permit from you. To change employer on an employer-specific permit, you need a new permit first.

Why it's required: An employer-specific permit creates real dependence on one employer, which is why the protections matter and why abuse can be reported without losing your status.

Your documentsStay yoursAn employer may not keep your passport or work permit.

Changing jobsNew permit firstOn an employer-specific permit, don't start before it's issued.

Extending$155Apply before the permit expires; restoring status later costs $401.25.

Documents you'll need

Your work permit, and a copy kept somewhere separate
Your employment contract and pay records
The provincial labour standards office for where you work

Before this step

BlockedCollect the permit at the border

This is the last step of the pathway.