What is the difference between a work permit and permanent residence in Canada?

A Canadian work permit is a temporary authorization to work in Canada for a defined period. It does not grant you the right to live and work in Canada indefinitely, and it must be renewed or you must otherwise extend your status before it expires. Work permits are federal documents and apply nationally.

Permanent residence (PR) gives you the right to live and work anywhere in Canada indefinitely, access most federal and provincial social programs, and eventually apply for citizenship. Permanent residents do not need a separate work permit.

The two are often connected. Many newcomers arrive on a work permit first, gain Canadian work experience, and then use that experience to qualify for a PR pathway — such as the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, or a Provincial Nominee Program (Ontario's being the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, or OINP). A work permit can be an important step on the road to PR, not a permanent solution in itself.

Understanding where you want to end up in Canada's immigration system, and which work permit streams best position you for that goal, is a key reason to consult with an immigration lawyer early.