Can my dependent children work in Canada?

If your dependent children aren’t Canadian citizens and they want to work in Canada, they must apply for their own work permit.

Your children may be eligible for an open work permit if you’re in one of the following situations:

• You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you’re sponsoring your spouse, common-law partner or your dependent children.
• You’re a foreign worker in Canada.

If your child isn’t eligible for an open work permit, their employer may have to get a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. An LMIA is a document an employer usually needs to get before they can hire a foreign worker; it allows an employer to hire someone for a specific job.

Before your dependent children work in Canada, check the minimum age required to work in the type of job and province/territory that they plan to work in.

In some cases, your dependent children will need a medical exam.