A work permit is an authorization issued by IRCC to foreign nationals to allow them to work in Canada temporarily. A work permit can either be Open or Employer specific. An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada except ineligible employers and employers who regularly offer striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages. However, an employer-specific work permit allows the holder to work in Canada only for the sponsoring employer(s).