A work visa allows you to enter Canada and work for a specific period (Usually 2 to 4 years), while a work permit authorizes you to work in Canada. A work permit is usually issued upon arriving in Canada, meaning you must enter Canada on a work visa and then apply for a work permit. Work permits can be open or employer-specific. Open work permit allows you to work for multiple employers, while an employer-specific work permit is for a particular employer, job, and location