Decode your Canadian work permit's mysterious two-digit number
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete list of all 23 work permit case-type codes and their meanings
- Real examples of how these codes appear on your actual permit document
- Why understanding your code matters for renewals and status changes
- Common mistakes people make when interpreting their permit codes
- What to do if your code doesn't match your work situation
Summary:
That mysterious two-digit number on your Canadian work permit isn't random – it's a case-type code that reveals exactly what type of worker you are in Canada's system. Whether you're holding code 52 (LMIA exempt), 56 (Post-Graduation Work Permit), or 58 (International Experience Canada), understanding your specific code can save you months of confusion when applying for renewals, changing employers, or transitioning to permanent residence. This complete guide decodes all 23 official case-type codes used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), helping you understand your work authorization and plan your next steps in Canada.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- Your work permit's two-digit case-type code determines your specific work authorization category
- Code 52 (LMIA exempt) and Code 56 (PGWP) are the most common for skilled workers
- Understanding your code is crucial for renewal applications and employer changes
- Some codes like 54 allow employer flexibility, while others restrict you to one employer
- Outdated codes still exist in the system but aren't issued for new permits
Maria stared at her work permit document, confused by the number "56" printed in the middle. She'd been working in Toronto for eight months after graduating from the University of British Columbia, but when her employer asked about her "permit type" for a promotion discussion, she had no idea what to tell them. Sound familiar?
If you've ever held a Canadian work permit, you've probably noticed that two-digit code sitting prominently on your document. It's not just a random number – it's actually a critical piece of information that immigration officers use to instantly understand your work authorization status in Canada.
These case-type codes serve as a shorthand system for the dozens of different work permit categories that exist in Canada's complex immigration system. Instead of reading through detailed conditions every time, border officers, employers, and even you can quickly identify your specific type of work authorization with a glance.
What Your Work Permit Document Actually Tells You
Your Canadian work permit is more than just a piece of paper – it's a legal document that outlines exactly what you're authorized to do while working in Canada. The case-type code appears in the center of the document and acts as the primary identifier for your permit category.
When you receive your work permit (typically at a port of entry or through an online application), this code has already been determined based on your specific situation: whether you needed a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), what program you applied under, and what type of work you're authorized to perform.
The code system helps streamline processing for the thousands of work permit applications IRCC handles annually. Rather than reading through detailed notes in the Global Case Management System (GCMS) database every time, officers can quickly reference your code to understand your status.
Complete List of Canadian Work Permit Case-Type Codes
Here's the comprehensive list of case-type codes currently used by IRCC, obtained directly from official government sources:
Government and Official Status Codes:
- Code 07: US government employee
- Code 08: US government employee (dependent)
- Code 22: Official status (diplomatic personnel, etc.)
General Worker Categories:
- Code 20: Worker Not Elsewhere Specified
- Code 21: Employment form (general employment category)
- Code 86: Others (miscellaneous work permits)
Specific Program Codes:
- Code 52: LMIA exempt workers
- Code 53: Caregiver Pathways (under the Live-in Caregiver Program successor)
- Code 54: Same employer or subsequent open work permit
- Code 56: Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Code 57: Live-in Caregiver work permit (original LCP)
- Code 58: International Experience Canada (IEC) - includes Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op
- Code 59: Co-op work permit (for students)
- Code 60: Employer compliance exempt
- Code 98: Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (Mexico and Caribbean countries)
Student and Entertainment:
- Code 23: Entertainer
- Code 24: Student (work authorization while studying)
Border and Commuter Codes:
- Code 25: Commuter (for those living near the US border)
Legacy and Rarely Used Codes:
- Code 26: National of a communist country (outdated classification)
- Code 27: Under application
- Code 28: Under enforcement
- Code 29: Refused application for permanent resident
What Your Specific Code Means for Your Work Rights
Understanding your case-type code isn't just academic – it directly impacts what you can and cannot do while working in Canada.
Code 52 (LMIA Exempt) is one of the most common codes for skilled workers. If you have this code, you're working under one of Canada's international agreements (like NAFTA/USMCA), intra-company transfers, or other LMIA-exempt categories. This typically means you're tied to a specific employer, but the renewal process is often more straightforward than LMIA-required positions.
Code 56 (PGWP) gives you the most flexibility. Post-graduation work permit holders can work for any employer in Canada, change jobs freely, and even start their own business. This open work authorization makes PGWP holders particularly attractive to employers and provides excellent pathways to permanent residence.
Code 58 (IEC) covers three distinct programs: Working Holiday (open work permit), Young Professionals (employer-specific), and International Co-op (employer-specific). Your specific conditions depend on which IEC stream you're under, but all are designed for temporary cultural exchange experiences.
Code 54 (Same Employer/Subsequent Open) often applies to spouses of skilled workers or those who've transitioned from one permit type to another while maintaining work authorization.
Common Mistakes People Make With Work Permit Codes
One of the biggest mistakes is assuming your code determines your eligibility for permanent residence programs. While certain codes (like PGWP holders with Code 56) do provide advantages in Express Entry, your code alone doesn't guarantee or prevent PR eligibility.
Another common error is thinking you can change employers freely regardless of your code. If you have Code 52 (LMIA exempt) tied to a specific employer, you cannot simply switch jobs without applying for a new work permit or employer change.
Many people also don't realize that some codes have built-in expiration limitations. For example, PGWP holders (Code 56) can only receive this type of permit once in their lifetime, regardless of additional education in Canada.
How Case-Type Codes Affect Your Renewal and Next Steps
Your current case-type code significantly impacts your options for extending or changing your work authorization. If you're planning to renew your permit, IRCC will often issue the same code type unless your circumstances have fundamentally changed.
For those looking to transition to permanent residence, certain codes provide more straightforward pathways. PGWP holders (Code 56) often have the easiest transition through Express Entry, while LMIA-exempt workers (Code 52) may need to obtain an LMIA for their PR application unless they qualify under other streams.
If you're considering changing employers, your code determines whether you need a completely new work permit application or can use a simpler process. Open work permit holders have the most flexibility, while employer-specific permits require new applications for job changes.
Why Some Codes Seem Outdated or Confusing
You might notice that some codes, like Code 26 (National of a communist country), seem completely outdated for modern immigration. These legacy codes remain in the system because they were used historically, and some older permits might still be in circulation or referenced in immigration files.
IRCC maintains these codes for database consistency and historical record-keeping, even though they're rarely or never issued for new permits. The system has evolved significantly over the decades, but maintaining code consistency helps with long-term case tracking and appeals processes.
Understanding Your Code's Impact on Canadian Experience
Different case-type codes also affect how your work experience counts toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applications. Generally, authorized work experience under any valid work permit code counts toward CEC eligibility, but the type of work and duration requirements may vary.
Code 59 (Co-op work permit) holders should note that co-op work experience typically doesn't count toward CEC requirements, as it's considered part of your educational program rather than post-graduation work experience.
For those with Code 98 (Seasonal Agricultural Worker), this experience does count toward CEC, but you'll need to ensure you meet the skilled work requirements and language benchmarks for Express Entry eligibility.
Planning Your Next Steps Based on Your Code
If you're currently in Canada on a work permit, understanding your case-type code should inform your long-term planning. PGWP holders (Code 56) should focus on gaining skilled work experience and improving language scores for Express Entry. Those with employer-specific permits should consider whether their current employer would support an LMIA application for permanent residence.
For IEC participants (Code 58), remember that these programs are generally one-time opportunities. Plan your Canadian experience strategically to maximize your chances of transitioning to a more permanent status before your IEC permit expires.
Workers with LMIA-exempt permits (Code 52) should maintain detailed records of their work experience and consider timing their permanent residence applications to align with their permit renewals.
Your work permit case-type code is more than just a bureaucratic number – it's the key to understanding your current status and planning your future in Canada. Whether you're holding an open work permit that gives you maximum flexibility or an employer-specific permit that provides stability, knowing what your code means empowers you to make informed decisions about renewals, job changes, and permanent residence applications.
Take a moment to locate your case-type code on your work permit document and reference this guide to understand exactly what opportunities and limitations you're working with. This knowledge will serve you well as you navigate Canada's immigration system and build your future in the country.
