Media type · Permission to work, issued separately from the entry visa in many systems.
Work permit
Authorisation to take a job in a destination, usually tied to an employer, occupation or quota.
Key facts
| What it is | Permission to work, issued separately from the entry visa in many systems. |
|---|---|
| Who sets or charges it | The destination immigration authority sets the route and fees; the employer often files. |
| Check before accepting | Employer tie, start date, dependant rights, renewal and transfer rules. |
What the permit controls
The permit controls whether you may work, for whom and for how long. In employer-tied systems, changing jobs can require a new application, and a permit for one occupation may not cover a different role. Some routes also require the employer to hold a sponsor licence or to pass a labour-market test before the application can start.
The permit often sets the start date that matters more than the contract date. If approval arrives later than planned, the gap may be unpaid. If the permit is refused, the offer may lapse and fees may not be refunded. Ask for the sequence, the dependencies and the fallback.
Frequently asked questions
Is a work permit the same as a visa?
Not usually. The visa allows entry or stay, while the permit authorises employment. Some countries combine them; others issue them separately and in a fixed order.
Can I change employer on the same permit?
Depends on the route. Some permits are tied to one employer, some allow a change with notification and some require a new application. Check before resigning.