Definition

Noun: A legal document issued by a government authority that grants a foreign national the conditional right to be employed in a specific country for a specified period. It contains information about the holder, the employer, the job role, and the validity of the authorization.

Usage

A "work permit" is required for non-citizens to legally hold a job in a country where they do not have permanent residency or citizenship. It is typically applied for by a prospective employer on behalf of the employee.

Examples

• She moved to Canada after her company secured a work permit for her.
• His application for a work permit was denied because the required skills were not in shortage.
• You must have a valid work permit before you can start employment in this country.
• The duration of a work permit is often tied to a specific job offer.

Advanced Usage

• "To be on a work permit": Describes the immigration status of someone whose legal right to reside in a country is primarily based on their employment authorization.
  • He is living in Germany on a work permit.
• "Work permit holder": A person who possesses a valid work permit.
  • The new policy affects all work permit holders in the technology sector.

Variants and Related Words

• Work visa (Noun): Often used interchangeably with "work permit," though technically a visa is an entry document, while a permit is the authorization to work. In practice, many countries issue a single document that serves both purposes.
• Employment authorization document (EAD) (Noun): The specific term used in the United States for a document proving permission to work.
• Residence permit (Noun): A broader document that may include permission to work. A work permit is sometimes a condition or a separate attachment to a residence permit.

Synonyms

• Employment permit
• Work authorization
• Working visa (common collocation)

Related Phrases

• "To sponsor a work permit": The action of an employer applying for and supporting a work permit for a potential employee.
  • The university agreed to sponsor his work permit.
• "Work permit exemption": A situation where a person does not require a work permit, often due to a specific treaty, visa type, or family relationship.
  • Diplomats are usually granted a work permit exemption.

Noun

1. a legal document giving information required for employment of certain people in certain countries