Work in Canada: Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process
To work in Canada, most foreign nationals need a work permit.
If you’re unsure whether you need a work permit or which one you should obtain, answer a few questions from us.
Canadian Work Permit Made Simple
Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process - The Ultimate Guide
A work permit is a legal document that enables a foreign national to work while present in Canada. About 500,000 temporary foreign workers receive work permits from Canada each year from all over the world.
Canada is a top choice for many foreign nationals looking for career possibilities. For individuals looking to immigrate permanently to Canada, working there is a great first step.
Canada is a top choice for many foreign nationals looking for career possibilities. For individuals looking to immigrate permanently to Canada, working there is a great first step.
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These figures were last updated on MONDAY, 7th NOVEMBER 2022, at 3:45 PM GMT +4
Canadian Work Permit Overview
Limitations, foreign employees may apply for a work permit without an LMIA or a job offer. A recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone currently possessing a work or study permit in Canada are two examples of this.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also satisfy the following criteria:
- Be able to produce documents to establish their eligibility to enter Canada.
- Show that they intend to leave once their work authorization expires.
- Show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family in Canada and to return home.
- Show that they are not barred from entering Canada due to a criminal conviction or a medical condition; and
- State that they intend to work for an eligible employer.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also satisfy the following criteria:
- Be able to produce documents to establish their eligibility to enter Canada.
- Show that they intend to leave once their work authorization expires.
- Show that they have enough money to support themselves and their family in Canada and to return home.
- Show that they are not barred from entering Canada due to a criminal conviction or a medical condition; and
- State that they intend to work for an eligible employer.
A Canadian work permit can be obtained in a variety of ways. Some work permits call for an employer's job offer to be from Canada, and others need that the employer produces a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Still, others demand that the applicant have some link to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). Please refer to the categories listed below to find the work permit that best meets your requirements.
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- CETA Work Permits
- NAFTA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- CETA Work Permits
- NAFTA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
Depending on the kind of work permit a person is looking for, the procedure for getting one in Canada varies considerably. For instance, as part of their study permit authorisation, international students studying in Canada often receive automatic permission to work part-time.
For the majority of closed work permit applications, a foreign applicant must have a formal job offer from a Canadian business that is accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even individuals who are exempt from the LMIA or who are not required to obtain a work permit should be aware of the special documents they must prepare to guarantee they are admitted to Canada. A closed (limited) work permit and an open work permit are the two main ways to obtain a work permit in Canada.
A foreign national with a closed work permit must continue to work for the same employer at the same location unless their work permit is changed, as closed work permits are linked to specific employers.
The particular limitations imposed on your authorisation are listed on your actual work permit. Your eligibility for a certain sort of work permit will largely decide these restrictions. Conditions could apply to the kind of work you can do, the places and employers you can work for, and the length of time you can work in Canada. Anyone with a work permit is not allowed to work for a company if there is reason to believe that some employees could be sexually exploited.
Holders of work permits are not citizens of Canada and must depart at the expiration of their visas. But if you are employed in Canada and want to stay there permanently, fill out our free assessment form to get a detailed analysis of your immigration choices.
A closed work permit costs CAD 155 per person, while an open work permit costs CAD 255 per person. Additional fees will be charged if you are renewing a work permit or applying on behalf of a group of performing artists.
Depending on the type of work permit you require, the application process varies. Choosing the proper work permit for you is the first step. Simply get in touch with us if you need assistance with the application, and a member of our staff will help you book an assessment.
A Canadian Work Permit would allow you to join the more than 180,000 foreign workers who enter Canada each year in search of employment. For the past 21 years, we gave developed customised application filing methods that easiest the task for our clients and guarantee them the highest probability rate. Get in touch to discuss your application with one of our expert consultants.
On this page
Canada Permit Application
Work permit and applications for entrepreneurs, students, and temporary employees.
Depending on the kind of work permit you’re asking for, there may be certain documents needed. As part of their work permit application, applicants might need to submit the following documents:
- CV/ resume
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
- Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
- A written offer of employment (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
You can be requested to submit police clearance certificates by the visa officer who is assessing your application. This document can be required as part of your application checklist and needs to be submitted with your first application, depending on where you are applying from.
Applicants for work permits could be asked to present a police clearance certificate from every country they have lived in for six months or more after becoming 18 years old.
The application for a Canadian work permit must be accompanied by a passport-sized photo from the applicant. The photograph needs to meet IRCC requirements.
There is a temporary rule in effect by IRCC that exempts anyone who applies for a work permit from within Canada. Candidates outside of Canada must still submit biometrics after receiving a letter with instructions.
On their dedicated page, the Canadian government provides step-by-step instructions on how to provide your biometrics.
On their dedicated page, the Canadian government provides step-by-step instructions on how to provide your biometrics.
Depending on their expected length of stay, where they have lived, and what profession they will work in, foreign people who apply to work in Canada might need to undergo a medical examination.
In most cases, you won’t need a medical exam if you’re planning to work in Canada for less than six months. However, there are certain exceptions. You will require a medical exam if you want to work in a position that puts you in close contact with people or if you are an agricultural worker who has travelled to specific countries.
If one of the following situations applies, and you intend to work in Canada for a period longer than six months, you will be required to undergo a medical examination.
– You intend to work in a profession where you will have frequent contact with the people named in the aforementioned links, or
– You have lived in or visited one of the countries listed on Canada’s “Find out if you need a medical exam” website for a period of time of six months or more.
Medical examinations must be carried out by a panel doctor that the IRCC has designated. On the IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician webpage, you can locate a panel doctor in your area.
Candidates have the choice to undergo an initial medical examination. This entails speaking with the panel doctor directly and taking the test before filing an application for a work permit. The IRCC officer will send instructions on how to do the medical exam and give a deadline for when it needs to be completed if you do not include the results of your medical exam with your application.
Working in Canada
Benefits of working in Canada are numerous.
Canadian labour laws make sure that workplaces are very safe and that all businesses go by particular rules and laws to protect the welfare of their staff.
Additionally, Canadian wages are competitive, and it is obliged by law to provide foreign workers pay that is on level with that of Canadians.
Finally, some Canadian work licences allow the worker’s spouse and children to travel with them. Gaining Canadian work experience may boost a foreign national’s eligibility for a number of Canadian permanent residency schemes, which is a significant advantage for people looking to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Starting your job search in Canada may seem intimidating. Fortunately, persons looking for a formal job offer from a Canadian employer have access to a wide range of services. We advise using the resources provided below by Royal Migration before starting the job search. Before submitting any applications, make sure to take the time to create your resume and customize your social media presence!
A person may need to know their National Occupation Classification Code to apply for some jobs in Canada (NOC Code). By Canadian standards, this code is used to categorize all forms of employment. Royal Migration will guide help you locate your NOC Code and assist you in your job hunt as well.
A person may need to know their National Occupation Classification Code to apply for some jobs in Canada (NOC Code). By Canadian standards, this code is used to categorize all forms of employment. Royal Migration will guide help you locate your NOC Code and assist you in your job hunt as well.
Your work permit number, which starts with the letter “U,” can be found in the top right corner of your permission.
With very few exceptions, foreign nationals must get a work permit to work in Canada.
In general, temporary foreign workers who want to extend their work permit must submit an online application. It is advised to apply for a new work permit at least 30 days before your existing one expires if you want to do so. Although this is only a suggestion, an applicant has until the final day of the expiration to submit an extension request.
To find out if you qualify to extend your work permit, get in touch with us.
Questions? You’re covered
Anyone requesting a work permit from Canada is not required to take the IELTS or any other English or French language test. However, if the employment offer particularly calls for French and/or English proficiency and the applicant is from a non-French or English-speaking country, the officer may demand proof of language capabilities, such as a language exam.
For overseas students, Canada has a reputation for offering affordable, high-quality education. You must first understand Canada's levels of study in order to determine which program is best for you.
In Canada, any educational program beyond the 12th grade is referred to as post-secondary education. Post-secondary education comes in a number of different forms, each serving a distinct function.
There can be unique entrance requirements for some programs.
Our responsibility is to make sure you satisfy the prerequisites for admission to whatever school you are applying to.
A visa is a travel document that is used to enter the country, whereas a Canadian work permit allows foreign citizens to work there.
A visa, also known as a temporary residence visa (TRV), is a real sticker that is affixed to your passport and serves as a means of travel pass that enables foreign citizens to enter Canada or transit through a Canadian airport.
Note: Even if you have a valid work permit, you cannot re-enter Canada without a valid visa or eTA.
Employers in Canada cannot "sponsor" individuals to come work there, but they can help by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submitting an electronic job offer (LMIA exempted categories).
Any Canadian employer who wants to hire a foreign worker must either submit an electronic job offer or obtain an LMIA, according to Canadian law.
Employers can utilize the LMIA or the "A" number (electronic job offer) to apply for a work permit in Canada after they have obtained one.
Any Canadian employer who wants to hire a foreign worker must either submit an electronic job offer or obtain an LMIA, according to Canadian law.
Employers can utilize the LMIA or the "A" number (electronic job offer) to apply for a work permit in Canada after they have obtained one.
If you leave the country, you must return with both a valid travel document and your work permit. You can travel to Canada without a work permit, but it does allow you to work there. You will need a valid passport and either a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Eligibility checkup
Are you eligible to work in Canada? Find out if you can apply
There are specific requirements you need to meet depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit.
Fill in the form to discuss your eligibility status with one of our immigration consultants.