Canada work visa: requirements/application: With a few exceptions, the majority of foreign nationals need a Canada Work Visa to be able to work in Canada.
Most applicants will require a Canadian employment offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Foreign workers may register for a work visa without an LMIA or a job offer, subject to certain restrictions. A recent graduate of a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and the spouse of a Canadian work or study visa holder are two examples.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also satisfy the following criteria:
- Demonstrate their intent to depart upon expiration of their work authorization;
- Demonstrate they have sufficient funds to sustain themselves and their family in Canada and to return to their home country;
- Who are neither medically nor criminally inadmissible to Canada;
- Plan to work for an eligible employer;
- Can provide any documents required to demonstrate their eligibility to enter Canada.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
There are a variety of ways to obtain a work permit in Canada. Some work permits require an employment offer from a Canadian employer, others require the employer to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and others require a connection to Canada (previous education, sponsorship by a spouse, etc.). Please consult the categories listed below to determine which work authorization best matches your qualifications:
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- NAFTA Work Permits
- CETA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required)
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
How to obtain a Canadian work permit?
The procedure for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies significantly based on the form of work permit being sought. As part of their study permit authorization, an international student studying in Canada is often automatically granted permission to work part-time.
The majority of closed work permit applications require an official employment offer from a Canadian employer accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even those who are exempt from the LMIA or do not require a work permit must be aware of the unique documentation they must prepare to ensure entry into Canada. There are two primary methods to obtain a work permit in Canada: a closed (restricted) work permit or an open work permit.
Find out if you are eligible to apply
Do you want to work, study, visit, travel through or live permanently in Canada?
Answer a few questions to determine what immigration programs you can apply for. Each immigration program has different application and eligibility requirements. You will need about 10-15 minutes to complete the form.
You may be asked questions about your:
- nationality
- age
- language ability
- family members
- education
- work experience
- income and/or net worth
- details on any job offer
Based on your answers, we will tell you what programs you may be eligible for, so be as accurate as possible.
If you are eligible, we will give you detailed instructions on what to do next.
Options for Family Members to Work in Canada
A Canadian work permit holder’s family may come with them to Canada.
All family members must complete their application forms, but they can be submitted together.
If a family member wants to work in Canada, they will need their own Canada work permit.
Usually, spouses or common-law partners are eligible for an open work permit. If a temporary foreign worker’s children want to study in Canada, they need a study permit.
What am I allowed to do on a Canadian work permit?
Your physical work permit outlines the specific restrictions attached to your authorization. These limitations will mainly be determined by the type of work permit you are eligible for. Conditions may include the type of work you can engage in, where and for whom you can work, and how long you can work in Canada. All work permit holders are prohibited from working at a business where there are grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation of some workers.
Work permit holders are not permanent residents of Canada and must leave the country by the end of their authorized stay. However, if you are working in Canada and would like to remain permanently, complete our free assessment form to receive a full evaluation of your immigration options.
How much does a Canadian work permit cost?
The processing fee for a closed work permit is $155 CAD per person or $255 per person for an open work permit. Additional fees will apply if you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.
What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?
The documents required for a work permit in Canada will depend on the type of permit you are applying for. Applicants may need to provide the following documents as part of their work permit application:
- 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)
- CV/ résumé
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Proof that you meet the job requirements
- A valid copy of your passport
- Copy of education credential
- Medical exam results (if requested)
- Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
How long will it take to process my LMIA application?
There are two types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications: a regular LMIA and a simplified LMIA. The simplified LMIA is only available in the province of Quebec. The regular LMIA is processed case-by-case, with processing times varying wildly from applicant to applicant. Generally, receiving a response on a typical LMIA application takes at least five months.
An employer eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream may qualify for expedited LMIA processing. The simplified LMIA completed for Quebec employment is usually processed in approximately two to three months.
What is the rate of success for work permit/LMIA applications?
It is impossible to give a rate of success for work permit/LMIA applications, as all applications are processed on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant meets the requirements of the LMIA, their application should be approved. However, applications are assessed by individual officers, each exercising their discretion in choosing whether or not to approve a work permit application.
How can I check the status of my work permit application?
If you submitted an online work permit application, you may check the status through your online account. You may check the status by linking it to an online IRCC account if you submitted a paper-based application.
Reasons a work permit application is refused
Receiving a work permit refusal can be devasting. There are many reasons a work permit can be refused. If it is unclear why your application was rejected, applying for GCMS notes may help get a better idea and can help address the officer’s concerns if you decide to reapply. Here are some common reasons for a work permit refusal:
- The officer was not convinced that you could adequately perform your intended work;
- The officer was not convinced that you would return to your home country at the end of your authorized stay in Canada;
- You do not meet the criteria for the work permit you applied for
How can I include my spouse and dependents on my work permit application?
If you are applying for a closed Canadian work permit, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit.
If your spouse is eligible, they must apply for their work permit. In most cases, they must apply for this permit online.
How do I activate my work permit?
How you activate your work permit will depend on where you are applying from and how you are applying.
Activating your work permit after applying from within Canada
If your application is approved after applying for a work permit from within Canada, you will receive an approval letter from IRCC. If you apply online, the approval letter will appear in your account. The letter would arrive at your mailing address if you submitted a paper-based application. Once you have received your approval letter, your physical work permit will arrive by mail. The permit will arrive activated, and you can use it to work in Canada.
Activating your work permit after applying from outside Canada
If your application is approved after applying from outside of Canada, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to obtain your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry (POE). If you apply online, the instruction letter will appear on your online account. If you applied on paper, you would receive the letter to your mailing address.
Activating your work permit after applying from the port of entry
Certain applicants may be eligible to apply for a work permit at the port of entry to Canada. If you are applying for a work permit at the border, you will need to bring documents that support your eligibility. If approved, the officer may print the work permit right away at the border. Your permit can be used right away.
How Can I Get a Visa to Work in Canada?
Canada is undoubtedly one of the most desirable places for many to relocate for work. Multitudes of people move to Canada for work regularly. However, the process of learning how to do so can be lengthy. Like all work visas, there’s a lot that one needs to know before they can properly apply. Our goal in this guide is to walk you through every single thing you’ll need to know for the process. We’ve compiled all the necessary information that goes into acquiring a Canadian work permit. If you’re interested in working in Canada, this guide is certainly for you.
Requirements for a Canadian Work Visa
There are certain eligibility requirements for a Canada work visa that everyone must meet when applying for a Canadian work permit. These requirements are listed below:
- Display proof that you’ll leave Canada after the expiration of the work permit.
- Prove that you can sustain yourself and any dependents financially during your entire stay.
- Have a record free of any criminal activity.
- Demonstrate that you won’t be a danger to Canada’s security.
- Show that you’re in good health. A medical exam may be deemed necessary in some cases.
- You should not be planning to work with an employer who is incompliant and doesn’t meet their responsibilities.
- Provide the following:
- A valid passport valid more than six months from the planned arrival date.
- Two passport-sized photographs taken recently.
- All academic qualification documents and certifications.
- Proof of professional capabilities: this can include work experience.
- Application fee.
- Provide biometrics and photo ID.
The requirements mentioned above are the general ones that everyone will be expected to meet. There may also be specific requirements depending on the type of permit you’re looking for. The requirements may also change depending on the employer you’ll be working for in Canada.
