If you’re planning to work in Canada as a foreign national, getting a valid work visa is a must. Canada is known for its robust economy, welcoming immigration policies, and high quality of life, making it a top destination for global talent. But to work legally, you must understand the Canada Work Visa Application Process.
Whether you’re applying from outside, inside Canada, or at a port of entry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your Canadian work journey.
What is a Working Visa for Canada?
A Canadian work visa, also known as a work permit, allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specified period. This permit is usually issued alongside a temporary resident visa, depending on the applicant’s nationality and situation.
Canada offers two main types of work permits:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a particular job, employer, and location.
- Open Work Permit: Offers flexibility to work for any eligible employer across the country.
Work permits are temporary but may lead to permanent residency under programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
What Type of Workers Does Canada Need?
Before applying for a Canada work visa, it’s important to understand what kinds of professionals are in high demand. This boosts your chances of receiving a job offer and getting approved.
Canada needs skilled workers in sectors such as:
- Information Technology (e.g., Software Engineers, Data Analysts)
- Healthcare (e.g., Registered Nurses, Physicians, Caregivers)
- Skilled Trades (e.g., Electricians, Welders, Plumbers)
- Construction (e.g., Project Managers, Heavy Equipment Operators)
- Finance (e.g., Accountants, Financial Analysts)
- Education (e.g., Teachers, Early Childhood Educators)
- Agriculture (e.g., Farm Workers, Agricultural Technicians)
- Logistics and Transport (e.g., Truck Drivers)
- Hospitality and Tourism (e.g., Chefs, Hotel Managers)
- Engineering (e.g., Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineers)
Check the official Job Bank or IRCC site for updated high-demand occupations in Canada.
About The Canada Work Visa Application Process
Most foreigners who want to work in Canada apply for a work permit. If you’re unsure whether you need a work permit or which type to choose, the Government of Canada website provides a tool to help you answer a few questions and determine the right option.
There are two main types of temporary work permits available under the Canada work visa application process. Below, we explain each one in detail:
Employer-Specific Work Permit
This type of permit allows you to work in Canada under specific conditions listed on your work permit, such as:
- The name of the employer you are authorized to work for
- The duration you’re allowed to work in Canada
- The specific location where you can work (if applicable)
Before submitting your Canada work permit application for an employer-specific permit, your employer must provide you with:
- A copy of your official employment contract
- One of the following:
- A copy of a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or
- An offer of employment number (for workers who are LMIA-exempt)
- To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.
If your employer doesn’t need to use the Employer Portal
If the employer does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, then they must give you a copy of the employment contract.
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada, giving you flexibility and freedom in your job search. However, there are a few exceptions. You cannot work for:
- Employers listed as ineligible on the government’s list of non-compliant employers, or
- Companies that regularly offer services such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Note: Open work permits are only issued under specific circumstances. Be sure to confirm your eligibility before applying.
Medical Exam Requirements
Some jobs in Canada require a medical examination. If you want to avoid medical restrictions on your open work permit, you should complete a medical exam with a designated panel physician.
Bringing Your Family
You may be eligible to bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you to Canada. In many cases, they may be permitted to study, work, or reside with you during your stay.
Application Fee
Applicants must pay a processing fee, which typically starts at CAD $155 for a work permit.
For a step-by-step guide on applying, visit our Canada Visa Application Process page.
Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Work Visa
Your eligibility for a Canadian work visa depends on your location and the type of work permit you’re applying for. However, there are general requirements that all applicants must meet:
General Eligibility Criteria
Regardless of your situation, you must:
- Prove to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada when your permit expires.
- Demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay and to return home.
- Follow the law and have no criminal record (you may need to submit a police clearance certificate).
- Pose no threat to Canada’s national security.
- Be in good health and undergo a medical exam, if required.
- Not work for an employer who:
- Is on the ineligible employers list, or
- Regularly provides services such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
- Provide any additional documents requested by the visa officer to support your application.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada Work Permit Applicants
1. Applicants Outside Canada
If you’re applying for a Canadian work permit from outside the country, you can submit your application before entering Canada. However, the requirements may vary depending on your country or territory of residence. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by the visa office in your region.
You may also be eligible for faster processing under the Global Skills Strategy, which offers two-week processing for certain applicants.
Applicants Inside Canada
You can apply for a work permit from within Canada if one or more of the following conditions apply:
- You have a valid study or work permit.
- Your spouse, common-law partner, or parents hold a valid study or work permit.
- You qualify for a post-graduation work permit, and your study permit is still valid.
- You hold a temporary resident permit valid for at least six months.
- You are awaiting a decision on an inland permanent residence application.
- You have made a refugee claim in Canada.
- You’ve been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.
- You are authorized to work without a permit but now require one to take a different job (note: business visitors are not included).
- You are a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Applicants at a Port of Entry (POE)
You are generally required to apply for a work permit before traveling to Canada. However, certain individuals can apply at the border or airport (POE) if they meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country.
- You are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or can travel without a visitor visa.
- You meet all other specific criteria for your type of work permit.
You cannot apply at a POE if you:
- Require a visitor visa to enter Canada.
- Are from a country listed as ineligible for POE applications.
- Are applying under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program but are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Are applying through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
Open Work Permit Applicants
To apply for an Open Work Permit, you must meet the eligibility criteria for this specific permit category. In some cases, a medical exam may be required before you arrive in Canada. You can check your need for a medical exam here.
Biometrics Requirements at a POE
Most applicants cannot give biometrics at a POE unless they meet these two conditions:
- You start and complete your application at the same port of entry.
- You are eligible to apply for a work permit at a POE.
Biometric collection is only available at designated POE locations for eligible applicants.
Documents Required for the Canada Work Visa Application Process
To successfully apply for a Canada work permit, you must submit several key supporting documents. Missing or incomplete documentation can lead to processing delays or rejection. Below is a breakdown of the essential documents:
Proof of Identity
You must provide:
- A valid passport or travel document that allows you to return to your home country or territory.
- Two passport-sized photos of yourself and each accompanying family member, following IRCC photo specifications.
Note: If you are required to submit biometrics, do not include printed photos. You can check if you need biometrics here.
Proof of Employment in Canada
Depending on your situation, you’ll need to provide one of the following:
- For LMIA-exempt applicants: Submit the offer of employment number (starts with “A” followed by 7 digits) provided by your employer.
- For LMIA-required positions: Provide:
- A copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) issued by ESDC.
- A signed employment contract from your future employer.
Also include:
- Proof of eligibility for the job (e.g., relevant educational credentials, a trade certification, or résumé outlining past experience).
- If applying to work in Quebec, submit a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by MIFI (not required for LMIA-exempt roles).
Proof of Relationship (If Accompanied by Family)
You may need:
- Marriage certificate and/or birth certificates for dependents.
- If you have a common-law partner, complete and validate the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] and provide supporting documentation.
Additional Documents
You may also be required to submit:
- Proof of immigration status in the country where you’re applying, if you’re not a citizen.
- A re-entry permit, if required by your home country to return there.
- Any additional documents requested by IRCC.
Use this Document Checklist (IMM 5488) to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork.
Canada Work Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Where You’re Applying From
Choose your application location:
- Outside Canada
- Inside Canada
- At a Port of Entry (POE)
Your choice affects the required forms and instructions you’ll receive during the process.
Step 2: Get the Right Application Package
You can apply:
- Online (recommended) or
- On paper (where applicable)
To apply online, ensure you have:
- The instruction guide for your application.
- Country-specific visa office requirements.
- A scanner or camera to upload documents.
- A valid credit or debit card for fee payment.
You may also need to upload a validated IMM 5409 form if you’re in a common-law relationship.
Step 3: Create an Online IRCC Account
Visit the IRCC website to create an account using:
- A GCKey, or
- Sign-In Partner (such as your Canadian bank)
Use your account to:
- Submit applications
- Pay fees
- Track application status
- Extend your permit
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
You’ll be asked to provide:
- Personal details (name, gender, DOB, marital status, contact info)
- Family information
- Education background
- Employment history (last 10 years)
You must also specify:
- Type of work permit you’re applying for
- Employer’s name, address, job title, and job description
- Location and duration of intended employment
Canada Working Holiday Visa: Overview & Application
The Working Holiday Visa is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which allows young people aged 18–35 to work and travel in Canada.
Types of IEC Work Permits:
- Working Holiday – Open work permit to fund your travels
- Young Professionals – Employer-specific permit for career development
- International Co-op (Internship) – Work placement related to studies
Basic Info:
- Application Fee: Starts at CAN$172
- Processing Time: Around 3 weeks
Who Can Apply?
You must be a citizen of a partner country with a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.
If your country is not a partner, you may apply through a Recognized Organization (RO), if eligible.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Step 1: Complete the Online Profile
- Answer all questions truthfully and completely
- Fill all mandatory fields
- Avoid gaps in work and education history
- Validate each form before submission
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
You’ll receive a personalized checklist after submitting your profile. Commonly required documents include:
- Police certificate
- Medical exam results
- Résumé/CV
- Passport copy
- Digital photo
- Proof of funds & health insurance
- eTA or visitor visa application
- School registration (for co-op)
- Diploma/degree (for young professionals)
- RO invitation letter (if applicable)
Step 3: Pay the Fees
- IEC Participation Fee: CAN$100
- Additional fees may apply depending on the program stream.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Before submitting, ensure:
- All fields are complete
- Required fees are paid
- Scanned documents are clear and in color
Step 5: Biometrics
You may be required to submit fingerprints and a photograph (biometrics). If already submitted in the past, check if they’re still valid using the IRCC biometrics tool.
FAQs
How long does it take to process a Canada work visa application?
Answer: Processing times vary depending on your country of application and the type of work permit. On average, it can take 4 to 12 weeks. If you’re eligible under the Global Skills Strategy, your application could be processed in as little as 2 weeks.
Can I bring my family with me on a Canada work permit?
Answer: Yes, you can bring your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children. Your spouse may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit, and your children can apply for study permits to attend school in Canada.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Canada work visa?
Answer: In most cases, yes—a valid job offer and either an LMIA or an offer of employment number is required. However, open work permits, such as those under the Working Holiday Visa or for spouses of skilled workers, do not require a job offer.
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