Work in Canada

Work in Canada: Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process

A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work while in Canada. Every year, Canada issues approximately 500,000 work permits to temporary foreign employees from all over the world.

Many foreign nationals seeking jobs in Canada choose Canada as their destination. Working in Canada is also an ideal first step for those looking to permanently relocate to the nation.

Who is eligible to work in Canada?

With a few exceptions, most foreign nationals require a permission to work in Canada.
Most candidates will need a Canadian employment offer backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment to apply for a work permit (LMIA). There are some exceptions when foreign workers can 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 already on a Canadian work or study permit are examples of this.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also meet the following requirements:

• - Demonstrate their intent to leave once their work authorization expires; and
• - Prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families in Canada and to return home; and
• - Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada; and
• - Plan to work with an eligible employer; and
• - Can provide any requested documents that may prove their eligibility to enter Canada.

Types of Canadian work permits

There are numerous ways to obtain a Canadian work permit. Some work permits need an employment offer from a Canadian employer, others require the employer to present a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and still others require a connection to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). Please see the categories below to choose which work permit best suits 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)
• - CETA Work Permits
• - Intra-Company Transfers
• - NAFTA Work Permits

How to obtain a Canadian work permit

The procedure for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies substantially based on the type of work permit sought. For example, an overseas student studying in Canada will frequently be granted permission to work part-time as part of their study permit authorisation.
Most closed work permit applications require a foreign citizen to have an official job offer from a Canadian business, backed up by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even individuals who are LMIA-exempt or exempt from obtaining a work visa should be aware of the specific papers required to assure access into Canada.A closed (restricted) work permit and an open work permit are the two main ways to obtain a Canadian work permit.
Closed work permits are tied to specific employers, which implies that a foreign national with a closed work permit must continue to work for the same business in the same place unless their work permit is changed.

If I have a Canadian job offer, am I eligible to apply for a work permit?

Having a job offer in Canada does not always imply that you are eligible to apply for a work permit. To be deemed acceptable for some work permit applications, an employment offer must meet certain criteria. In most circumstances, in order for a candidate to be qualified for a work permit, the job offer must be either:

• 1. backed up by a favourable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA);
• 2. exempt from the need for an LMIA.

What am I allowed to do on a Canadian work permit?

Your physical work permit specifies the limitations on your authorization. These restrictions are primarily decided by the type of work visa you are eligible for. Conditions may include the type of employment you can do, where and for whom you can work, and the length of time you can stay in Canada. All work permit holders are forbidden from working in any establishment where there is a reasonable suspicion of sexual exploitation of some workers.
Work permit holders are not permanent residents of Canada and must depart the country by the end of their allotted stay. If you are working in Canada and want to stay permanently, fill out our free assessment form to get a detailed assessment of your immigration options.

Can my family be included on my work permit application?

If you apply for an employer-sponsored work permit, you may be able to bring your spouse and dependent children with you to Canada.
If your children are of school age and in Canada, they are eligible to attend Canadian educational institutions without the need for a special study permit. Your spouse or partner may be qualified to apply for an open work visa, which would allow them to work for any employer in Canada.

How much does a Canadian work permit cost?

A closed work permit costs $155 CAD per person, while an open work permit costs $255 CAD per person. Additional fees will apply if you are reinstating a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.

How do I apply for a work permit?

The application process varies depending on the type of work permit required. The first step is to figure out which work permit is right for you. If you need assistance navigating the application, please call us and a member of our team can assist you in booking a session.

Biometrics for Canadian work permits

IRCC is currently implementing a temporary measure that exempts applicants seeking a work visa from within Canada. Candidates living outside of Canada must still supply biometrics after getting a biometrics instruction letter.