Looking for a job in Canada? The work visa Canada is a short-term document that allows foreign nationals to work legally in the country.
Launched to attract temporary foreign workers with the right skills, education, and experience, the Canada work permit provides better job opportunities, financial stability, and a potential pathway to permanent resident status.
The application process can be difficult to manage, but we’re here to help. This article provides a step-by-step guide for foreign nationals on the eligibility requirements, the application process, and common mistakes to avoid.
Keep reading to learn about:
Only applicants who received a valid commitment certificate from a designated organization in 2025 may still apply for permanent residence, with a final submission deadline of June 30, 2026. New SUV work permit applications are no longer accepted, though current permit holders may apply for extensions while awaiting permanent residence decisions.
IRCC has confirmed that a new, more selective entrepreneur pilot program will launch in 2026, featuring lower intake caps and stricter eligibility requirements.
What is the Canada Work Visa?
A Canada work visa, also known as a work permit, is a legal document that enables a foreign worker to work in Canada. Most foreign nationals get a work visa if their qualifications and education match the job description.
The benefits of Canada work visa include:
- Gaining Canadian work experience
- Potential for higher salaries
- Option to pursue higher education
- Pathway to permanent residence
- Potential spousal sponsorship
The processing time for a Canadian work permit depends on the type of work permit and your country of residence. But, it often takes six to 12 weeks or more. Temporary work permits in Canada for skilled workers applying for short-term jobs are usually faster, taking about two to three weeks.
Types of Canada Work Visas
There are several types of work visas in Canada based on your job, qualifications, and Canadian employers. The two main categories available to foreign nationals are Employer-specific work permits and Open work permits.
Employer Specific Work Permits
These Canadian work permits allow you to work for a specific employer in a designated location. The work permit specifies how long the foreign worker can work in Canada and who to work for. The work permit falls into the following categories:
- Labour Market Impact Assessment-Based Work Permit – A foreign worker must receive a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Service Canada to be eligible for this work permit.
- Global Talent Stream (GTS) Work Permit – This work permit is for tech workers, like engineers, mathematicians, and system analysts.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Permit – The intra-company transferee work permit is for employees of multinational companies moving to a Canadian branch.
- Agricultural Worker Program – This Canadian work permit attracts farmers and seasonal agricultural workers.
- Francophone Mobility Work Permit – This Canadian work permit is for foreign nationals with high French proficiency. Workers don’t need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Open Work Permits
An open work permit enables the foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada. The open work permit that falls into this category is:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – For international students who graduated from Canadian educational institutions. International students can use this valid work permit to boost their Canadian work experience.
- Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) – For spouses of skilled workers or international students who want to work in Canada.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – For those waiting for permanent residence approval.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit – For youth (18-35) who want to travel and work in Canada. Eligible foreign nationals are from partner countries under Working Holiday Visa, Young Professionals, or Co-op programs.
How to get a work visa in Canada?
Before a foreign worker can apply for a work permit, they must:
- Choose the right visa category. The Canadian work permit comes in different categories, such as employer-specific and open work permits. The foreign national must choose a visa based on their skills, education, and Canadian job offer.
- Secure a valid job offer. Most foreign nationals require a valid offer from a Canadian employer that includes details about the role, salary, and duration of Canada employment visa.
- Collect the necessary documents. To apply for a work visa, temporary foreign workers need a passport, language proficiency test results, educational transcripts, or proof of qualifications, and other supporting documents.
- Create an online profile (if applicable). If a skilled worker applies through the Express Entry system or any online platform, they must create an online profile based on the immigration program.
Canada Work Visa Requirements
The documents required for Canada work permit are:
- Travel document or valid passport
- Proof of work experience or specialized knowledge
- Proof of language proficiency in English or French
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
- Canadian job offer letter supported by an employer
- Proof of funds (i.e., bank statements, sales contracts, bank letters, dividend certificates, etc.)
- Police certificate
- Provincial nomination
Check the entry requirements for the type of visa you choose. To apply for a work permit, foreign nationals may also need to provide additional documents, such as a birth certificate, medical exam, or proof of health insurance. A foreign worker can secure permanent residence through Canadian immigration programs. Canada issues various options such as Express Entry, Start-up Visa, Business Immigration, and Provincial Nominee Programs.
Canada work visa application process: step-by-step
Most foreign nationals must meet all Canada work visa eligibility criteria to apply for a work permit. Here is how to start the application process:
- Step 1: Apply for a labor market assessment. If a skilled worker applies for an employer-specific work permit, they must qualify for LMIA.
- Step 2: Receive a temporary job offer. Employers send their temporary foreign workers a job offer letter indicating information like job title, salary, responsibilities, etc.
- Step 3: Apply for a work permit. A foreign national must choose a work permit type based on their experience, skills, and job classification.
- Step 4: Fill out a work permit application form. Download and complete the form from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Step 5: Receive your work permit. Obtain a valid visa based on the job classification and desired location.
A million work permits are issued every year. In Canada, work permits are provided by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The Canadian Government issues more than 100 immigration pathways for business people, skilled workers, and their families.
How much does Canada work visa cost?
A foreign worker must pay the necessary fees set by the Canadian government to apply for a work visa. The cost of the application procedure varies depending on the type of visa the skilled worker needs. A standard work permit costs $155, a study permit is $150, and a visitor visa is $100. Work permit holders may need to pay additional expenses, such as biometrics or document translations. Consult an immigration officer for the most accurate price range based on your work permit.
The tables below provides the various costs for the application procedure in Canadian dollars.
Workers | Cost |
| Work permit | $155 |
| Open work permit holder | $100 |
| International Experience Canada | $179.75 |
| Restoring worker status | $394.75 |
Students | Cost |
| Study permit | $150 |
| Restoring student visa | $389.75 |
| Temporary resident permit | $239.75 |
Visitors | Cost |
| Visitor visa | $100 |
| Extending visitor visa | $100 |
| Restoring visitor visa | $239.75 |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
