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.
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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.
Read our guide on Canada Citizenship by Investment Changes
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Canada Work Visa
Why get work visa Canada?
The Canadian work permit is issued on a temporary basis to accommodate most candidates on a job hunt. Canadian employers often seek foreign workers due to labour market shortages or for industries in high demand. Work permits are provided by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
How do I get a work visa for Canada?
To get a work visa, you usually need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, there are exceptions if you recently graduated from a Canadian school or are a partner to someone with a study or work permit.
What is the difference between an open and closed work permit?
Open work permits allow a foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada. It is a flexible work permit for skilled workers and foreign students. Closed work permits tie the foreign worker to a specific job or the same employer listed in the work permit. The closed work permit usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Can you get a Canadian work permit as a temporary worker?
Yes, Canadian employers can hire temporary foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This immigration program provides a Canadian work permit that fills jobs on a temporary basis. The immigration program can hire a foreign national to work in Canada when they lack qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents to manage labor shortages.
Can you get a Canadian work permit as a permanent worker?
No. The Canadian work permit is for temporary workers, not permanent ones. However, a foreign worker with a temporary work permit can become a permanent resident (PR) in Canada, which gives them eligibility to work in Canada permanently.
Canada permanent residence or Canada PR Visa is available through multiple immigration programs, such as Express Entry, Business Immigration, Atlantic Immigration, Provincial Nominee, and the Start-up Visa Program.
Is it easy to get a work visa in Canada?
The ease of obtaining a work visa and, subsequently, a work permit in Canada varies based on factors like your qualifications and whether they meet the Canada work visa requirements and the visa category. Many Americans are moving to Canada due to the stable economy, close proximity, and business opportunities.
Can US citizens work in Canada?
Yes, US citizens can work in Canada by obtaining the appropriate work visa. Americans only need a passport to enter Canada. Compared to other travelers from different countries, US citizens are exempt from carrying electronic travel authorization (eTA).
How long can I stay in Canada with a work visa?
The Canada work visa is a short-term visa lasting six months or less. The length of time varies based on the Canadian job offer supported and the passport’s expiration date. A foreign worker can apply for an extension and stay to work in Canada for up to four years.
Does a Canadian work visa allow family sponsorship?
You can apply for an open work permit if you are a conjugal partner, common-law partner, or family member of someone who is in the process of becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Dependent children can also receive sponsorships to visit Canada.
How long does it take to get a work visa Canada?
The processing time for a work visa to Canada varies based on your country of residence, but it typically takes six to 12 weeks or more. A foreign worker must have a valid Canadian job offer from a Canadian employer. Skilled workers must apply for a work permit, a legal document permitting them to work in Canada temporarily.
What is the work visa Canada age limit?
There is no specific age limit for applying for a Canadian work visa. You must be a legal adult (18 or older), have a job offer from a prospective Canadian employer, and provide a legal document permitting entry into Canada. In most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may also be required to get a work permit.
Can temporary foreign workers switch jobs if they came to Canada on a work permit?
No, temporary foreign workers tied to the same employer must apply for a new work permit to change jobs. If skilled workers leave Canada before they get their new visitor visa or work permit, there is no guarantee they’ll be approved to enter Canada again through a Canadian port. This rule also applies to skilled workers with dependent children.
Can international students work in Canada while on study permits?
Yes, international students with study permits can work in Canada, but there are restrictions. They can work part-time (less than 20 hours per week) off-campus without a work permit. If international students want to work full-time or on-campus, they’ll need to apply for a work permit.
Can I switch from a student visa to a work permit in Canada?
If you attended a Canadian designated learning institute, you may be eligible for a work permit through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A foreign worker still needs a valid temporary resident visa. The immigration officer ensures you meet requirements.