A work permit is a legal document that enables a foreign national to work while present in Canada. About 500,000 temporary foreign workers receive work permits from Canada each year from all over the world.
For many foreign nationals looking for career possibilities, Canada is a top choice. For individuals looking to immigrate permanently to Canada, working there is a fantastic first step.
Who is qualified to work in Canada?
With a few exceptions, the majority of foreign nationals need a permission to be able to work in Canada.
Most applicants will need a Canadian job offer accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment in order to submit an application for a work permit (LMIA). With some limitations, foreign employees may 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 who is currently in possession of a work or study permit in Canada are two examples of this.
Candidates who are eligible to apply for a work permit must also satisfy the following criteria:
- Clearly express their intention to depart when their work permission expires; and
- demonstrate that they have enough money to maintain themselves and their family in Canada and to travel back home; and
- Are not medically or criminally barred from entering Canada; and
- aspire to work for a qualified employer; and
- can deliver any required documentation to support their entry eligibility into Canada
Canadian employment permit types
A Canadian work visa can be obtained in a variety of ways.
Some work permits call for an employer's job offer to be from Canada, others need that the employer produce a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and still others demand that the applicant have some type of link to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.).
Please refer to the categories listed below to find the work permit that best meets your requirements.
Requiring an impact analysis of the labor market (LMIA)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
- Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requires an employment contract or job offer
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- NAFTA Work Permits
- CETA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
Permits to Work Openly (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
Immigrant advice:
- It is not necessary to have a work permit to be employed in Canada for Canadian permanent citizens.
- The legal right to live and work anywhere in the nation is granted to those who have permanent resident status.
- Learn more about the possibilities for talented professionals seeking permanent immigration.
How to get a work permit in Canada
Depending on the kind of work permit a person is looking for, the procedure for getting one in Canada varies considerably. For instance, as part of their study permit authorisation, international students studying in Canada frequently receive automatic permission to work part-time.
For the majority of closed work permit applications, a foreign applicant must have a formal job offer from a Canadian business that is accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Even individuals who are exempt from the LMIA or who are not required to obtain a work visa should be aware of the special paperwork they must prepare to guarantee they are admitted to Canada.
A closed (limited) work permit and an open work permit are the two main ways to obtain a work permit in Canada.
A foreign national with a closed work permit must continue to work for the same employer at the same location unless their work permit is changed because closed work permits are linked to specific employers.
Am I qualified to submit a work permit application if I have a job offer from Canada?
Even if you receive a job offer from Canada, you may still not be qualified to submit a work permit application.
For specific work visa applications, an employment offer must fulfill criteria in order to be accepted.
Typically, an employment offer must be one of the following to qualify for a work permit:
- favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supporting
- without the need for an LMIA.
It is significant to remember that the province of Quebec has its own procedure for figuring out whether an employment offer is legitimate.
What can I do with a work permit for Canada?
The particular limitations imposed on your authorisation are listed on your actual work permit.
Your eligibility for a certain sort of work permit will largely decide these restrictions.
Conditions could apply to the kind of work you can do, the places and employers you can work for, and the length of time you can work in Canada.
Anyone with a work permit is not allowed to work for a company where there is reason to believe that some employees may be exploited.
Holders of work permits are not citizens of Canada and must depart at the expiration of their visas.
Can I add my family in my work permit application?
You might be permitted to bring your spouse and dependant children to Canada if you're requesting an employer-sponsored work permit.
Your children may attend Canadian educational institutions if they are of school age and are already residents of Canada without needing a separate study permit.
Your spouse or partner might also be qualified to apply for an open work visa, which would let them work for any Canadian firm.
How much does a work permit in Canada cost?
A closed work permit costs $155 CAD per person, while an open work permit costs $255 CAD per person.
Additional fees will be charged if you are renewing a work permit or applying on behalf of a group of performing artists.
How can I make a work permit application?
Depending on the type of work permit you require, the application process varies.
Choosing the proper work permit for you is the first step.
Simply get in touch with us if you need assistance with the application, and a member of our staff will help you arrange a consultation.
What documents are required to apply for a work permit in Canada?
The documents needed for a Canadian work permit will vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for.
As part of their work permit application, applicants may be required to submit the following documents:
- Application forms completed
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Proof of status from a family member (if applicable)
- Evaluation of the Labor Market's Impact (if applicable)
- Employment contract in writing (if applicable)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resumé
- Certificate of Marriage (if applicable)
- Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Evidence that you meet the job specifications
- A true copy of your passport
- a copy of your educational credentials
- Medical exam outcomes (if requested)
- Evidence of financial ability to remain in Canada and return to one's home country
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
Biometrics for work permits in Canada
IRCC is currently implementing a temporary measure that exempts applicants seeking a work permit from within Canada. Candidates living outside of Canada must still provide biometrics after receiving a biometrics instruction letter.
Follow the instructions on the government of Canada's dedicated page for providing your biometrics.
Police clearances are required for Canadian work permits.
The visa officer who is reviewing your application may request police clearance certificates. This document may be part of your application checklist and must be submitted with your initial submission depending on where you apply.
Applicants for work permits may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they have lived for 6 months or more after the age of 18.
Medical examination for a work permit in Canada
Foreign nationals applying to work in Canada may be required to take a medical exam, depending on their intended length of stay, previous residence, and occupation.
If you intend to work in Canada for more than six months, you must take a medical exam if one of the following conditions applies:
- You have lived or traveled in one of the countries listed on Canada's 'Find out if you need a medical exam' page for at least six months, or
- You intend to work in a field where you will have frequent contact with the people listed in the preceding hyperlink.
Medical exams must be completed with an IRCC-designated panel physician.
Find a panel physician near you by visiting the IRCC's Find a Panel Physician page.
Applicants can choose to take an initial medical exam. This entails contacting the panel physician directly and taking the exam prior to applying for a work permit.
If you do not submit your medical exam results with your application, an IRCC officer will contact you with instructions on how to complete the exam and a deadline for completion.
Canadian work permit photo requirements
Foreign nationals applying for a work permit in Canada must include a passport-sized photo with their application. The photo must adhere to the IRCC's specifications.
How long will it take for my work permit application to be processed?
The processing time for a work permit application is determined by the type of work permit and the applicant's current country of residence. Processing times can range between a few weeks and several months.
How long will it take for my LMIA application to be processed?
There are two kinds of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications: regular LMIA applications and simplified LMIA applications. Only in the province of Quebec is the simplified LMIA available. The regular LMIA is handled on a case-by-case basis, with processing times varying greatly between applicants. A regular LMIA application usually takes at least five months to receive a response.
Employers who are eligible for Canada's Global Talent Stream may be eligible for expedited LMIA processing. The simplified LMIA for Quebec employment is usually processed within two to three months.
What is the success rate for work permit/LMIA applications?
It is impossible to provide a success rate for work permit/LMIA applications because each application is handled individually. If an applicant meets the LMIA's requirements, their application should be approved. Individual officers, however, evaluate applications and use their own discretion in deciding whether or not to approve a work permit application.
How can I find out where my work permit application stands?
If you applied for a work permit online, you can check the status through your online account. You can check the status of a paper-based application by linking it to an online IRCC account.
Reasons for a work permit application denial
Refusal of a work permit can be devastating. A work permit can be refused for a variety of reasons. If you're not sure why your application was denied, applying for GCMS notes may help you figure it out and address the officer's concerns if you decide to reapply.
The following are some of the most common reasons for a work permit refusal:
- The officer was not convinced that you could do the job adequately.
- The officer was skeptical that you would return to your home country when your authorized stay in Canada expired.
- You do not meet the requirements for the work permit you requested.
How do I include my spouse and children on my work permit application?
Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit if you apply for a closed Canadian work permit.
If your spouse qualifies, they must apply for their own work permit. Most of the time, they must apply for this permit online.
How do I get my work permit activated?
How you activate your work permit will be determined by where you apply and how you apply.
Activating your work permit after applying from within Canada
If you apply for a work permit from within Canada and your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter from IRCC. If you applied online, your approval letter will be available in your account.
If you submitted a paper application, the letter would be mailed to you. Your physical work permit will be mailed to you after you have received your approval letter.
The permit will be activated when it arrives, and you will be able to use it to work in Canada.
After applying from outside of Canada, you must activate your work permit.
If you apply from outside of Canada and your application is approved, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to obtain your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry (POE).
If you applied online, the instruction letter will be available in your online account. If you applied on paper, the letter would be mailed to your home address.
After applying at a port of entry, you must activate your work permit.
Certain applicants may be eligible to apply for a work permit at the Canadian border.
If you apply for a work permit at the border, you must bring documents proving your eligibility.
If approved, the officer may print the work permit at the border right away. This work permit is immediately usable.
How to Look for Work in Canada
It can be intimidating to start looking for work in Canada. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to those looking for an official job offer from a Canadian employer.
When starting your job search, we recommend using the Cytravels job search resources listed below. Before sending out any applications, make sure to prepare your resume and tailor your social media presence!
- Canadian Resume Help
- Guide to Social Media Presence
Certain jobs in Canada may necessitate knowing one's National Occupation Classification Code (NOC Code).
According to Canadian standards, this code is used to classify all types of employment. Cytravels has also created a tool to help you find your NOC Code.
BENEFITS OF WORKING IN CANADA
Working in Canada has numerous advantages. Canadian labor laws ensure that workplaces are safe and that all employers follow certain laws and regulations to ensure their employees' well-being. Furthermore, Canadian wages are competitive, and foreign nationals are legally required to be offered wages comparable to their Canadian counterparts.
Finally, some Canadian work permits allow workers' spouses and children to accompany them to Canada. Another significant benefit for those interested in permanently immigrating to Canada is that gaining Canadian work experience may increase a foreign national's eligibility for a number of Canadian permanent residency programs. The following programs provide varying degrees of credit for Canadian work experience:
- Express Entry
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Quebec Immigration Programs
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
How can I get my work permit extended?
Temporary foreign workers who are eligible to extend their work permit must typically apply online.
If you intend to extend your work permit, you should do so at least 30 days before the expiration date of your current permit. While this is a suggestion, an applicant technically has until the last day of expiry to apply for an extension request.
What is the number on my work permit?
Your work permit number is located in the upper righthand corner of your permit and begins with the letter "U."
Can I work in Canada if I don't have a work permit?
With few exceptions, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit in order to work in Canada.
Is it possible to obtain a Canadian work permit without a job offer?
To apply for a work permit in Canada, foreign nationals usually need a written job offer from a Canadian employer. However, in certain circumstances, foreign workers may apply for an open work permit without a job offer, allowing them to work anywhere in Canada for any employer.
Is there an age limit for Canadian work permits?
To obtain a Canadian work permit, foreign workers must be at least 18 years old. Unless applying through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, there is no maximum age for work permit applicants.
Can I apply for Canadian health insurance while working in Canada?
Each province and territory in Canada is in charge of health care, and each has its own insurance plan. Work permit holders in some provinces can apply for provincial health insurance coverage. Before becoming eligible for health insurance, most provinces require residents to be physically present for a certain number of days.
What is the distinction between a work permit and a visa in Canada?
A work permit in Canada allows foreign nationals to work in Canada, whereas a visa is a travel document used to enter the country.
A visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), is a physical sticker that is placed in your passport and serves as a travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada or transit through a Canadian airport.
Even if you have a valid work permit, you cannot return to Canada without a valid visa or eTA.
Do I need IELTS to apply for a work permit in Canada?
Individuals applying for a work permit in Canada are not required to take the IELTS or any other English or French language exam.
However, if the job offer specifically requires French and/or English skills and the applicant is from a non-French or English-speaking country, the officer may require evidence of language abilities, such as a language test.
How long are work permits in Canada valid?
Work permits in Canada are typically valid for 1-2 years, with some exceptions. A visa officer will typically not issue a work permit for a period of time that exceeds the validity of an applicant's passport or the period of time indicated on the applicant's Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A work permit will also not be issued for any period of time longer than the foreign national has applied to stay in Canada, or for any period of time that is required for the job offer.
Is my Canadian work permit required to enter Canada?
If you leave Canada, you will need your work permit as well as a valid travel document to re-enter. A work permit allows you to work in Canada but does not allow you to travel there. In addition to a valid passport, you will need a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
Is it possible for my employer to sponsor me to work in Canada?
Employers in Canada do not "sponsor" candidates to work in Canada, but they can help bring in foreign workers by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submitting an electronic job offer (LMIA exempted categories).
Any Canadian employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker must first obtain an LMIA or submit an electronic job offer. An LMIA or "A" number (electronic job offer) obtained by an employer can be used to apply for a Canadian work permit.
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