Canada Work Visa

Down Arrow
Down Arrow
Down Arrow

I accept the Terms & Conditions

Team Final
Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Why Canada Work Visa?

Canada is a leading destination for foreign workers, issuing over 500,000 work permits annually to skilled and temporary foreign workers. This facilitates a diverse labour market and offers pathways to permanent residence for many.

  • Canada has 528,000 job vacancies annually.
  • Average salary in Canada is around CAD $55,000 to $60,000 per year.
  • Top sectors include technology, healthcare, engineering, trades, and agriculture.
  • Over 500,000 work permits are issued yearly in Canada.
  • Processing time varies from 2 to 14 weeks depending on permit type.
     

What is a Canada Work Permit?

A Canada work permit is a legal document permitting foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada. It authorizes employment with a specific Canadian employer or, in the case of an open work permit, allows work for any eligible employer. Most applicants require a valid job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt. Holding a work permit enables foreign workers to gain Canadian work experience and may serve as a pathway to permanent residence. The permit must be valid throughout the employment period to maintain legal work authorization in Canada.
 

Benefits of Canada Work Permit Visa

Holding a Canadian work permit offers several benefits:

  • Legal authorization to work and live temporarily in Canada.
  • Opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can support applications for permanent residence.
  • Eligibility for family members, such as spouses and dependent children, to accompany the visa holder, with spouses often qualifying for open work permits.
  • Access to provincial health insurance in many provinces.
  • Competitive wages protected by Canadian labor laws.
  • Possibility to transition to permanent resident status through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.
     

Canada Work Visa

A Canada work visa is a travel document, often required alongside a work permit, which allows foreign nationals to enter Canada legally for employment purposes. It must be valid for the duration of the intended stay and work in Canada. This visa is essential for citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada and facilitates lawful entry to begin work under a valid Canadian work permit.
 

Canada Work Permit Requirements

To apply for a Canada work permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • A valid passport.
  • A Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
  • Medical exam results from a panel physician if required.
  • Police clearance certificates, if applicable.
  • Compliance with health and security checks.
  • Meeting the specific eligibility criteria for the type of work permit being applied for.
     

Canada Work Permit Eligibility

Some categories, like international graduates, spouses of students, or temporary foreign workers, have additional eligibility options. The list of the eligibility criteria for a Canada work permit are as follows:
 

  • Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
  • Meet the eligibility requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
  • Not be inadmissible to Canada for medical, criminal, or security reasons.
  • Be able to prove that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
  • For certain categories, additional eligibility pathways may apply, such as:
  • International students graduating from a Canadian designated learning institute.
  • Spouses accompanying international students.
  • Participants in the temporary foreign worker program.
     

Canada Work Permit Process

Step 1: Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required.

Step 2: Employer provides a formal job offer to the foreign worker.

Step 3: Applicant submits the work permit application online or at a visa center.

Step 4: Applicant provides biometrics and completes a medical exam if necessary.

Step 5: Visa officer reviews the application and makes a decision.

Step 6: Work permit is issued at the port of entry or sent by mail.

Step 7: Foreign worker begins employment under the permit terms.
 

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

The processing time for a Canada work permit varies based on factors such as the applicant's country of residence, the type of permit applied for, and the current workload at visa offices. Employer-specific work permits requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) typically take between 4 to 14 weeks to process. LMIA-exempt and open work permits often have shorter processing times, ranging from 2 to 8 weeks.
 

Canada Work Visa Costs and Fees

Fee Type

Amount (CAD)

Work permit application fee

$155 per person

Open work permit holder fee

Additional $100

Biometrics fee

$85 per person

Medical exam fees

Varies

Additional fees

Varies

 

Jobs in Canada

Canada offers a wide variety of job opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, agriculture, hospitality, and skilled trades. With over 528,000 job vacancies annually, the demand for foreign workers remains strong, especially in provinces facing labor shortages. The average annual salary in Canada ranges from CAD $55,000 to $60,000, making it an attractive destination for skilled foreign nationals seeking employment through programs like the temporary foreign worker program and international mobility program.

Occupation

Average Salary range in CAD

Sales Representative

$52,000 to $64,000

Accountant

$63,000 to $75,000

Engineering Project Manager

$74,000 to $92,000

Business Analyst

$73,000 to $87,000

IT Project Manager

$92,000 to $114,000

Account Manager

$75,000 to $92,000

Software Engineer

$83,000 to $99,000

Human Resources

$59,000 to $71,000

Customer Service Representative

$37,000 to $43,000

Administrative Assistant

$37,000 to $46,000

 

Types of Canada Work Permits

There are primarily two types of work permits:

  • Employer-specific work permit: Tied to a specific employer, job, and location. Usually requires an LMIA.
  • Open work permit: Allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. No LMIA or job offer required. Commonly issued to spouses of work or study permit holders, international students post-graduation, and certain protected persons.
     

LMIA Canada

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canadian workers. Employers must obtain a positive or neutral LMIA to demonstrate that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. This assessment supports most employer-specific work permit applications, confirming the need for foreign talent while protecting the domestic labor market. The LMIA process helps maintain a balanced and fair employment environment in Canada.
 

Canada Open Work Permit

The Canada open work permit allows foreign nationals to work for any eligible employer across Canada without needing a specific job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). It offers greater flexibility compared to employer-specific permits and is commonly issued to spouses of skilled workers, international graduates, and certain other categories. This permit enables holders to gain valuable Canadian work experience while exploring diverse employment opportunities.

Open work permits are typically available to:

  • Spouses or common law partners accompanying international students or skilled workers.
  • International graduates eligible for post-graduation work permits.
  • Bridging open work permit holders awaiting permanent residence decisions.
  • Certain participants in international agreements or protected persons.
     

The following visa holders are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit:

  • Spousal Open Work permit
  • Temporary Work Permits for spouses
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit
  • Temporary Resident Permit
  • World Youth Program Permit
  • Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit
  • Regular Open Work Permit
  • Bridging Open Work Permit
     

IEC Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a popular option for young foreign nationals who want to work and travel in Canada temporarily. It offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain Canadian work experience while exploring the country. The IEC program is available to citizens of countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada, allowing them to apply for an open work permit without needing a job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

  • There are three main categories under the IEC program:
  • Working Holiday Visa
  • Young Professionals
  • International Co-op (Internship)
     
How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Feedback and reviews from numerous customers testify that Y-Axis has helped them realize their career ambitions and dreams. Our services include:

  • Resume Writing Services: Ensure your resume meets international standards and displays your skills.
  • LinkedIn Marketing: Enhance your chances of online visibility by companies and recruiters with our services in LinkedIn marketing.
  • Resume Marketing: Get discovered by organizations in the country of your preference through our Resume Marketing services.

With Y-Axis, explore opportunities suitable for you and utilize the expertise services to improve your chances of success. Contact Y-Axis today to embark on your journey of working abroad.

Sign up for a free expert consultation

Down Arrow
Down Arrow
Down Arrow

I accept the Terms & Conditions

Team Final
Don't know what to do ?

Get Free Counseling

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a Canada Work Visa?
arrow-right-fill
What are the different types of Canada Work Visas available?
arrow-right-fill
How can I apply for a Canada Work Visa?
arrow-right-fill
What is the processing time for a Canada Work Visa?
arrow-right-fill
How much does a Canada Work Visa cost?
arrow-right-fill
Can I apply for a Canada Work Visa without a job offer?
arrow-right-fill
Can a Canada Work Visa lead to permanent residency?
arrow-right-fill
How do I submit my Canada Work Visa application?
arrow-right-fill
Can I extend my Canada Work Visa?
arrow-right-fill
Can I extend my Canada Work Visa?
arrow-right-fill
Can I apply for a Canada Work Visa online?
arrow-right-fill
How does visa sponsorship work for Canada?
arrow-right-fill