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.
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.
Holding a Canadian work permit offers several benefits:
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.
To apply for a Canada work permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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:
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
There are primarily two types of work permits:
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.
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:
The following visa holders are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit:
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).
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