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: The Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required.
Step 2: The 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: The applicant provides biometrics and completes a medical examination if necessary.
Step 5: The Visa officer reviews the application and makes a decision.
Step 6: A 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 Canadian 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).
Feedback and reviews from numerous customers testify that Y-Axis has helped them realize their career ambitions and dreams. Our services include:
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.
To qualify for a Canada Work Visa, you must have the following requirements:
Canada offers two primary types of work visas:
To apply for a Canada Work Visa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility and gather necessary documents, including passport and job offer.
Step 2: Submit your application online or at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Step 3: Provide biometrics and attend an interview if required.
Step 4: Monitor your application status online.
Step 5: Receive your work permit at the port of entry or by mail.
Step 6: Begin working legally in Canada under the terms of your permit.
Processing times for a Canada Work Visa vary by permit type, applicant’s country of residence, and current IRCC workload. Employer-specific permits requiring an LMIA typically take 4 to 14 weeks. LMIA-exempt and open work permits often process faster, usually within 2 to 8 weeks. Processing can be delayed by incomplete applications, additional document requests, or security checks. It’s advisable to check the IRCC website regularly for updated processing times and to apply well in advance of your intended start date to accommodate possible delays.
The standard work permit application fee is CAD $155 per person. If applying for an open work permit, an additional holder fee of $100 may apply. Biometrics collection costs $85 per person. Medical exams and police clearances, if required, incur separate fees depending on the country and panel physician. Additional fees may apply for dependents or restoration of status. Payment is typically made online during the application process. It’s important to budget for these costs and ensure fees are paid to official channels to avoid scams.
Yes, certain categories allow applying for a Canada Work Visa without a job offer. Open work permits do not require a job offer or LMIA and are commonly issued to spouses of work or study permit holders, international graduates eligible for post-graduation work permits, and some participants in international agreements. However, employer-specific work permits generally require a valid job offer supported by an LMIA. Eligibility for open work permits depends on meeting specific criteria set by the Canadian government.
Yes, holding a Canada Work Visa can be a pathway to permanent residency. Many foreign workers gain Canadian work experience that qualifies them for immigration programs like Express Entry, including the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These programs award points for skilled work experience acquired in Canada, improving chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. Transitioning from a temporary work permit to permanent residency is a common route for skilled foreign nationals seeking to settle in Canada.
You can submit your Canada Work Visa application online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, which is the fastest and most secure method. Alternatively, paper applications can be submitted at a Visa Application Center (VAC) in your home country. Online applications allow you to track progress via your online account. Ensure all required documents are complete and accurate before submission. Biometrics and medical exams, if required, must be completed as part of the process.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Canada Work Visa before it expires. It is recommended to apply at least 30 days in advance, although applications can be submitted up to the last day of validity. Extension applications are submitted online through IRCC and require updated documents such as a new job offer or proof of continued employment. While awaiting a decision, you may be allowed to continue working under implied status if your current permit expires. Approval depends on meeting eligibility criteria and maintaining legal status.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Canada Work Visa before it expires. It is recommended to apply at least 30 days in advance, although applications can be submitted up to the last day of validity. Extension applications are submitted online through IRCC and require updated documents such as a new job offer or proof of continued employment. While awaiting a decision, you may be allowed to continue working under implied status if your current permit expires. Approval depends on meeting eligibility criteria and maintaining legal status.
Yes, the Canadian government encourages applicants to apply for a Canada Work Visa online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Online applications are faster, more secure, and allow you to track your application status via your online account. You must create an account, complete the application form, upload supporting documents, pay fees, and provide biometrics if required. Paper applications are still accepted but may take longer to process.
Canada does not have a traditional visa sponsorship system like some countries. Instead, employers may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the need to hire foreign workers. The LMIA approval supports the foreign worker’s application for an employer-specific work permit. Some programs allow employer-specific job offers without an LMIA under international agreements or exemptions. Family sponsorship programs allow permanent residents or citizens to sponsor relatives but are separate from work visa processes. Employers do not “sponsor” in the traditional sense but facilitate work permit applications through job offers and LMIA when required.
