A work permit is a legally binding document that authorises foreign nationals to work in Canada. Canada issues approximately 500,000 work permits annually to temporary foreign workers worldwide.

Numerous foreign citizens who are seeking employment opportunities flock to Canada. Working in Canada is also an excellent stepping stone for those seeking permanent immigration.

Who is eligible to work in Canada?

With a few exceptions, most foreign nationals require a work permit to be eligible to work in Canada.

Most applicants for a work permit will need a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are instances in which foreign workers may apply for a work permit without an LMIA or job offer. For instance, a recent graduate of a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of an individual already possessing a Canadian work or study permit qualify.

Candidates who are eligible to submit a work permit application must also satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

• Demonstrate their intent to leave once their work authorization expires; and
• Prove they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in Canada and to return home; and
• Are not criminally or medically inadmissible to Canada; and
• Plan to work for an eligible employer; and
• Are able to provide any requested documents to prove their eligibility to enter Canada

Types of Canadian work permits

There are a variety of ways to obtain a work permit in Canada. Some work permits require a job offer from a Canadian employer, others require the employer to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and others require a connection to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.). Please consult the categories listed below to determine which work permit best matches your qualifications:

Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream

LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract

• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• NAFTA Work Permits
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

Open Work Permits (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

Immigration Tip: Canadian permanent residents do not require a work permit to work in Canada. Permanent resident status gives a person the legal right to live and work anywhere in the country.

How to obtain a Canadian work permit

The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies significantly based on the type of work permit being sought. For instance, an international student studying in Canada is frequently granted permission to work part-time as part of his or her study permit authorization.

The majority of closed work permit applications necessitate an official job offer from a Canadian employer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even those who are exempt from the LMIA or do not require a work permit must be aware of the unique documentation they must prepare to ensure entry into Canada. There are two general ways to obtain a work permit in Canada: a closed (restricted) work permit or an open work permit.

Because closed work permits are tied to specific employers, a foreign national issued a closed work permit must continue to work for the same employer in the same location unless they change their work permit.

If I have a Canadian job offer, am I eligible to apply for a work permit?

A job offer in Canada does not automatically qualify you to submit a work permit application. To be considered valid for certain work permit applications, a job offer must meet specific criteria. In the majority of cases, in order to qualify for a work permit, a job offer must be either:

1. Supported by a favourable Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA); or
2. Exempt from the LMIA requirement.

It is essential to note that Quebec has its own process for determining the validity of an employment offer.

What am I allowed to do on a Canadian work permit?

Your physical work permit specifies the specific limitations associated with your authorization. These restrictions will largely depend on the type of work permit for which you are eligible. Conditions may include the type of job you can perform, where and for whom you can work, as well as the length of time you are permitted to work in Canada. All work permit holders are prohibited from employing at a company where sexual exploitation of some employees is suspected.

Work permit holders are not Canadian permanent residents and must leave the country when their authorised stay expires. However, if you are currently employed in Canada and wish to remain permanently, contact us to receive a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration options.

Can my family be included on my work permit application?

If you are trying to apply for an employer-sponsored work permit, your spouse and dependent children may be permitted to accompany you to Canada.

If your school-aged children are in Canada, they may attend Canadian academic institutions without a separate study permit. Your spouse or partner may also qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any Canadian employer.

How much does a Canadian work permit cost?

The processing fee for a closed work permit is $155 CAD (~ ₹9500) per person, while the fee for an open work permit is $255 CAD(~ ₹15500) per person. Additional fees will apply if you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.

How do I apply for a work permit?

The application procedure varies based on the type of work permit required. The initial step is to determine which work permit is most suitable for you. Simply contact us if you need assistance figuring out the application, and a member of our team will assist you in scheduling a consultation.

What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?

The required documents for a Canadian work permit depend on the type of work permit you are seeking. Applicants may be required to submit the following documents as part of their application for a work permit:

• Completed application forms
• CV/ résumé
• Valid copy of your passport
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
• Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
• Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
• Written offer of employment (if applicable)
• Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof that you meet the job requirements
• Copy of education credential
• Medical exam results (if requested)
• Proof of payment for applicable government fees
• Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
• Recent passport-sized photos

Biometrics for Canadian work permits

Currently, IRCC exempts applicants applying for a work permit from within Canada with a temporary measure. Candidates outside of Canada who receive a biometrics instruction letter are still required to provide biometrics.

Follow the government of Canada’s instructions on their dedicated page regarding how to provide your biometrics.

Police clearances for Canadian work permits

The visa officer reviewing your registration may request that you provide certificates of police clearance. This document may be part of your application checklist and must be included with your initial submission, depending on where you are applying from.

Applicants for a work permit may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from any country in which they have lived for at least six months since turning 18.

Medical exam for Canadian work permit

Applicants for employment in Canada may be required to undergo a medical exam, depending on their intended length of stay, previous residence, and intended occupation.

With a few exceptions, if you intend to work in Canada for less than six months, you will likely not need a medical exam. You will need a medical exam if you intend to work in a job that requires close contact with people or if you are an agricultural worker who has travelled to certain countries.

If one of the following conditions applies, you will be required to undergo a medical exam if you intend to work in Canada for more than six months:

1. You have lived in or travelled to one of the countries listed on Canada’s ‘Find out if you need a medical exam’ page for at least six months, or
2. You intend to work in a job where you will be in close contact with people listed in the aforementioned link.

Medical exams must be performed by an IRCC-designated panel physician. On the IRCC webpage Find a Panel Physician, you can locate a panel physician in your area.

Applicants have the option to undergo a preliminary medical examination. Before submitting an application for a work permit, this requires contacting the panel physician directly and taking the exam. If you do not submit your medical exam results with your application, an IRCC officer will send you instructions and a deadline for completing the medical exam.

Photo requirements for Canadian work permit

Foreign nationals applying for a Canadian work permit must submit a passport-sized photograph. The photograph must adhere to IRCC’s specifications.

How long will it take to process my work permit application?

The processing time for a job permit application depends on the type of working visa and the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application. There are a variety of processing times ranging from a few weeks to several months.

How long will it take to process my LMIA application?

There are two types of applications for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): a standard LMIA and a streamlined LMIA. The streamlined LMIA is exclusive to the province of Quebec. The regular LMIA is handled on a case-by-case basis, with processing times varying significantly between applicants. In most cases, it takes at least five months to receive a response to a standard LMIA application.

If an employer is eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream, expedited LMIA processing may be available.

The simplified LMIA for employment in Quebec is typically processed within two to three weeks.

What is the rate of success for work permit/LMIA applications?

All work permit/LMIA applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, making it impossible to estimate the approval rate. If a candidate meets the LMIA’s requirements, their application should be approved. However, applications are evaluated by individual officers who exercise their own discretion in determining whether or not to grant a work permit.

How can I check the status of my work permit application?

If you have submitted an online application for a work permit, you can check its status through your online account. If you submitted a paper application, you can check its status by linking it to an IRCC account you created online.

Reasons a work permit application is refused.

A denial of a work permit can be devastating. There are numerous reasons why a work permit could be denied. If it is unclear why your application was denied, requesting GCMS notes may help you understand the officer’s concerns should you re-apply? Here are some common grounds for denying a work permit:

• The officer was not persuaded that you could perform your intended work adequately;
• The officer was not persuaded that you would return to your home country after your authorised stay in Canada;
• You do not meet the requirements for the work permit you requested.

How can I include my spouse and dependents on my work permit application?

Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit if you are applying for a closed Canadian work permit.

If your spouse is eligible, they must submit their own application for a work permit. In most cases, this permit must be applied for online.

How do I activate my work permit?

How you activate your work permit will depend on where and how you submit your application.

Activating your work permit after applying from within Canada

If your request is granted after submitting a work permit application from within Canada, IRCC will send you a letter of approval. If you apply online, the approval letter will be uploaded to your account. If you submitted a paper application, you would receive the letter at your mailing address. After receiving your approval letter, your physical work permit will be mailed to you. The permit will arrive activated and ready for use in Canada.

Activating your work permit after applying from outside Canada

Suppose your application is approved after applying from outside of Canada. In that case, you will receive a letter with instructions on obtaining your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry (POE). If you apply online, the instruction letter will appear on your online account. If you applied on paper, you would receive the letter to your mailing address.

Activating your work permit after applying from the port of entry

Certain applicants may qualify to apply for a work permit at the Canadian port of entry. If you intend to apply for a work permit at the border, you must bring documents proving your eligibility. If approved, the border agent can immediately print the work permit. This work permit is immediately usable.

How to find a job in Canada

It can be intimidating to begin the job search in Canada. Those seeking an official job offer from a Canadian employer have access to a wealth of resources, thankfully. When you begin your job search, we recommend using the job search resources listed below. Before submitting applications, be sure to take the time to prepare your resume and tailor your social media presence.

• Canadian Resume Guide
• Social Media Presence Guide

A person may be required to know their National Occupational Classification Code for certain positions in Canada (NOC Code). By Canadian standards, this code is used to classify all types of employment.

Benefits of working in Canada

Working in Canada has numerous advantages. Canadian labour laws ensure that workplaces are safe and that all employers adhere to certain laws and regulations to protect the health and safety of their employees. In addition, Canadian wages are competitive, and by law, foreign nationals must be offered wages equivalent to those of their Canadian counterparts.

Lastly, certain Canadian work permits allow workers’ spouses and children to accompany them to Canada.

By gaining Canadian work experience, foreign nationals can increase their eligibility for several Canadian permanent residency programmes, which is a significant advantage for those who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently. The following programmes value Canadian work experience to varying degrees:

• 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 extend my work permit?

In most cases, temporary foreign workers qualified to extend their work visas must submit an online application. If you intend to extend your work permit, you should do so at least 30 days before your current permit expires. While this is a recommendation, applicants technically have until the expiration date to submit extension requests.

What is my work permit number?

Your work permit number is located in the upper right corner of your permit and begins with the letter “U.”

Can I work in Canada without a work permit?

With few exceptions, foreign citizens must obtain work permits in Canada.

Can I get a Canadian work permit without a job offer?

To apply for a work permit in Canada, foreign nationals typically require a written job offer from a Canadian employer. There are, however, circumstances under which foreign workers may qualify for an open working visa without a job offer, allowing them to work for any employer anywhere in Canada.

Do Canadian work permits have an age limit?

Foreign workers must be 18 years old to obtain a work permit in Canada. There is no upper age limit for work permit applicants except for those applying through the International Experience Canada (IEC) programme.

Can I apply for Canadian health insurance while on a work permit?

Each province and territory in Canada is responsible for the administration of health care and operates its own insurance plan. Certain provinces permit work permit holders to enroll in provincial health insurance. Before becoming eligible for health insurance, residents must be physically present for a minimum of days in most provinces.

What is the difference between a Canadian work permit and visa?

A Canadian work permit authorises foreign nationals to work in the country, whereas a visa is used to enter the country.

A visa, also known as a momentary resident visa (MRV), is a physical sticker placed in your passport that functions as a valid passport, allowing foreign citizens 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 if you leave the country.

Do I need IELTS to apply for a Canadian work permit?

Canada does not require work permit applicants to take the IELTS or any other English or French language examination. However, if the job posting requires French and/or English proficiency and the applicant is not from a French- or English-speaking country, the officer may require proof of language skills, such as a language test.

How long are Canadian work permits valid?

Canadian work permits are typically valid for one to two years, with a few exceptions. Typically, a visa officer will not issue a work permit for a duration exceeding the applicant’s passport validity or the duration specified on the applicant’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A work permit will not be issued for a duration exceeding the foreign national’s requested length of stay in Canada or the duration required by the employer. The duration of a work permit may be shortened depending on the programme under which the applicant applies.

Do I need my Canadian work permit to enter Canada?

To re-enter Canada, you will need your work permit and a valid passport if you leave the country. A working visa allows you to work in Canada but does not grant you permission to enter the country. In addition to a valid passport, you will need either a momentary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.

Can my employer sponsor me to work in Canada?

Employers in Canada do not “sponsor” candidates to work in the country. Still, they can help bring foreign workers by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submitting an electronic job offer (LMIA exempt categories).

Any Canadian employer wishing to hire a foreign worker must obtain an LMIA or submit a digital job offer. The LMIA or “A” amount (electronic job offer) can be used to qualify for a Canadian work permit once obtained by an employer.