Canada Work Permit Visa
What Is a Canada Work Permit?
A Canada Work Permit is an official authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada for a defined period. Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this permit enables individuals from outside the country to pursue temporary employment in various sectors across Canadian provinces and territories.
Each year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, making it a key destination for those seeking international work experience. For many, securing a work permit can also serve as a foundational step toward exploring long-term immigration pathways.
Why Is a Work Permit Required?
In most cases, foreign nationals must obtain a work permit before legally beginning employment in Canada. However, there are exceptions depending on the nature of the job or the applicant’s residency status.
In general, individuals must have:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable
- Proof that they meet all admissibility and eligibility requirements
Some categories of applicants, such as international graduates or spouses of study/work permit holders, may be eligible to apply without a job offer or LMIA.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility to apply for a work permit depends on the applicant’s circumstances and supporting documentation. Most applicants will need to demonstrate:
- Intent to leave Canada upon expiry of the work permit
- Proof of sufficient funds for living expenses and return travel
- A clean criminal record (police certificates may be requested)
- Good health (a medical exam may be required in some cases)
- No plans to work for employers who are listed as ineligible by the Canadian government
- Willingness to provide any additional documentation as requested by immigration authorities
Types of Canada Work Permits
Work permits in Canada fall under two broad categories: those that require an LMIA and those that do not.
1. Work Permits That Require an LMIA
These permits are issued under programs where the Canadian employer must demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labour market.
Examples include:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Global Talent Stream
- Facilitated LMIA (for Quebec employers)
2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
In some cases, foreign nationals can apply for a work permit without the employer obtaining an LMIA. These are generally issued under broader trade agreements, intra-company transfers, or other public policy considerations.
Examples include:
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Intra-Company Transfers
- CETA and NAFTA-related permits
3. Open Work Permits (No Job Offer or LMIA Needed)
Some applicants may qualify for an open work permit that is not employer-specific. This category allows greater flexibility in employment choice.
Common pathways include:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- International Experience Canada (IEC)
- Spouses or common-law partners of international students or workers
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
How to Apply for a Work Permit
The steps to apply depend on the type of permit and the applicant’s location (inside or outside Canada). Generally, the process includes:
- Securing a Job Offer and LMIA (if required):
- Employers may need to obtain an approved LMIA to demonstrate the need for a foreign worker.
- Preparing the Application:
- Submit application forms, supporting documents, and pay required fees.
- Submitting Biometrics:
- Most applicants outside Canada must provide biometrics at a designated centre.
- Medical Exam (if applicable):
- Applicants intending to work in healthcare, childcare, or agricultural jobs may need a medical assessment.
- Wait for Decision:
- Processing times vary based on application type and location.
Documents You May Need
Documentation varies by application stream. However, commonly requested items include:
- Valid passport and recent passport-sized photos
- Completed work permit application forms
- Job offer letter or employment contract
- Proof of LMIA (if applicable)
- Educational and professional qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship (for spouse-based permits)
- Québec Acceptance Certificate (if working in Quebec)
- Medical exam results (if required)
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of financial support
- Payment confirmation for government fees
Biometrics and Police Verification
Applicants applying from outside Canada are typically required to provide biometrics after receiving instructions from IRCC. This includes fingerprinting and a photo at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Additionally, visa officers may request police certificates from each country the applicant has lived in for six or more months since turning 18. These documents help verify the absence of a criminal background.
Medical Examination for Work Permits
A medical examination is mandatory for those who plan to work:
- In healthcare or elder care roles
- With children
- In agricultural settings where close contact with people is frequent
- Or for applicants who have lived in certain countries for more than six months
Examinations must be conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician. Applicants may choose to complete the exam before submitting their application or wait for instructions from the reviewing officer.
Frequently asked questions
The rules and regulations for obtaining a Canadian work visa make it difficult for even the most qualified applicant. Successful Canadian work visa applications require careful planning from start to finish. Documentation requirements and filing procedures must be perfectly followed in order to get an approval.
Yes, family members of a Canadian work permit holder can often accompany them to Canada. Generally, spouses and dependent children can apply for open work permits or visitor visas, allowing them to join the principal applicant in Canada.
Previously, there was the TR to PR pathway which most people with a work permit used to obtain permanent residence but that closed in 2021. Now, if you are on a work permit, you'd typically have to apply for an immigration program like the Canadian Experience Class to obtain PR.
