Last Updated on March 13, 2025
Canada has been ranked 8th in the World Citizenship Report for 2022 by CS Global Partners, a government advisory and marketing firm, due to its reputation as an excellent place to live. Factors contributing to this ranking include financial freedom, economic stability, and a high standard of living, which provide residents with equal opportunities to work and train for any job in any industry and any province or territory in Canada.
In 2021, Canada welcomed a record number of new permanent residents, with over 401,000 individuals immigrating to the country. Currently, there are more than 640,000 active work permits in Canada, and this number is projected to continue to rise as the country seeks to strengthen its workforce and global economic position. Obtaining a work permit is a necessary step for individuals looking to immigrate to and work in Canada.
This guide will provide information on the application process, eligibility, visa procedures, and associated costs for obtaining a work permit in Canada.
| QUICK LINKS | |
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| What is a Work Permit? | Canada Work Visa Application: Step-by-Step |
| Types of Canadian Work Permits | Work in Canada FAQs |
| How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada? |
What is a Work Permit?
Canada is a popular choice for foreign individuals looking for job prospects. Additionally, working in Canada can serve as a great starting point for those wishing to immigrate to the country permanently.
A Canadian work permit is a document issued by the government of Canada that enables foreign nationals to work in the country. Each year, over half a million work permits are granted to temporary foreign workers. In essence, a Canadian work permit enables foreign citizens to secure employment in Canada.
The process of applying for a work permit is an important step for foreign employees seeking to work in Canada. Hence, it is crucial to go through the correct channels to secure a Canadian work permit.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
There are various methods of processing Canadian work permit applications. Typically, an employer must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order to secure a work permit. However, other types of work permits may require a connection to Canada, such as previous education or spousal sponsorship. This guide will assist you in identifying the appropriate work permit for your circumstances.
Open Work Permits (No Job Offer or LMIA Required)
An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for multiple employers and in various locations in Canada without being tied to a specific job or employer. Please note that some open work permits may have additional conditions or limitations. An LMIA is not required for open work permit applications.
The types of open work permits include:
- 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
Temporary Work Permits
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is the typical temporary visa for foreign workers who have received a job offer from a Canadian employer and have obtained a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian government.
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 / Employment Contract
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- NAFTA Work Permits
- CETA Work Permits
- Intra-Company Transfers
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Canadian permanent residents do not need a work permit to work in Canada, as permanent resident status gives them the legal right to live and work anywhere in the country.
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada?
The process of obtaining a temporary Canadian Work Visa consists of four main steps:
- Employer applies for labour market opinion if required
- Extending a temporary job offer to foreign workers by the employer
- Foreign skilled worker applies for work permit
- Issuance of the work permit
Canada Work Visa Application: Step-by-Step
The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit can vary greatly depending on the type of permit being applied for. For instance, international students studying in Canada may be automatically permitted to work part-time as part of their study permit.
Most closed work permit applications require a job offer from a Canadian employer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Even those who are exempt from these requirements need to be aware of the necessary documentation for entry to Canada. There are two types of work permits available: closed (restricted) and open.
Closed work permits are linked to specific employers, so the holder must continue working for the same employer at the same location unless they change their permit.
1. Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)
Obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIAs) formerly (LMOs) from Service Canada is typically a requirement before applying for a temporary Canadian Work Visa. It should be noted that having a temporary tourist visa alone does not qualify an individual to work within Canada.
2. Extending a temporary job offer to foreign workers by the employer
The employer must provide the foreign skilled worker with a copy of the positive LMIA and a detailed ‘Job Offer’ letter. As per the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) regulations, Canadian companies are required to prepare a formal employment contract or ‘Job Offer’ letter for this purpose.
The Canada Service Agency verifies the validity of the job offer. After the Canadian immigration department approves the job offer with an LMIA, the CIC grants employment authorization for the company’s future employees to work in Canada. With an LMIA in place, the Canadian employer can extend a temporary job offer to the foreign skilled worker.
3. Foreign skilled worker applies for work permit
After obtaining the LMIA and ‘Job Offer’ letter, you can then apply for a Canadian Temporary Work Permit. If the employer is located in Quebec, you may also need to obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) to work temporarily in Quebec. In certain instances, an interview with a visa officer may be required as part of the temporary foreign worker permit application process. If the visa officer is satisfied that the foreign worker’s employment will not negatively impact employment opportunities for Canadians and that the foreign worker is qualified for the position, the Canada Work Permit will be issued.
4. Issuance of the Canadian Temporary Work Permit
Upon arrival to Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue the Canadian Temporary Work Permit at the point of entry for the foreign skilled worker. Depending on the worker’s country of citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be required for entry into Canada. There are some additional, minor steps and procedures involved in obtaining a work visa.
Work in Canada FAQs
We heard you that’s why Allreview.ca has compiled and answered most, if not all, of the frequently asked questions so that you don’t have to do the research yourselves.
How to Get a Work Permit in Canada?
In order to obtain a work permit in Canada, an online application package must be submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa office. It’s important to keep in mind that for many work permits, a job offer from a Canadian employer is required before submitting the application.
Can My Family be Included on My Work Permit Application?
When applying for a work permit with employer support, your spouse and dependents may be able to come with you to Canada. If your children are of school age and in Canada, they can attend school without needing an additional study permit. Your spouse or partner may also qualify for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada.
How Much Does a Canadian Work Permit Cost?
The processing cost for a closed work permit is $155 CAD per individual, or $255 CAD for an open work permit. Additional fees may be required if you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.
How Long Will It Take to Process My Work Permit Application?
The processing time for a work permit application varies depending on the type of work permit and the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application. The processing time can range from a few weeks to several months.
How Long Will It Take to Process My LMIA Application?
There are two types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications: regular LMIA and simplified LMIA. The simplified LMIA is only available in Quebec province. The regular LMIA is processed individually, and the processing time varies greatly. Generally, it takes a minimum of five months to get a response on a regular LMIA application. If an employer is eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream, they may qualify for expedited LMIA processing. The simplified LMIA for Quebec employment is usually processed within 2-3 months.
How Can I Check The Status of My Work Permit Application?
You can check the status of your work permit application online if you applied via the online portal. If you applied using a paper application, you can check the status by linking it to an online account with the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Reasons a Work Permit Application is Refused
A work permit refusal can be a disappointment, and there are various reasons why an application may be denied. If you are unsure why your application was refused, obtaining the GCMS notes (Global Case Management System) may provide further insight and help address any concerns that the officer had if you choose to reapply. Some common reasons for work permit refusals include:
- The officer was not satisfied that you could perform the job you applied for;
- The officer had doubts that you would return to your home country at the end of your authorized stay in Canada;
- You did not meet the eligibility requirements for the work permit you applied for.
How Can I Include My Spouse and Dependents on My Work Permit Application?
If you are applying for a closed Canadian work permit, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit. If your spouse is eligible, they will need to apply for their own work permit separately. In most cases, the application for open work permit can be done online.
How Can I Extend My Work Permit?
Temporary foreign workers who are eligible to extend their work permit typically have to apply online. It is suggested to apply for the extension at least 30 days before the expiration date of the current permit, but it can be done until the last day of the expiry date.
Can I Work in Canada Without a Work Permit?
With some exceptions, foreign nationals are required to have a work permit to work in Canada.
Can I Get a Canadian Work Permit Without a Job Offer?
Normally, foreign nationals need to have a written job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. However, there are certain situations where foreign workers can apply for an open work permit without a job offer, which allows them to work anywhere in Canada for any employer.
In Conclusion
Congratulations to the many individuals who have received a Canadian work permit this year. For those who have applied and are awaiting a response, you’ve made a great decision to pursue work in such a vibrant country.
