A Canadian work permit (A.K.A. a work visa) is a legal document that allows eligible foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specified period.
Each year, Canada issues nearly half a million work permits to foreign workers. As one of the world’s largest economies, Canada offers over 100 pathways for foreign nationals to work legally while earning a competitive salary — making it a top destination for international workers.
Working in Canada can also pave the way toward permanent residency. We can help you find the fastest route to start working in Canada and support you with both your job search and immigration process.
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1. Closed Work Permit Canada
Canada closed work permits restrict the worker to a particular employer, job, and location. Typically, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
2. Open Work Permits
Open work permit enables you, as a foreign national, to work for any employer at any position and location in Canada. No job offer or LMIA is needed.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT)
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Mobility Program (IMP)
CUSMA (USMCA) Work Permit
CETA Work Permit (CETA IMP)
LMIA-Based Work Permits
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Working Holiday Visa Under IEC
If you’re a skilled worker aiming for permanent residency (PR) in Canada, two key programs can help: Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Whether you’re already working in Canada or have relevant experience abroad, these pathways offer a direct route to Canadian PR based on your skills.
Express Entry is a points-based system that manages applications for PR under three federal programs:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
PNPs allow Canadian provinces to nominate foreign workers for PR based on local labor market needs. Many PNPs have streams for workers with a valid job offer or Canadian work experience. Some even provide faster pathways for those already working in the province, such as Ontario PNP, which targets skilled workers in high-demand jobs.
Many PNPs offer additional CRS points in Express Entry, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.
To work in Canada, most foreign nationals should apply for a work permit. However, if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, you don’t need this permit.
The eligibility requirements for work permit Canada differ based on the program, type of work permit, and where you apply from. However, there are some general requirements for all applicants, including:
If you are from a visa-exempt country, are eligible for an ETA (electronic travel authorization), and don’t need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry
Documents that you should provide when applying for IRCC Canada work permit depend on the work permit type you’re choosing. Here are the documents that are usually required:
You may need to provide additional documents based on your nationality or the request of the visa office.
Usually, there’s no strict language level requirement to obtain a work permit and work in Canada. However, certain programs, specific jobs (especially skilled jobs), and some employers may require a certain level of language proficiency to hire you. At the very least, you should be able to perform the required tasks and communicate effectively to do your job appropriately.
But typically, for low-skilled jobs with basic communication needs, CLB 4 would suffice. For entry-level roles with moderate communication needs, you may need CLB 5 or 6.
For more skilled positions, managerial roles, or jobs that require advanced language skills for clear communication (such as technical writing or customer-facing positions), you should aim for a language proficiency of CLB 7 or above.
A medical exam is usually not required, except for certain jobs such as:
You’ll need a medical exam if:
You’ve lived in or visited certain countries for 6 months or more in the prior year to your application.
You’re planning to work in certain occupations requiring close contact with people, such as jobs in healthcare settings.
Canada has a strong demand for skilled workers across various industries. If your occupation is in demand, you may have higher chances of approval for a work permit or permanent residency.
Here are some of the top in-demand jobs for foreign workers in Canada:
Some work permits Canada, and PR programs prioritize high-demand occupations, making it easier to immigrate.
The costs of obtaining a work visa Canada to work in Canada mainly depend on the program you’re applying for. However, there are general processing fees for Canadian work permits that apply to everyone. Here’s a list of work permit fees Canada:
To work in Canada, foreign nationals generally need a work permit. You may also need a job offer and/or a positive LMIA (there are certain exceptions as well). However, the process can vary based on the type of work permit you’re applying for. Below are some general steps you need to take to apply for work permit Canada:
1
(if applicable)
There are several reasons why a work permit application could be refused. Some of the most common reasons include:
For a detailed breakdown of the most common reasons for refusal and how to avoid them, check out our complete guide to Canada visa refusal reasons.
Numbers speak for themselves, and our numbers tell a story of success.
89%
Success Rate
+13
Years of Experience
96%
Customer Satisfaction
on Google Review
+13,535
Visas Approved
At Visa Mondial, we go above and beyond to help you achieve your dream of working in Canada. With over a decade of experience, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. You can trust us to fight for your future, handle your case with the utmost care and dedication, and make your Canadian work permit application a success.
Unfiltered Praise, Straight from Our Clients
Mohammad Safari
★★★★★
I would like to share my experience with Visa Mondial that helped me obtain my Canadian visa (Study Permit & work permit). The entire process was incredibly transparent, and they operate on an excellent platform with outstanding support.
My visa consultant, Mr. Davarzani, guided me throughout the journey. Within 8 weeks, our visa applications were processed by IRCC and approved seamlessly. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking immigration assistance. Thank you for the great support and professionalism.
Fahimeh Jafari
★★★★★
Working with Visa Mondial to obtain both a Study Permit and an Open Work Permit has been a highly professional and honest experience.
Yes, HONESTY is an important factor in immigration services especially after a negative encounter with another immigration agency in the past, I greatly valued the honesty and transparency exhibited by the Visa Mondial Team during our interactions and through their online resources. Their efficient and professional handling of all processes, along with the outstanding support from Mr. Noroozi, Ms. Amani, Mr. Nateghi, and Mr. Samimi Fard, made the journey smooth and successful.
I congratulate Mr. Homapour for building & leading such a great team dedicated to assisting clients through the complexities of immigration. Well done, team!
Sheida A
★★★★★
My work permit visa was received. I have been in contact with the Visa Mondial team for more than a year, and even though it was a difficult time and dependent visas were issued with difficulty, it was done with the experienced and skilled team of Visa Mondial.
The experience of working with Visa Mondial was very wonderful. The person who was in charge of our case was Mrs. Ghazale Bayat, who patiently answered all the questions as soon as possible and provided the necessary guidance. Cooperation with Visa Mondial was excellent!
Omid Aghvami
★★★★★
It was a pleasant experience. The company staff were always there to answer all my questions and to bring best advice especially Ms. Jahangiri. More importantly, all works are always done in a proper order which makes it easier to follow up and check.
Saman Rashidi
★★★★★
Visa Mondial has been incredible; they assisted me every step of the way in obtaining my visa and managing all aspects of my work permit paperwork.
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A Canada work permit is an official document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada legally. There are two general types of Canada work permits:
Usually, Canadian work permits are valid for 1-3 years. Based on your work permit type and your job.
If you’re wondering about how to get a work permit in canada, you first need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Then, submit your application online or at a visa application center, providing required documents like proof of job offer, identity, and medical exams if needed.
You may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit in Canada without any job offer.
Yes.
You may be able to bring your spouse and dependent children to Canada.
For your dependent children, you can apply for a visitor visa or study permit.
For your spouse, you can apply for a visitor visa or, if eligible, a spousal open work permit.
To be eligible for a spousal open work permit, the job must be in TEER 0 or TEER 1 category. Some jobs under TEER 2 and TEER 3 are also eligible.
The processing time for a Canada work permit typically ranges from 1 to 10 months, depending on the type of work permit, your country of residence, and the completeness of your application. For more accurate estimates, check the official Canada Immigration Processing Times website.
Canada has a strong demand for skilled workers across various industries, which can increase your chances of a work permit or permanent residency approval.
In-demand jobs include positions in healthcare (e.g., nurses, doctors), tech & IT (e.g., software developers, data analysts), skilled trades (e.g., electricians, welders), transportation (e.g., truck drivers), education (e.g., teachers), and hospitality (e.g., chefs).
Some work permits and PR programs prioritize these high-demand occupations, making immigration easier.
To get a job in Canada, start by searching through job boards like Job Bank and LinkedIn, and ensure your resume matches Canadian standards.
You may need a Canada work permit if you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Having a job offer from a Canadian employer can help with your work permit application. Consider reaching out to Canadian recruitment agencies for additional support.
To go to Canada for work, you’ll typically need a work permit. Depending on the type of job, you may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer or be eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit. You can apply through the Express Entry system for skilled workers or other immigration programs (e.g., IMP, ICT, IEC) if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Yes, Canada is still issuing work permits. However, the process and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the type of work permit you’re applying for. You can check the latest updates and apply through the official Canadian immigration website or consult with an immigration expert for guidance.
To apply work permit Canada, you typically need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, proof of work experience, proof of sufficient funds, and evidence of no criminal record. Depending on the type of permit, you may also need an LMIA or meet specific eligibility criteria.
Some programs don’t require a job offer, such as options under Canada’s open work permit.
To find a job offer in Canada, search on job boards like Job Bank, LinkedIn, and Indeed, or apply directly to Canadian employers in your field. Networking and reaching out to recruitment agencies can also help. If you need guidance or assistance with securing a job offer and applying for a work permit, Visa Mondial is here to help as well!
The cost of a Canada work permit depends on the program. Typically, you should pay 155 CAD per person for a closed work permit application and 255 CAD per person for an open work permit application.
Additional fees may apply for biometrics or other services.
Yes, you can apply for Permanent Residence through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) while on a Canada work permit. Gaining Canadian work experience can improve your chances of qualifying.
A work permit is the official authorization to work, while a work visa allows entry into Canada for that purpose. As a foreigner, you’ll typically need both to work in Canada.
Yes, you can get a Canadian work permit without a job offer in certain situations, such as through an Open Work Permit (e.g., post-graduate work permit) or if you’re eligible for specific programs like the International Mobility Program.
To change from a Canada visitor visa to a work permit, you must apply for the work permit from within Canada, provided you meet the eligibility requirements, such as having a valid job offer. You must apply before your visitor visa expires. We can guide you through the process and ensure everything is in order!
Canadian work permits are usually issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, based on your situation. It depends on multiple factors, such as the type of program, your job offer, LMIA, etc.
