Canada Work Visa – Work in Canada

Foreign nationals wishing to work in Canada on a temporary basis usually require a work permit.

Two of the main programs through which work permits are issued are the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The TFWP offers work permits for candidates whose employers obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

A positive LMIA confirms there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job at hand and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.

IMP work permits do not require a positive LMIA. They do require the employer to submit an employment offer under their employer portal.

Canada issues two types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit includes conditions such as:

• Name of a specific employer,
• How long a candidate can work,
• The location of a candidate’s work.

Candidates applying for an employer-specific work permit must have from their employer a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment before applying.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, but they are issued only in specific circumstances.

What to Do When a Canadian Employer Extends a Temporary Job Offer

Receiving a temporary job offer from a Canadian employer is an exciting opportunity. However, it is essential to understand the steps involved to ensure a smooth process for working in Canada.

First, confirm the details of the job offer, including the position, salary, job location, and duration of employment. Ensure that the offer aligns with your skills and expectations. Clarify any uncertainties with the employer to avoid misunderstandings later.

Next, check if your job offer requires an LMIA. If your job requires an LMIA, the employer will need to apply for it and provide you with a copy, which you will need for your work permit application.

Once you have the necessary documents, apply for a work permit. You can do this online or at a visa office. Ensure you have your passport, job offer, LMIA (if applicable), and other required documents, such as proof of qualifications. Depending on your country of residence, you may also need to undergo medical exams and provide biometrics.

Finally, keep in touch with your employer and track your application’s status. Once approved, you can plan your move to Canada. Preparing properly will help ensure that your transition into temporary work in Canada goes as smoothly as possible.

Categorization of Work Visas

Canada offers various work visas depending on the nature of employment, the applicant’s qualifications, and the length of stay. The two main categories are open work permits and employer-specific work permits. An open work permit allows individuals to work for any Canadian employer, while an employer-specific work permit is tied to a single employer and job position. Within these categories, work visas can be further classified based on specific programs, such as the International Mobility Program or Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

What Are the Canada Temporary Work Visas?

Canada’s temporary work visas allow foreign nationals to work in the country for a specific period. The two main types are open work permits and employer-specific work permits. Open work permits allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada, while employer-specific work permits restrict work to one employer, job, and location. Specific programs like the Global Talent Stream or International Experience Canada may also provide tailored work permits for different purposes, from high-skilled labor to youth exchange programs. Most temporary work visas are valid for the duration of the job offer, and applicants may be required to leave Canada when their visa expires.

Who Needs a Temporary Work Visa for Canada?

Most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada for a temporary period require a work visa and permit. However, there are exceptions, such as business visitors, some student workers, and individuals working in specific occupations like performing artists or athletes. If you intend to work in a paid role or for an extended period, you likely need a temporary work visa. Always verify with the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to determine your specific requirements based on your occupation and nationality.

Am I Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa and Permit?

Eligibility for a Canadian work visa and permit depends on several factors. You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, with some roles requiring an LMIA. You will need to demonstrate that you meet the job’s qualifications, have sufficient financial resources for your stay, and are in good health. In some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical exam or provide biometrics. Additionally, you must prove that you intend to leave Canada once your work permit expires unless you plan to transition to permanent residency through specific pathways.

Step-by-Step Application Process for a Canadian Work Visa

When applying for a Canadian work visa, several steps must be followed to ensure a successful application. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

An LMIA is a crucial document required for many temporary work visas under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The purpose of an LMIA is to show that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the job position.

Steps for LMIA Application:

• Employer’s Responsibility: The Canadian employer must apply for the LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). They must demonstrate efforts to recruit locally, advertise the position, and provide details about the job offer.
• Submit the Application: The employer submits the LMIA application, along with the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of job postings, information about the salary, and work conditions.
• Await LMIA Decision: Once approved, the employer will receive a positive LMIA, which allows the foreign worker to apply for a work visa. The LMIA document and job offer must be submitted as part of the worker’s application.

2. Specific Streams, Visas, and Their Eligibility and Criteria

Canada offers several visa streams depending on the nature of the job and the applicant’s qualifications. Each stream has specific eligibility criteria and application processes. Here are some of the treams:

Global Talent Stream (GTS):

• Eligibility: The GTS is designed for high-skilled workers in industries like technology and engineering. It is part of the Global Skills Strategy and aims to fast-track visa processing.
• Criteria: Applicants need a job offer in a specialized field and, in most cases, an LMIA, which can be processed in as little as two weeks.

International Experience Canada (IEC):

• Eligibility: The IEC program is for youth aged 18-35 (depending on the country) who want to work temporarily in Canada. It includes three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op.
• Criteria: Applicants must be citizens of one of the participating countries and meet age, health, and financial requirements.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):

• Eligibility: The PGWP allows international students who have graduated from a recognized Canadian institution to work in Canada for up to three years.
• Criteria: Applicants must have completed a program of study that is at least eight months long and apply within 180 days of receiving their final transcript or diploma.

Detailed Eligibility Criteria for Different Canadian Work Visa Categories

Understanding the specific eligibility criteria for each work visa category is essential for applicants to ensure their application is successful. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements for the most common Canadian work visa categories:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Employer-Specific Work Permit

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The job should be full-time, temporary, and meet the standards of the Canadian labor market.
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In most cases, the employer needs to obtain a positive LMIA, which demonstrates that no Canadian workers are available for the role.
• Skills and Experience: You must possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience required for the job offered.
• Financial Stability: Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay.
• Intention to Leave: You must show that you intend to leave Canada after your work permit expires.
• Health and Security Checks: Depending on the duration of your stay and your country of residence, you may be required to undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.
• Biometrics: Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required for most applicants.

2. Global Talent Stream (GTS) – Employer-Specific Work Permit (Fast-Tracked)

• Job Offer in High-Demand Field: The job offer must be in a specialized or high-demand field, such as technology, engineering, or information technology. The employer must participate in the Global Talent Stream.
• Global Talent Occupations List: The position must fall under one of the occupations on the Global Talent Occupations List (e.g., software engineers, data analysts, etc.).
• Employer Responsibilities: The employer must commit to specific initiatives under the Labour Market Benefits Plan, which demonstrates a positive impact on the Canadian labor market.
• LMIA: Although an LMIA is required, under the GTS, it is processed much faster than under the regular TFWP (as little as two weeks).
• Other Requirements: Like the TFWP, applicants must provide biometrics, health checks, and demonstrate sufficient financial resources.

3. International Experience Canada (IEC) – Open Work Permit

• Age and Country of Citizenship: Eligibility depends on the applicant’s country of citizenship and age. The program is open to citizens of countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada, typically aged 18-35.
• Program Categories: IEC is divided into three categories:
  • Working Holiday Visa: Open work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
  • Young Professionals: Employer-specific work permit for gaining professional work experience in your field.
  • International Co-op (Internship): Employer-specific work permit for students completing an internship or work placement related to their studies.
• Financial Resources: You must provide proof of sufficient funds (typically CAD $2,500) to cover your initial expenses in Canada.
• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance for the duration of your stay is required.
• Police Certificates & Medical Exam: Some countries require police certificates, and a medical exam may be necessary if you plan to work in healthcare or with vulnerable populations.

4. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Open Work Permit

• Graduation from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): You must have completed a full-time program at a recognized Canadian institution, such as a college or university, lasting at least 8 months.
• Valid Study Permit: You must have held a valid study permit at the time of your graduation.
• Application Deadline: The work permit application must be submitted within 180 days of receiving your final marks or completion letter from your institution.
• Program Eligibility: Certain short programs, language courses, and private career colleges are not eligible for a PGWP.
• Work Experience: This permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, and the duration of the permit depends on the length of your program (up to 3 years).

5. International Mobility Program (IMP) – Employer-Specific and Open Work Permits (LMIA Exempt)

• Exemption from LMIA: Under the IMP, certain categories of workers do not require an LMIA. This includes intra-company transferees, participants in international agreements (e.g., NAFTA, CETA), or individuals under the Mobilité Francophone program.
• Job Offer: While an LMIA is not required, a formal job offer must be submitted through the IRCC Employer Portal for employer-specific work permits.
• Skills and Experience: Depending on the specific category under the IMP, workers must possess the relevant skills or qualifications for the job. For intra-company transferees, the applicant must have been employed by the company for at least one year.
• Language and Education: Depending on the category, language proficiency and education credentials may be required.
• Other General Requirements: Biometrics, proof of financial stability, medical exams, and police certificates may also be required.

Post Visa Approval Information for Canadian Work Permits

Once your Canadian work visa is approved, there are several important steps to follow to ensure a smooth transition into working in Canada. Additionally, understanding how to renew permits or transition to permanent residency will help you plan for the long term.

What Are the Next Steps After Approval?

1. Receive Your Port of Entry Letter (POE):
   • After your work permit is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction via your online account or email. This letter is crucial for entering Canada and obtaining your actual work permit at the border.
   • Keep your POE letter and other required documents handy when traveling to Canada.
2. Prepare Your Documentation:
   • When entering Canada, you will need to present several documents to the immigration officer at the port of entry, including:
     • Your POE Letter
     • A valid passport
     • Your job offer or employment contract
     • A copy of the positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if applicable
     • Proof of sufficient funds (for some visa types)
     • Your temporary resident visa (if required, depending on your country of citizenship)
3. Arriving at the Border:
   • At the border or airport, you will present your documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They will verify your information and issue your actual work permit. Make sure to double-check the details of the permit (job title, employer, and duration).
   • You may also be asked to undergo health or security checks, depending on your job or country of residence.
4. Begin Working in Canada:
   • Once you receive your work permit, you can legally start working for the employer specified in the permit (or for any employer, if you have an open work permit).
   • Ensure that your employer is registered with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and that your job conditions meet the standards mentioned in your job offer.

Renewing Work Permits

If you plan to continue working in Canada after your work permit expires, you must renew your permit before the expiration date. Here are the steps:

1. Check Eligibility for Renewal:
   • You may be eligible to extend your work permit if your job offer is still valid, your employer has obtained a new LMIA (if required), or you qualify for an LMIA-exempt category.
   • Make sure you submit your application to renew your permit at least 30 days before it expires.
2. Submit Your Renewal Application:
   • You can apply for a work permit extension online through your IRCC account. Ensure you provide the necessary documents, including an updated job offer, a new LMIA (if applicable), and proof of financial stability.
   • While your application is being processed, you can continue working under “implied status” as long as you remain in Canada and applied before your current permit expired.
3. Changing Employers or Jobs:
   • If you want to change jobs or employers, you will need to apply for a new work permit. You cannot start a new job without first obtaining approval from IRCC.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

Many temporary workers in Canada aim to transition to permanent residency (PR) after gaining valuable work experience. Several immigration programs provide pathways for this transition:

1. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades):
   • Eligibility: Depending on your work experience, language proficiency, and educational background, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. If you have worked in Canada for at least one year in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B), you may qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
   • Process: Create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool. You will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like work experience, age, language skills, and education. If you score high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
   • Eligibility: Many provinces and territories in Canada have PNP streams that allow temporary workers to transition to PR. These streams often require you to have work experience in that province and a valid job offer.
   • Process: Apply to the PNP in the province where you are working. If nominated, you can then apply for permanent residency through IRCC.
3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP):
   • Eligibility: If you are working in one of the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island) with a job offer from an employer in the region, you may qualify for the AIP.
   • Process: Your employer must be designated under the AIP, and you must meet work experience and language requirements to apply for PR.

Additional Considerations:

• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): If you have applied for permanent residency and your work permit is expiring, you may be eligible for a BOWP, allowing you to continue working in Canada while waiting for a decision on your PR application.
• Family Sponsorship: If you are married to or in a common-law relationship with a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for PR through the family sponsorship program.

Common Mistakes When Applying for a Canada Work Permit

Applying for a Canadian work permit is a detailed process, and mistakes can lead to delays or rejections. Here are some of the most common errors applicants make and how to avoid them:

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to complete all sections of the application form accurately. Missing information or submitting incorrect details (such as your name, job offer, or passport number) can result in application delays or rejection.

Tip: Double-check all forms before submission to ensure all fields are filled out accurately. Consider seeking help from an immigration consultant or lawyer if you’re unsure.

2. Providing Inadequate Supporting Documents

Many applicants fail to submit all required supporting documents, such as a valid job offer, Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proof of qualifications, or biometrics. Missing key documents is a leading cause of delays.

Tip: Review the specific document checklist for your visa category and ensure you have everything required. Upload clear and legible copies of all supporting documents.

3. Not Understanding LMIA Requirements

For many work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), an LMIA is required. Some applicants don’t realize that their employer must obtain a positive LMIA before they can apply for a work permit, leading to premature applications or incorrect submissions.

Tip: Verify whether your job offer requires an LMIA, and ensure your employer has obtained it before you submit your work permit application.

4. Applying for the Wrong Visa Category

Applicants sometimes apply for a work permit under the wrong visa category, such as applying for an open work permit when they should be applying for an employer-specific permit.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with the different work permit categories, such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, International Experience Canada, and Global Talent Stream. Choose the appropriate visa based on your job offer and eligibility.

5. Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Stability

Proof of financial stability is often required to demonstrate that you can support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay in Canada. Many applicants neglect to provide sufficient proof, such as bank statements or financial affidavits.

Tip: Ensure that you submit the required financial documents, including bank statements, showing that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.

6. Inaccurate or Missing Job Offer Information

Submitting an incomplete or vague job offer can result in rejection. Some applicants fail to include critical details such as job title, duties, salary, or duration of employment, which are essential for a work permit application.

Tip: Make sure your job offer letter contains clear and complete details about your role, salary, and working conditions, along with the employer’s contact information and signature.

7. Misunderstanding Medical and Security Requirements

Some applicants overlook the need for medical exams or security checks, especially if they are applying for specific occupations or are from certain countries. Failing to complete these steps can delay your application.

Tip: Check if your visa category or country of residence requires medical exams or police certificates and complete these ahead of time to avoid delays.

8. Incorrect Timing for Application Submission

Submitting your application too early or too late is another common mistake. Applying before your employer receives the LMIA or waiting until after your current visa expires can lead to complications.

Tip: Ensure you understand the correct timing for your application. If you’re renewing a permit, apply at least 30 days before your current one expires.

9. Ignoring Language Proficiency Requirements

Some applicants overlook language proficiency requirements, which can be mandatory for certain visa categories. If you do not meet the language requirements, your application could be denied.

Tip: If your work permit category requires proof of language skills, ensure you take the appropriate test (IELTS or CELPIP) and meet the minimum required score before applying.

10. Overlooking Visa Processing Times

Many applicants fail to account for processing times, especially when planning to move or start work by a certain date. This can result in unnecessary stress or delayed start dates.

Tip: Always check the current processing times for work permits in your country and plan accordingly. Avoid making travel or work commitments before receiving your permit.

Work Permit Exemptions

Certain occupations are exempt from the work permit requirement.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The TFWP is intended to help Canadian employers recruit foreign workers in response to labour market shortages.

TFWP is made up of four streams: high-skilled workers, low-skilled workers, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, and the Live-In Caregiver Program.

Foreign workers must have an approved job offer and a work permit before arriving in Canada under the TFWP.

Through the LMIA, IRCC works with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to ensure foreign workers do not take jobs for which Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available.

Find out more about work permit conditions, validity and duration.

Candidates who have a job offer in Canada and are ready to apply for a work permit should complete the following questionnaire for a free assessment.

Options for Family Members to Work in Canada

A Canadian work permit holder’s family may come with them to Canada.

All family members must complete their own application forms, but they can be submitted together.

If a family member wants to work in Canada, they will need their own Canada work permit.

In certain cases, spouses or common-law partners are eligible for an open work permit. If a temporary foreign worker’s children would like to study in Canada, they need a study permit.