Canada Work Permit Visa
Understand Your Options for Working in Canada
Canada Work Permit Visa
Understand your options for working in Canada.
Planning to accept a job in Canada, join a working spouse or explore whether you qualify for an open work permit? Start with a clear understanding of the permit you need, the documents required and the steps your employer may need to complete.
Canada offers several temporary work options. Your route depends on your circumstances, including your job offer, occupation, employer, qualifications and immigration status. Most foreign nationals need a work permit before they can work in Canada. [1]
Contact Nexus Migration in Dubai to discuss your plans and the support available for your preparation.
What is a Canada work permit
A work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada under specified conditions. Depending on the permit, these may identify the employer, occupation, location and period of employment. A work permit provides temporary work authorization; it does not give you permanent resident status. [2, 13]
The phrase "Canada work permit visa" is widely used, but a work permit and a travel visa serve different purposes. A visitor visa or electronic travel authorization, known as an eTA, relates to travel to Canada. The work permit sets out your authorization to work. When an application made outside Canada is approved, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) normally issues the required visa or eTA alongside the approval, unless you are exempt. [19]
Types of Canadian work permits
| Feature | Employer specific work permit | Open work permit |
|---|---|---|
| Job offer | A qualifying job offer is required | Generally not required to apply |
| Employer choice | Work is restricted to the employer and conditions on the permit | Work for most eligible employers, subject to restrictions |
| LMIA | Required unless an exemption applies | The employer does not need an LMIA for the open permit |
| Who can apply | Applicants who meet the relevant employment and immigration requirements | Only people eligible under a specific open permit category |
| Changing employers | Usually requires a new permit or separate authorization | Generally possible within the permit conditions |
An open work permit is not a general jobseeker visa available to every overseas applicant. Eligibility must come from a recognized category. Open permits can also carry restrictions relating to work type or location, and some employers are excluded. [2, 3]
Main routes to work in Canada
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or TFWP, is used when an employer needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment, known as an LMIA, to hire a foreign worker. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assesses the employer's application and the proposed job's effect on the Canadian labour market.
A positive LMIA supports the need to recruit a foreign worker when a Canadian citizen or permanent resident is not available for the role. The employer provides the relevant approval documents so the worker can apply separately for a work permit. A positive LMIA does not itself authorize employment or guarantee permit approval. [42]
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program, or IMP, covers qualifying work that is exempt from the LMIA requirement. An exemption must be based on a recognized category; it is not something an employer can select simply to avoid an LMIA. [5]
For most employer-specific IMP applications, the employer submits the offer through the Employer Portal, pays the applicable compliance fee and gives the applicant an offer of employment number. Exemptions from these employer steps exist in certain cases. [6]
Examples may include qualifying employment under international agreements, certain company transfers and other recognized Canadian-interest exemptions. The applicable category determines the conditions. An LMIA exemption does not necessarily mean an open permit or an exemption from needing a work permit. [4, 5]
Francophone Mobility
Francophone Mobility can support an employer-specific work permit for eligible applicants who will live and work outside Quebec. Applicants must demonstrate French speaking and listening ability equivalent to NCLC level 5 or above and have a qualifying job offer. Primary agriculture occupations in TEER categories 4 and 5 are excluded from this measure. The employer must complete the required IMP steps. [7]
Post graduation work permits (PGWP)
Eligible graduates of qualifying Canadian programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, or PGWP. Studying at a designated learning institution does not automatically make every program eligible. Requirements include the study history, application timing and, where applicable, language ability and field of study. Check the specific program before making study plans. [9]
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada, or IEC, offers work and travel opportunities to eligible young people under country-specific arrangements. Working Holiday provides an open permit, while Young Professionals and International Co-op normally involve employer-specific permits. Citizenship, age, participation limits, available places and invitation requirements matter. Check the current season before applying. [8]
Family and permanent residence related permits
Some spouses or common-law partners can qualify for open permits, but family work rights depend on the principal applicant's category and circumstances. [43] Certain permanent residence applicants in Canada may qualify for a bridging open work permit. Creating an Express Entry profile alone does not establish bridging permit eligibility; the required application stage and other conditions must be met. [10]
These are common routes. Other categories and temporary public policies apply to particular situations, including some vulnerable workers and protected persons. [3]
Canada work permit eligibility requirements
Eligibility involves both the work permit category and the general requirements for entering or remaining in Canada. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that they:
- Qualify for the specific permit category they are requesting.
- Have sufficient money for themselves, accompanying family members and their return journey.
- Meet applicable health, criminality and security requirements.
- Will comply with the conditions of their temporary stay, including leaving Canada when required.
- Provide complete, accurate information and the supporting documents requested by IRCC. [11]
For employment-based applications, the evidence must also show that you can perform the offered job. Relevant experience, education, training and professional registration may be required. A regulated occupation can require authorization from the provincial or territorial regulator. A work permit does not replace a professional licence. [12]
Job requirements vary. Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups occupations by their duties. Its Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories are used in several immigration rules. Check the category that matches your work and the qualifications required for that job. [33]
Job offers salary and employer requirements
Before proceeding with an employer-specific application, understand the proposed employer's legal name, work location, duties, hours, wages, deductions and employment terms. The offer, employment contract and employer submission should describe the same genuine position. [12]
There is no single national salary figure that qualifies every applicant for a work permit. Under the TFWP, the offered wage is compared with the applicable provincial or territorial threshold to determine the high-wage or low-wage stream. Employers must also satisfy the relevant wage and program requirements. A job's wage stream should not be confused with its occupational classification. [14]
Low-wage hiring is subject to additional restrictions. These can include a cap on the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers and requirements to recruit Canadians and permanent residents. The current standard advertising requirement includes at least eight consecutive weeks within the three months before the LMIA application, subject to applicable variations. [15]
Some low-wage LMIA applications are not processed where the job is in a census metropolitan area with unemployment of 6% or more. Sector exceptions, regional rules and temporary measures can affect the outcome. Employers should check the current location-specific rules before making commitments. [16]
For many LMIA-based jobs in Quebec, additional provincial selection procedures and a Quebec Acceptance Certificate, or CAQ, are required. Exemptions exist, so the Quebec requirements must be checked for the particular employment situation. [17]
Documents required for a Canada work permit
Your personalized IRCC checklist and any applicable visa office instructions determine the final documents. The following is a preparation guide, not a substitute for that checklist. [12, 13]
| Document group | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Identity and residence | Passport, requested photographs and proof of lawful status in the country from which you apply |
| Employment evidence | Job offer and employment contract for an employer-specific application |
| Employer approval | Positive LMIA and file number, or the relevant LMIA-exempt offer number and supporting information |
| Skills and qualifications | CV, employment references, evidence of experience, educational records and required licences |
| Financial evidence | Documents supporting your ability to meet the applicable costs of your stay |
| Health and background | Medical examination evidence and police certificates when required |
| Family evidence | Marriage, common-law relationship and birth documents where relevant |
| Category requirements | Evidence for the particular open permit, study history, language requirement or other exemption |
Document checklist sources: IRCC application documents, Guide 5487 and employer LMIA documents. [12, 13, 42]
Documents that are not in English or French must meet IRCC's translation requirements. Check names, dates and employment details for consistency across the application. Keep clear copies of everything submitted. [13]
Applying from Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE
Applicants living in the UAE can use the outside-Canada application process when they qualify for the relevant permit. UAE residence does not itself create eligibility for a Canadian work permit. Your citizenship, current immigration status and the applicable permit category remain relevant. [11, 13]
If you are applying from a country where you are not a citizen, include the required proof of your current status there. Prepare your residence evidence alongside your passport, employment records and any additional country-specific documents. Follow the instructions in your biometrics letter and IRCC account for appointments or passport submission. [12, 18]
How to apply for a Canada work permit
Establish whether you need an employer-specific permit or qualify for an open permit. Check the category before gathering documents or paying application fees. [1]
Where an LMIA is required, the employer completes that process and provides the supporting decision documents. For most employer-specific LMIA-exempt cases, the employer completes the Employer Portal submission and gives you the offer number. These steps are separate from your application. [4, 6]
Use the appropriate IRCC online process, answer the questions accurately and follow the generated checklist. Upload the forms and evidence, then pay the applicable fees. Paper applications are available only in specified circumstances. [18]
Give biometrics when required and meet the deadline in your instruction letter. IRCC may request a medical exam, interview or more documents. Monitor your account and respond on time. [18, 19]
For an approved outside-Canada application, the letter of introduction confirms the decision but is not the work permit itself. Follow any passport or visa instructions and carry the required travel and employment documents. [19]
At the Canadian border, an officer checks your documents and admissibility. If satisfied, the officer issues the work permit. Check the employer, occupation, expiry date and other conditions before leaving the inspection area. Begin employment only when you have the required authorization. [20]
Canada work permit fees
The following standard government fees are in Canadian dollars and were checked on 22 October 2026. Exemptions and category-specific charges may apply. [44]
| Applicant fee | Amount in CAD | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit processing | 155 | Standard individual application, unless exempt |
| Open work permit holder fee | 100 additional | Generally payable for an open permit, unless exempt |
| Biometrics | 85 per person | When biometrics and the fee are required |
| Family biometrics maximum | 170 | Eligible family members applying together |
For a standard individual application requiring CAD 85 biometrics, the combined government fees are normally CAD 240 for an employer-specific permit or CAD 340 for an open permit. These examples do not cover special fee structures, such as IEC. [8, 44]
Employer fees are separate. A standard LMIA processing fee is CAD 1,000 per position, with exemptions for certain applications. For many employer-specific IMP cases, the employer compliance fee is CAD 230. Employers must not pass their LMIA, compliance or recruitment costs to the worker. [6, 15, 40]
Medical examinations, translations, police certificates, travel and professional services can add to your costs. Ask for a written quotation explaining government fees, third-party expenses, service fees and refund terms. Do not treat an LMIA or job offer as something to purchase. [38, 40]
Canada work permit processing time
Processing times vary by application type, country and individual circumstances. Use IRCC's current processing-time tool for the relevant category. A published estimate is not an approval guarantee or a promised completion date. [21]
Where an LMIA is needed, allow separately for employer recruitment and the LMIA assessment. ESDC publishes average LMIA processing times by stream and updates them monthly. These are separate from IRCC's work permit processing times. [22]
The Global Skills Strategy aims to process eligible, complete applications within two weeks. It applies only to qualifying cases and has specific requirements for documents and biometrics. It is not a two-week service for every Canadian job offer. [23]
How long a work permit is valid
The validity period depends on the category, approved employment and the conditions set by the immigration officer. Passport validity and, where applicable, the expiry of biometrics can limit the period granted. Always rely on the expiry date printed on the issued permit. [13, 23]
A PGWP can be issued for up to three years in qualifying cases, but its length depends on the eligible program and other requirements. This does not mean every Canadian work permit lasts three years. Similarly, the optional Atlantic Immigration Program work permit has its own two-year framework. [24, 35]
Plan any extension before the permit expires. Continuing to work requires valid authorization; an employment contract alone does not extend immigration status. [28]
Bringing your family to Canada
Spouses and common law partners
Your spouse or common-law partner does not automatically receive work authorization because you have a permit. Under the standard measure for high-skilled workers who are not on an eligible permanent residence pathway, eligibility generally requires the principal worker to:
- Work or be employed in a TEER 0 or 1 occupation, or a specifically eligible TEER 2 or 3 occupation.
- Have at least 16 months of work authorization remaining when IRCC receives the spouse's application.
- Meet the remaining work, residence and permit conditions.
Different rules or exceptions apply to certain permanent residence pathways, trade agreements and specific public policies. Dependent children are no longer eligible under this particular high-skilled-worker family measure. Do not assume that every TEER 2 or 3 job qualifies. [25]
A family member must make the appropriate application and provide evidence of the qualifying relationship and principal applicant's circumstances. The documents required can depend on whether applications are submitted together or separately. [26]
Dependent children
Children need appropriate immigration status for their stay. Minors applying from outside Canada who will study for more than six months generally need a study permit, including those accompanying a parent whose work permit is approved. Different rules can apply to children already in Canada. Check the requirements before travel. [27]
Extending a permit or changing employers
Extending your stay as a worker
Apply before your permit expires and ensure that you still qualify for the requested category. IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry. An extension may require updated employer documents and is not automatic. [28]
If you submit a qualifying work permit extension application before expiry and remain in Canada, you may continue working under the existing conditions while the application is processed. This is commonly called maintained status. It does not normally authorize a new employer or a different job under an employer-specific permit. Travel outside Canada can affect your ability to resume work. [29]
Changing your job
Employer-specific permit holders generally need a new work permit to change employers. Some eligible workers can request interim authorization from IRCC after applying, but must receive that authorization before starting the new employment. Submitting the application or web form alone is insufficient. Open permit holders can usually change employers within their permit conditions. [30]
If your authorization has expired and you do not have maintained work rights, stop working and check whether restoration or another application is available. [29]
Your rights as a worker in Canada
Temporary foreign workers are protected by Canadian employment laws. Your employer must respect the applicable wages, employment agreement and workplace safety requirements. Your employer cannot confiscate your passport, require you to repay prohibited recruitment costs or decide to deport you. [31]
Keep your own copies of your contract, permit, wage statements and important communications. If you experience abuse or are at risk of abuse in connection with your job, a temporary open work permit for vulnerable workers may be available if you meet the eligibility conditions. [32]
Public health insurance eligibility depends on the province or territory and your circumstances. Confirm when coverage starts and what insurance is needed during any waiting period. Do not assume that work permit approval provides immediate coverage for every family member. [31]
Can a Canada work permit lead to permanent residence
Canadian employment can help build experience relevant to some permanent residence programs. However, a work permit is not a promise of permanent residence. Eligibility, nomination or invitation requirements and a separate immigration decision still apply.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Applicants generally need at least one year of qualifying paid Canadian skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 within the previous three years, gained while authorized to work. Language and other criteria also apply. Not every job or period of employment counts. [33]
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Provinces and territories operate streams with their own requirements and nomination allocations. A job or work history in a province may be relevant, but does not automatically secure nomination. [34]
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
A qualifying offer from a designated employer and the relevant provincial process can support a separate pathway. Eligible applicants may also obtain the program's employer-specific temporary permit with a provincial referral letter. Approval of that permit does not guarantee permanent residence. [35]
If permanent residence is your long-term goal, assess the relevant program separately and keep your temporary status valid while any application is considered. [10]
Preparing with Nexus Migration
Good preparation starts with clear facts about your situation. When you contact Nexus Migration, share your current CV, country of citizenship and residence, any Canadian job offer, relevant qualifications and whether family members plan to accompany you.
Discuss the document preparation and administrative support available for your case, the agreed scope of service and the expected costs. A written service agreement should make clear who is responsible for each stage and who will provide any regulated immigration advice or representation.
If you choose to pay for Canadian immigration advice or representation, verify that the individual is authorized and in good standing with the relevant Canadian regulator. You can also apply directly through IRCC. Using a representative does not guarantee approval or preferential processing. [37, 38]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Canadian job offer
Can I get an open work permit from the UAE
Is IELTS compulsory for every work permit
Do all Canadian work permits require an LMIA
Does a positive LMIA guarantee my work permit
Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa
Is a university degree required for every job
How much money must I show
Can my spouse start work when we arrive
Do I need to pay separately for the initial travel visa
Can I start with another employer while my new application is pending
Does a job advertisement prove that a permit will be approved
Can I stay and work after my permit expires
Is permanent residence automatic after working in Canada
Start planning your Canada work permit application
Already have a Canadian job offer, or want to understand which information you need before taking the next step? Contact Nexus Migration with your profile and employment details to discuss the preparation support available.
Information reviewed: 22 October 2026. This page provides general information. Requirements, fees and processing arrangements can change. Canadian authorities decide applications and admission.
Official Reference Links (Checked 22 October 2026)
Government sources checked for this manuscript on 22 October 2026. Reference numbers in the copy link to the relevant official pages.
