WORK PERMIT CANADA

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Work in Canada: Work Permit & Visa & How it Works?

A work permit is a legal document that allows a foreign national to work while in Canada. Every year, Canada issues approximately 500,000 work permits to temporary foreign workers from all over the world.

Many foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada choose Canada as their destination. Working in Canada is also an excellent first step for those looking to permanently relocate to the country.

How do I get a work permit?

The application process varies depending on the type of work permit required. The first step is to figure out which work permit is right for you. If you need assistance navigating the application, please contact us and a member of our team will assist you in scheduling a consultation.

work permit in canada

What Documents are Required to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada?

The documents needed for a Canadian work permit will vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for. As part of their work permit application, applicants may be required to submit the following documents:

  • Completed application forms
  • Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
  • Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
  • Written offer of employment (if applicable)
  • CV/ résumé
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
  • Proof that you meet the job requirements
  • Valid copy of your passport
  • Copy of education credential
  • Medical exam results (if requested)
  • Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
  • Proof of payment for applicable government fees
  • Recent passport-sized photos

FREE ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT

Book a Consultation to assess your Credentials to find out if you are eligible to apply for Canada Work Permit?

Biometrics for Canadian work permits

IRCC is currently implementing a temporary measure that exempts applicants seeking a work permit from within Canada. Candidates living outside of Canada must still provide biometrics after receiving a biometrics instruction letter.

Police clearances are required for Canadian work permits.

The visa officer who is reviewing your application may request police clearance certificates. This document may be part of your application checklist and must be submitted with your initial submission, depending on where you apply.

Applicants for work permits may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from any country where they have lived for 6 months or more after the age of 18.

Medical examination for Canadian work permit

Foreign nationals applying to work in Canada may be required to take a medical exam, depending on their intended length of stay, previous residence, and occupation. With a few exceptions, if you intend to work in Canada for less than six months, you will most likely not need a medical exam. If you intend to work in a job that puts you in close contact with people, or if you are an agricultural worker who has visited certain countries, you will need a medical exam.

If you intend to work in Canada for more than six months, you must take a medical exam if one of the following conditions applies:

  1. You have lived in or traveled to one of the countries listed on Canada’s ‘Find out if you need a medical exam’ page for 6-months or longer, or
  2. You intend to work in an occupation where you will be in close contact with people listed in the above-mentioned hyperlink


Medical exams must be completed with an IRCC-designated panel physician. Find a panel physician near you by visiting the IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician page.

Applicants can choose to take an initial medical exam. This entails contacting the panel physician directly and taking the exam prior to applying for a work permit. If you do not submit your medical exam results with your application, an IRCC officer will contact you with instructions on how to complete the exam and a deadline for completion.

Photo requirements for obtaining a Canadian work permit

Foreign nationals applying for a work permit in Canada must include a passport-sized photo of their application. The photo must adhere to the IRCC’s specifications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED cANADA wORK PERMIT QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

How do I obtain a work visa for Canada?

When you apply, you must be physically present in Canada. You must remain in Canada while your application is being processed.... apply for your employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2025.... be a visitor with valid status when you apply for the work permit.

Is Canada now issuing work visas?

To work in Canada, most foreign nationals require a work permit. If you're not sure if you need a work permit or which one to get, answer a few questions. Work permits are classified into two types.

What is the cost of a work visa in Canada?

How much does a work permit in Canada cost? A closed work permit costs $155 CAD per person, while an open work permit costs $255 CAD per person.

Is it possible to obtain a work visa for Canada without a job offer?

You don't need a job offer to apply for this Canadian work permit, according to The Economic Times.

Is it difficult to obtain a Canadian work visa?

The USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) has made it much easier for a US citizen to obtain a work permit in Canada. There are, however, some requirements that must be met. These requirements are as follows: A job offer from a Canadian employer is required.

How quickly can I obtain a work visa in Canada?

Through the Global Skills Strategy, you can begin working in Canada sooner (GSS). We aim to process GSS work permit applications that are eligible within two weeks.

How long does a work visa in Canada last?

The work permit has a maximum validity period of four years (which can be extended under this programme).

What is the name of the Canada work visa?

In Canada, there are two types of work permit programs: Program for Temporary Foreign Workers: For a foreign national to obtain a work permit, a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required. International Mobility Program: An LMIA is not required for a foreign national to obtain a work permit under the International Mobility Program.

Can I extend my one-year work visa in Canada?

If your work permit is about to expire or needs to be changed, you must apply to extend it or change the conditions. You should apply for a work permit extension at least 30 days before your current permit expires.