On This Page, You Will Find:
- What a “Canada work visa” really means
- The two types of work permit
- The Temporary Foreign Worker Program and International Mobility Program
- Who needs a work permit
- Step-by-step instructions for applying
- Options that do not require a job offer
- Required documents, fees and where to apply
- From working to permanent residence
- Frequently asked questions
Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for foreign workers, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people each year into health care, construction, agriculture, technology, hospitality and other sectors. Most people who want to work in Canada need a work permit. People often call this a “Canada work visa,” but strictly speaking Canada issues a work permit – the document that authorises you to work. A visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if you need one, only lets you enter the country; the work permit is what lets you work. This guide explains how to apply for a Canada work permit, the different types, who needs one, and how it can lead to permanent residence.
Work Visa vs Work Permit: What’s the Difference?
There is no separate “work visa” in Canada’s system. When people search for a Canada work visa, they almost always mean a work permit. The full package can involve two documents: the work permit (your authorisation to work) and, for citizens of visa-required countries, a temporary resident visa or eTA to enter Canada. If you are already thinking in terms of a “work visa,” the sections below apply to you.
The Two Types of Work Permit
- Employer-specific (closed) work permit – ties you to one employer, job and location. It usually requires either a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or an LMIA-exempt offer under the International Mobility Program.
- Open work permit – lets you work for almost any employer without a job offer or LMIA. These are limited to specific situations, described in our guide to open work permits in Canada.
The Two Programs Behind Work Permits
Almost every employer-specific permit is issued under one of two federal programs:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirming no Canadian is available. Recent changes have tightened the low-wage stream considerably.
- International Mobility Program (IMP) – covers LMIA-exempt permits, such as those under trade agreements like CUSMA, intra-company transfers and Francophone Mobility.
Who Needs a Work Permit?
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada, but some activities are work-permit-exempt (for example, certain business visitors, and some performers and speakers). IRCC’s online tool can confirm whether your situation requires a permit. Even work-permit-exempt visitors may still need a visitor visa or eTA to enter Canada.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Canada Work Permit
- Step 1 – Confirm you need a permit and which type. Decide whether your situation calls for an employer-specific or open work permit.
- Step 2 – Secure the basis for your permit. For an employer-specific permit, your employer obtains an LMIA or submits an LMIA-exempt offer through the Employer Portal and pays the compliance fee. For an open permit, confirm you fit an eligible category.
- Step 3 – Gather your documents. Typically your passport, job offer or offer-of-employment number, proof of qualifications, and any category-specific documents.
- Step 4 – Apply online. Create an IRCC secure account, complete the application and pay the fees.
- Step 5 – Give biometrics. Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a photo.
- Step 6 – Complete a medical exam or police certificate if required for your job or country.
- Step 7 – Wait for a decision and, if approved, follow the instructions to activate your permit (sometimes at a port of entry).
Options That Do Not Require a Job Offer
Not every route needs an employer. International Experience Canada (IEC) offers working-holiday and other open permits to young people from partner countries. Recent graduates of Canadian institutions may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, and eligible spouses of certain workers and students can apply for open work permits. These options let you work for multiple employers while you build Canadian experience.
Required Documents, Fees and Where to Apply
The work permit fee is CAD $155, with an additional CAD $100 open work permit holder fee for open permits (CAD $255 total), and biometrics are normally an extra CAD $85. Employer-side costs may include the $1,000 LMIA fee or the $230 IMP compliance fee. Common documents include your passport, the offer of employment or LMIA number, proof of funds, and evidence you meet the job’s requirements. You can apply from outside Canada, from inside Canada, or – for visa-exempt travellers in eligible categories – at a Canadian port of entry on arrival. Applying from inside Canada to extend or change a permit lets many workers keep working under maintained status while they wait; see our guide to extending or changing a work permit. Always confirm current fees on IRCC’s official fee list before you apply.
From Working to Permanent Residence
A Canadian work permit is often a stepping stone to permanent residence. Skilled Canadian work experience can help you qualify through the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, or through a Provincial Nominee Program stream. Building a strong Canadian work history is one of the most reliable ways to improve your immigration prospects. For the wider range of options, see our overview of the ways to immigrate to Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a “Canada work visa”?
Not exactly. Canada issues a work permit, which authorises you to work. If you also need a visa or eTA, that document only allows you to enter Canada. People commonly use “work visa” to mean the whole package of the work permit plus any entry document, so if you are looking for a Canada work visa, you are looking for a work permit.
How much does a Canada work permit (work visa) cost?
The work permit fee is CAD $155. Open work permits carry an additional CAD $100 holder fee (CAD $255 total). Biometrics are usually an extra CAD $85. Employer-specific permits also involve employer costs, such as the $1,000 LMIA fee or the $230 IMP compliance fee.
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit?
For an employer-specific work permit, yes – you need a job offer supported by an LMIA or an LMIA exemption. Open work permits do not require a job offer, but they are only available to people in specific situations, such as recent graduates or eligible spouses.
How do I apply for a Canadian work visa?
Confirm you need a permit and which type, secure the LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer (for employer-specific permits) or confirm your open-permit eligibility, gather your documents, apply online in your IRCC account, pay the fees, provide biometrics, and complete any medical exam if required. Visa-exempt travellers in eligible categories may apply at a port of entry.
What are the requirements for a Canada work visa?
You generally need a valid passport, a job offer supported by an LMIA or LMIA exemption (for employer-specific permits) or eligibility for an open permit, proof you meet the job’s requirements, sufficient funds, and no serious criminal or medical inadmissibility. Some jobs and countries require a medical exam or police certificate.
How long does it take to get a work permit?
Processing times vary by country and permit type and are updated regularly by IRCC. Check IRCC’s official processing-times tool for the current estimate for your situation before you apply, and see our page on Canada immigration processing times.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Skilled Canadian work experience gained on a work permit can help you qualify for permanent residence, most directly through the Canadian Experience Class within Express Entry or through certain Provincial Nominee Program streams.