Work Permits and Visas in 2024: Your Handbook for Canada

Canada is a great country to live and work in, making it one of the most desirable countries for those looking to move and work elsewhere.

It offers excellent job opportunities, higher-end salaries, and a great quality of life. Canada ranks third for quality of life worldwide. It’s also third in the best countries ranking, right after Switzerland and Germany. It has excellent publicly funded healthcare, great city safety, and excellent education.

Similarly to many other countries that offer visas to those who want to work remotely from abroad, Canada has a shortage of experts in a few sectors. For example, Canada’s healthcare, education, and agriculture often lack a qualified workforce. The same labor shortages are also evident in engineering and construction.

So, if you would like to fill one of those positions or any other, here is what you need to know about the procedure for moving to Canada.

Who needs a work permit or visa for Canada?

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to legally work in Canada. The requirements depend on where you are applying from, as they differ depending on whether you are applying from outside the country or while you are staying in Canada.

However, there are certain requirements all applicants must meet. You must have no record of criminal activity and cannot be “a danger to Canada’s security.” You might also need a medical exam.

Most foreigners looking to work in Canada will also have to prove they intend to leave Canada once the work visa expires. You’ll have to show that you have sufficient funds to take care of yourself and any dependents coming with you for the duration of your stay.

Lastly, not all employers are eligible. When applying for a work permit or visa, you’ll have to prove that you do not plan to work for an “ineligible” employer.

Applying from outside Canada

When applying for a work permit from outside Canada, you will generally start by finding a job offer from a Canadian employer. Once you have a job offer, you will need to determine whether you require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which your employer may need to obtain to demonstrate that no Canadian worker is available for the job.

After securing the LMIA, you must apply for a work permit online or through a Canadian visa office in your home country. This involves creating an account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website, filling out the application forms, and submitting the necessary documents, including your job offer, LMIA (if applicable), and proof of identity.

You will also need to pay the application fee and may be asked to provide biometrics at a local Visa Application Center (VAC). Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive a port of entry letter of introduction, which you must present to the immigration officer when you arrive in Canada.

Applying from within Canada

You may already be in Canada on valid status, such as a visitor, student, or temporary worker. In that case, you might be eligible to apply for a work permit from within the country.

To do this, you must have a valid job offer or be eligible for an open work permit. For example, you might be eligible under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for recent graduates. Or, you are eligible under the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker program.

Start by creating an online account on the IRCC website, where you can complete and submit your application. You'll need to include documents like your current status in Canada, your job offer, and any other required documents specific to your situation. You will also need to pay the application fee.

If you need to extend or change your work permit, ensure you apply before your current status expires. Once approved, you’ll receive a new work permit document by mail.

Both pathways require careful preparation and submission of the correct documents to avoid delays or complications.

What work permits are available in Canada?

The first step to obtaining a visa and moving to Canada is to get a Canadian work permit. It currently offers two types of work permits to foreigners.

Employer-specific work permit

As the name suggests, this work permit is perfect for those with a job offer from a specific employer.

The employer will have to start the process in advance and provide you with a copy of your employment contract and a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Not all job roles are subject to LMIA, but it aims to prove that there is a need for a foreigner to fill the position. LMIA also shows no local worker is available to take on the role.

Once your employer obtains the LMIA, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit. This permit will state the employer you will be working for, the location of work, and how long you can work with the permit. All these will be based on your employment contract.

Open work permit

Contrary to the first option, open work permits let you work for almost any employer in Canada. There are several criteria and conditions that employers have to meet to be eligible to hire foreigners. The employers who have not met these requirements are listed on the official site, so you can refer to it while seeking employment to avoid potential penalties.

Some jobs will also require a medical exam. You should consider getting a medical exam done upfront.

What kind of visas are available for Canada?

Apart from the employer-specific and open-ended visa, Canada has several specialized visas that aim to speed up the moving and working in Canada for foreigners.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The post-graduation work permit is designed for international students who have completed a program at a designated learning institution in Canada. This permit allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience for up to three years, helping them transition from their studies to the Canadian workforce. This work permit is an excellent option for those who wish to continue living and working in Canada after finishing their education.

International Mobility Program (IMP) Visa

This visa provides foreign workers with the opportunity to work in Canada. It doesn’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This visa covers various categories, including intra-company transferees who bring specialized knowledge to Canadian branches, participants in youth exchange programs, and other work arrangements that benefit Canada's economic and cultural interests.

The IMP Visa simplifies the process for both employers and employees by waiving the LMIA requirement.

Global Talent Stream Visa

The Global Talent Stream Visa is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It is tailored for highly skilled workers, especially in tech and specialized fields. This visa offers a fast-tracked pathway for obtaining work permits, addressing Canada's demand for top talent in sectors experiencing a skills shortage. It helps employers quickly bring in qualified foreign professionals to drive innovation and growth.

Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) Work Permit

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program work permit facilitates skilled workers to work in the Atlantic provinces, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Applicants need a valid job offer from a designated employer in these provinces, making it easier to integrate into these communities and contribute to the local economy while pursuing permanent residency.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) Work Permit

The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot work permit is another regional option aimed at skilled workers with job offers in participating rural and northern communities.

This permit allows individuals to work in these areas while their permanent residence application is processed, promoting economic development in less-populated regions of Canada. This work permit is also one of the quickest ways to obtain permanent residency in the country.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permit

Similarly to the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot permit, the Provincial Nominee Program also provides opportunities for individuals to settle in their chosen province. The individuals are nominated by a Canadian province or territory to work in Canada.

Nominees can work while their application for permanent residence is being processed, helping them contribute to their workforce needs. Each province or territory has its specific PNP streams, tailored to address local labor market demands.

Does Canada have a Digital Nomad visa?

Canada does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, digital nomads can use other visa options to stay in Canada temporarily, such as tourist or business visitor visas. These visas don't allow for long-term work, so if you plan to stay longer or need to work, you must apply for a work permit or another type of visa.

How to apply for a work visa in Canada?

The first step to getting a visa in Canada is determining whether you need one and which visa you need. The official Canadian website has a great questionnaire that can help you determine your eligibility.

To get a Canadian visa, you first need to see if you’re eligible for one. You can check this by filling out an online questionnaire on the Canadian government’s website. The questionnaire will ask about your details, reasons for visiting, and past travel. Based on your answers, it will tell you if you can apply and provide a reference code and instructions.

Next, you’ll need to create an online account at the government website. This account will be used to apply for the visa. Then, use your reference code to access the list of documents you need to submit and upload them to the system.

After submitting your documents, you’ll need to pay the visa fees online. Once everything is submitted, the Canadian Embassy will process your application, which can take a few weeks. If approved, you will send your passport and processing fees to the Embassy for visa stamping, and they'll mail your passport back with the visa.

How long does it take to get a work permit and visa for Canada, and how much does it cost?

Getting a Canadian work permit usually takes from a few weeks to several months. It depends on the type of permit and your home country.

On average, it may take 1 to 6 months for the application to be processed. Keep in mind that times can vary widely based on the application volume and specific circumstances.

The cost of obtaining a work permit includes a processing fee, which is typically CAD 155. If you also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo), there is an additional fee of CAD 85.

Additional costs can include medical exams, police certificates, and translating or notarizing documents. These costs may vary depending on individual cases and the country of application.

Keep in mind that costs can change, so it's best to check the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most accurate and updated information.

FAQ

What is required for a Canada work permit?

To get a work permit for Canada, you usually need a job offer from a Canadian employer, a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer, and proof of your qualifications. Some jobs do not require an LMIA, but you may still need to meet specific eligibility criteria.

How many types of work permits are there in Canada?

Canada has two main types of work permits: employer-specific and open work permits. An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer and job, while an open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions.

How long can I stay in Canada on a work permit?

The length of your stay in Canada on a work permit depends on the type of permit and your job offer, but it is usually valid for the duration of your job offer, up to a maximum of four years. After this, you may need to leave Canada or apply for a new permit.