Canada Work Permit eligibility requirements, Fees and Process

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for individuals looking for career opportunities and a high quality of life. With its robust economy, diverse culture, and welcoming immigration policies, Canada offers several avenues for foreign workers to acquire a work permit and contribute to its booming workforce.

In this page, we will provide a detailed information on the Canada work permit process, i.e. eligibility criteria, application procedures, and latest updates.

What is Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is an official document that allows overseas nationals to work legitimately in Canada for a definite period. It is typically required for people who are not permanent residents or citizens of Canada. Work permits are of different types, however, mostly it is issued based on specific job offers from Canadian employers, and they are often tied to a specific employer and occupation.

What are key benefits of Canadian work permit?

Find below the key benefits of Canadian work permits:

• Rising Number of Work Permits: In recent years, the number of work permits issued by the Canadian government has been steadily increasing In 2022, a record 608,420 Canadian work permits took effect.
• Skilled Worker Demand: Canada has a high demand for skilled workers crossways various regions, including healthcare, information technology, engineering, finance, and construction. The demand for skilled professionals has led to more work permits being granted to fill these positions.
• Favourable Labour Market Results: Foreign workers in Canada often experience positive labour market outcomes. As per a survey by Statistics Canada, 71% of work permit holders found job within their first year of arrival, signifying favourable job prospects.
• Positive Economic Impact: The job of foreign workers via work permits contributes significantly to the Canadian economy.  
• Diverse Workforce: Canada prides itself on being a diverse and all-encompassing nation. The work permit program appeals individuals from different countries, nurturing a multicultural and globally associated staff that brings various perspectives, skills, and experiences to Canadian industries.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canadian work permits often serve as a pathway to permanent residency. Several immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), prioritize work permit holders for permanent residency, making it easier for them to transition to permanent resident status.
• International Mobility Programs: Canada offers international mobility programs that facilitate the movement of skilled workers across borders. Programs such as the Global Talent Stream and International Experience Canada (IEC) provide streamlined pathways for overseas workers to obtain work permits and contribute to the Canadian economy.
• Positive Employer Perception: Canadian employers value the skills and experiences that overseas workers bring to their businesses.

Latest Updates Regarding Canadian Work Permit

• The H-1B holders can apply for Open Work Permit from July 16, 2023, which provide them with the liberty to work in Canada for a period of up to 3 years. This measure came with the cap of 10,000 application or application window of 1 year (whichever comes first).
• Spouses, partners, and dependents of permanent residents, Canadian citizens, temporary workers, and students already in Canada may now be eligible for an Open Work Permit. Earlier, open work permits were only available to applicants via inland sponsorship, or those who were already living in Canada on a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV).

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Work Permit -all applicants

There are precise requirements you require meeting depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit. However, irrespective of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, you need to

• convince an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires;
• demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home;
• follow the law and have no record of criminal activity (The IRCC may ask you to provide a police clearance certificate);
• not be a danger to Canada’s security;
• be in good health and have a medical exam, if required
• not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions;
• give the officer any other documents they ask for to verify you can enter the country.

Canadian work permit fee

The fees for Canadian work permit is from CAD 155.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

Canada offers several types of work permits, based on the nature of job and definite circumstances:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: This work permit is tied to a particular employer and job. It needs a positive LMIA, which shows that recruiting a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.
• Open Work Permit: An open work permit allows applicants to work for any Canadian employer, except those listed as disqualified. Spouses or common-law partners of certain individuals in Canada, international students, and people in the process of applying for PR visa may be eligible for open work permits.
• International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit: The IMP encompasses various work permit categories that facilitate the entry of foreign workers to Canada.
• International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit: The IEC program allows young individuals (typically aged 18-35) from countries with a bilateral youth mobility arrangement with Canada to work and travel in Canada
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): This work permit is available to foreign students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian educational institution.
• Agricultural Worker Program: This work permit category addresses the seasonal labour requirements of the agricultural industry in Canada. It allows foreign workers to work in specific agricultural positions for a defined period, typically under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)

Application Process for Canadian Work Permit

The application process for a Canadian work permit typically involves the following steps:

• Employment Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is willing to support your work permit application.
• LMIA (if applicable): Employers may require acquiring a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless exempt.
• Collect Documents: Gather and submit the mandatory documents, such as, completed application form, proof of employment offer, educational qualifications, and proof of financial support.
• Application Submission: Submit the application along with the required fees to the appropriate Canadian visa office.
• Biometrics and Medical Examination: Based on your country of residence, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and undergo a medical examination.
• Application Processing: Wait for the application to be processed. Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance.
• Decision and Work Permit Issuance: If approved, you will get a work permit and be allowed to work in Canada for the specified period.

How Visas Avenue can help?

Acquiring a Canadian work permit opens doors to exciting career opportunities and a chance to experience the Canada’s diverse culture and high quality of life. If you have any further query or wish to apply for relevant visa in Canada this year, you may contact Canada migration expert on Visas Avenue on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com. Visas Avenue offer following services to the visa applicants:

• Pre-assessment of your Visa Application
• Individual Session with Immigration Specialist
• Immigration Points calculation
• Submission of EOI Profile
• Documentation Assistance
• Filing the Visa Application
• Visa Application monitoring and follow up
• Language coaching for IELTS Exam
• Session about post-landing activities