Canada has a highly talented workforce yet still needs experienced, skilled workers of all levels to fill the current labour gap. However, you will need a Canadian work visa to work in Canada as an immigrant.
Canadian Work Visa Requirements
A Canadian work permit or visa allows a non-Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work in Canada for a specific period. There are various types of Canadian work visas:
- Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP) – an employer-specific work permit that allows you to work for a specific employer for a specific period.
- International Mobility Program (IMP) – a program that allows foreign workers in specific professions to acquire a Canadian work visa without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) – for graduates from a PGWP-approved Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) who wants to stay and work in Canada after graduation.
- International Experience Class (IEC) or Working Holiday Visa – The Canadian Working Holiday Program allows candidates from over 30 participating countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years.
- Global Talent Stream – For companies that want to fast-track the visa application process and hire highly-skilled and experienced foreign workers in specialized fields.
To be considered eligible for a Canadian work permit, you must:
- Be able to show that you meet your job requirements and can perform the duties associated with it,
- Have an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) if you obtained your qualification outside of Canada,
- Have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA),
- Meet language requirements,
- Have a clear criminal record (police clearance)and be in good health(medical record),
- Have a valid Canadian job offer (if applicable),
- Have proof you intend to leave Canada once your work visa expires, and
- Have sufficient settlement funds and return fare.
Please Note: Eligibility requirements differ when applying from inside Canada as well as for those who perform essential services and those who work in agricultural, agri-food and health care occupations.
How to Apply
All applications for Canadian work permits are made online unless deemed eligible to apply on paper, such as if you have a disability or are applying for the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
Step 1: Determine which type of work visa you need - an open or employer-specific work permit.
Step 2: Gather supporting documentation - you may need documents like your passport, education qualifications, resume and work experience documentation to complete the application form.
Step 3: Complete and submit your Canadian work visa application - you’ll need to upload your supporting documentation along with your application.
Step 4: Receive a port of entry letter of introduction (approval letter to work in Canada) - this is not your work permit. You will need to submit this at the port of entry and will then receive your Canadian work permit.
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