Learn About Canada Work Visa Requirements

Understanding Canada's Different Work Visa Categories

Canada offers several distinct pathways for foreign workers, and understanding which category matches your situation is the first step. The country doesn't have one single "work visa"—instead, it uses different programs depending on your skills, job offer, and experience level. This distinction matters because each program has different requirements, processing times, and long-term outcomes.

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The most common category is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when they cannot find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill positions. Under TFWP, employers must first show they've made genuine recruitment efforts within Canada before they can bring in temporary workers. This program typically applies to both skilled and lower-skilled jobs, though the rules and requirements differ between them.

International Mobility Program (IMP) is another route that doesn't require an employer to demonstrate labor market need. This includes categories like intra-company transfers (when a foreign worker moves to a Canadian office of the same company), international agreements between countries, and startup visa holders. Some positions under IMP may not require a formal job offer at all.

The Express Entry system connects to work permits in a different way. While it's primarily Canada's immigration selection system for permanent residence, some people transition through temporary work permits first as a strategic move toward permanent residency. Understanding this connection helps workers see work permits not just as temporary solutions but as potential stepping stones.

There's also the student work permit category, which allows international students in Canada to work during and after their studies, sometimes with fewer restrictions than other temporary workers. Post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) let graduates work in Canada after finishing their studies, with permit duration tied to program length.

Practical takeaway: Before researching specific requirements, identify which program category fits your situation—this determines which specific rules and documents you'll need to understand next.

What Employers Must Do Before Hiring Foreign Workers

The employer's role is central to most Canadian work permits, and understanding what your potential employer must do helps you know what to expect and what questions to ask them. Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, employers face substantial obligations that directly affect how a work permit process unfolds.

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For TFWP positions, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before a work permit can be issued. This assessment, processed by Employment and Social Development Canada, requires the employer to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker won't negatively affect job opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. The employer pays for this assessment (currently around $1,000 CAD) and must show documented evidence of recruitment efforts. They need to prove they advertised the position to Canadian workers, what wages they offered, and why no Canadian candidates were suitable. This process typically takes several weeks to months.

Employers must also meet specific conditions once a foreign worker is hired. They need to provide employment terms in writing, pay wages comparable to what Canadian workers doing similar work earn in that region, and provide working conditions that meet Canadian standards. The employer cannot charge the worker for recruitment costs, work permit fees, or other related expenses—these are the employer's responsibility.

Not all work situations require an LMIA. Some employers can hire under the International Mobility Program without one, which speeds up the process. This applies to intra-company transfers, positions covered by trade agreements, and certain startup situations. However, even under IMP, employers still have responsibilities regarding wages, working conditions, and transparency with workers.

The employer must also ensure the worker has a valid work permit before employment begins. Working without authorization is illegal in Canada and carries serious consequences for both the employer and the worker, including fines and potential deportation. Reputable employers take these obligations seriously and can explain what they've done or will do to meet them.

Practical takeaway: Ask potential employers whether they've obtained or will obtain an LMIA, and what timeline they're working with. A legitimate employer can explain their process clearly and won't expect you to pay for any visa-related costs.

Documents and Information You'll Need to Gather

The document requirements for a Canadian work permit vary depending on which program you're pursuing, but several items appear across nearly all applications. Gathering these early prevents delays and helps you move through the process more smoothly. Think of this section as your checklist before you begin formal proceedings.

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A valid passport is fundamental. It must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada, typically meaning at least six months beyond your expected work permit expiration. Some countries' passports are processed more quickly than others, so if your passport is expiring soon, this is worth addressing early. You'll also need a copy of your passport's biographical page and any relevant visas or stamps.

Your job offer letter from the Canadian employer is central. This document should outline the position title, job duties, location of work, salary, benefits, start date, and contract duration. The letter should be on company letterhead and signed by someone with hiring authority. If the employer is pursuing an LMIA, they'll reference that in writing. If they're hiring under IMP, the letter should explain which IMP category applies and why.

Proof of your qualifications is essential. This means educational credentials (diplomas, degrees, certificates), transcripts, and professional licenses or certifications relevant to the position. Many applicants need these documents officially translated into English or French and verified by a notary or official translator, depending on Canadian requirements and your documents' original language. Getting these translations done before formal proceedings speeds things along.

A clean criminal record check is required. You'll need to provide a police certificate or criminal record check from your country of residence for the past several years. Different countries issue these differently—some provide them automatically, while others require you to request them officially. These documents also typically need official translation if issued in another language. The processing time for these checks varies widely by country.

Medical examination results may be required depending on your country of origin and the nature of your work. Canada's immigration authority (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC) maintains a list of panel physicians in different countries. If a medical exam is required, you must have it done by one of these approved physicians. Results go directly to IRCC, not to you first.

Financial documents showing you can support yourself during your stay in Canada strengthen your application. This isn't always mandatory for work permit holders (since you're coming to work), but having proof of funds can help demonstrate stability. Bank statements, proof of employment income, or sponsor letters from family members may be relevant.

You'll also need to document your ties to your home country—proof that you intend to return when your work permit expires. This can include family relationships, property ownership, ongoing business interests, or employment history showing long-term roots. This is important because work permits are temporary by design.

Practical takeaway: Start by gathering documents you already have, then identify what needs to be translated, verified, or officially requested. Budget time for translations and official document requests—these often take longer than you'd expect and can't be rushed.

Work Permit Processing: Timeline, Costs, and What to Expect

The timeline for getting a Canadian work permit varies significantly depending on several factors, and understanding realistic timelines helps you plan accordingly. Processing times change based on application volume, your country of origin, and which program pathway you're pursuing. IRCC publishes current processing times on their website, and these figures shift seasonally.

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Temporary Foreign Worker Program applications typically take several months total when you combine the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing with the work permit processing. The LMIA alone currently takes around 4 weeks on average, though it can take longer. Once the LMIA is approved, your employer receives it, and then you can submit your work permit application. The work permit application itself usually takes 4-8 weeks, depending on your country and circumstance. In total, you're looking at roughly 2-4 months from start to work permit issuance, though this varies.

International Mobility Program applications often move faster because no LMIA is required. Without this step, processing can take 2-4 weeks for standard applications, though some categories may be even quicker. This speed advantage is one reason some employers prefer IMP pathways when they're available.

Express Entry applications for permanent residence have faster processing—typically 6 months or less. However, this applies to people seeking permanent residence, not temporary work permits, though some people use work permits as a pathway first.