Canada Work Visas: Types, Eligibility, Application Process, Requirements, & Fees for Indians
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Working in Canada opens the door to a world of opportunities. Whether you are looking to get international experience, enhance your career, or build a new work lifestyle, Canada offers a wide range of work visa options to suit your needs.
However, the application process for a Canadian work visa can be complex. To simplify the process, JR Immigration Consultant is here for you. We help you throughout the work visa application process and get your desired program. Whether you want Immigration Consultants in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc, our team helps you.
Choose us and take the next step towards your Canadian dreams.
What is a Canadian Work Permit?
A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specific period. A Canadian work permit is issued by fulfilling specific eligibility criteria. Each year, Canada issues 5,00,000+ work permits to people to work in their country.
Major facts about the Canada Work Permit
- Issued by IRCC (sometimes at the port of entry for some visa-free citizens)
- Temporary Authority (not the path of permanent residence by itself, but can help to qualify for PR programs)
- Foreign workers in various industries were released annually, over 500,000
- Two main types: employer-specific and open work permit
Types of Canada Work Visas
Canada provides several types of work visas for people. You can opt for a work permit to suit different employment situations. Let’s know about the types of Canadian work visas-
1. Open Work Permit
An open work permit allows a foreign national to work for an employer in Canada. Immigrants can work for an employer, even if they don’t meet any Canada work permit conditions. Here are the types of open work permits:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit : It is ideal for international students who graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Spousal/Common-Law Partner Open Work Permit: It is ideal for the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker, international student, or permanent resident, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): It is ideal for temporary residents who have applied for permanent residence and want to continue working while their application is being processed.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) Work Permit: It is ideal for youth aged 18 to 35 (depending on country of citizenship) from partner countries who want to travel and work in Canada temporarily.
- Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit: It is ideal for temporary foreign workers who are experiencing or at risk of abuse in their workplace, allowing them to leave their employer and work elsewhere.
Key feature
- The type of Canada work permit is flexible, and it usually takes 38 weeks to process
- It does not require a job offer from the companies.
- It does not need an LMIA.
- You have the freedom to change employers whenever you want to.
2. Employer-Specific Work Permits
Employ Specific Work Permit or Closed Work Permit is a restricted permit with the worker to one employer, job or location. This type of permit needs to follow the rules and policies of the business. Here is the type of closed work permit –
- LMIA-Based Work Permits: It requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer to demonstrate the need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian is available to do the job.
- LMIA-Exempt Work Permit: It is ideal for jobs that fall under international agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CPTPP) or provide a significant benefit to Canada, where an LMIA is not required.
- Global Talent Stream (GTS) Work Permit: It is a fast-track work permit for highly skilled workers in the tech sector, designed to help Canadian employers quickly access top global talent.
- Caregiver Work Permit: It is ideal for individuals providing in-home childcare or support for seniors or persons with medical needs in Canada.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) Permit: It is ideal for temporary foreign workers hired by Canadian agricultural employers to fill seasonal farming jobs.
Key feature
- This type of work permit requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
- You must stay with the same employer throughout the job.
- You required a particular job offer from the business or employer.
- Changing to a new job or business required a new permit officially.
Which Canada Work Permit is Right For You?
Here is a detailed overview of Canada’s main work permit types. It will help you to make your choice-
| Work Permit Type | Who It’s For | Job Offer Required | LMIA Needed | Can Switch Employers | Duration | Pathway to PR |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | International graduates from Canadian DLIs | No | No | Yes | 8 months – 3 years (based on study length) | Yes (Canadian Experience Class) |
| Spousal Open Work Permit | Spouses/common-law partners of study/work permit holders | No | No | Yes | Matches partner’s permit duration | Possible through spouse’s PR application |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | Youth (18-35) from partner countries | No | No | Yes | 1-2 years (varies by category) | Yes (if gaining skilled work experience) |
| Bridging Open Work Permit | Temporary residents with a PR application in process | No | No | Yes | 1 year (renewable) | Yes (for those already in the PR process) |
| LMIA-Based Work Permit | Foreign workers with job offers where no Canadians were available | Yes | Yes | No (must stay with employer) | 1-2 years (renewable) | Yes (if skilled work) |
| Global Talent Stream | High-skilled tech workers | Yes | Yes (Simplified process) | No | Up to 2 years | Yes (Express Entry) |
| Caregiver Work Permits | Home childcare/support workers | Yes | Yes | No (unless Open Permit) | Up to 3 years | Yes (after 24 months of experience) |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker | Temporary farm workers | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 8 months annually | Rarely |
Why is the Canada Work Visa Ideal for Indians?
Canada is one of the world’s leading economies. It is a perfect location for Indians who want to work abroad. It is one of the top destinations for Indian professionals. Here is the reason why a Canadian work visa is ideal for Indians to choose-
- Excellent economy and job opportunities
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Easy work permit options for Indians
- High approval rates for Indians
- Family and lifestyle benefits
- The JR Immigration team can help with job search and smooth application approval
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Work Visas
To qualify for a Canadian work visa, there are some specific eligibility criteria that you need to have. Here is the general eligibility criteria for a Canadian work Permit-
- Valid Passport: a valid passport with a duration of intended stay in Canada.
- Job Offer: A formal job offer from Canadian employers.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment: Must have an LMIA for certain work permits.
- Age: You must be below 45 years old.
- Proof of Qualification and Experience: You need to submit evidence of your education and hold a minimum of two years of experience under an NOC category of the TEER level 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Proof of Funds: You must hold a financial document for the necessities and additional expenses required in Canada.
- Background Check: Must have no criminal record.
Canada Immigration Consultants in Bangalore, Hyderabad, & Delhi
Your Local Experts for a Seamless Move to Canada
JR Immigration offers professional, city-specific support for individuals in Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Delhi aiming to work in Canada. From eligibility checks to securing job offers and processing work visas, our certified consultants guide you every step of the way. Start your Canadian journey with us today.
How to Apply for a Canada Work Permit Process
Here is the step-by-step Canada work permit process that you need to follow. First, identify your occupation’s National Occupational Classification(NOC) code. It will help you to find out the right Immigration program-
Step 1: Select the right Canada immigration program:
First, research and choose the right Canada immigration program as per your profile. Programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), etc. A JR Immigration consultant can help you with it.
Step 2: Get a Canadian Job Offer
It is important to get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In addition, you have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC.
Step 3: Collect All Required Documents
Make sure to collect all the required documents in the specific format. This includes identification proof, educational qualification, proof of experience, a valid job letter, etc.
Step 4: Apply for a Type of Work Visa
If you are applying for a work permit, you must create an online profile. This profile will include your skills, work experience, education, and other relevant details.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the online application form and submit all required documents through the portal. Also, pay the necessary fee.
Step 6: Biometric & Medical Examination
Attend your biometric appointment at the designated location. Also, complete your medical examination, as the results will affect your permit process.
Step 7: Wait for the Process
Be patient and wait for your application to be processed. Processing time will vary based on the type of visa or immigration program.
Step 8: Receive a Canada Work Permit
Once approved, you will receive your Canada work permit. Review the details such as type of work, location, and duration.
Step 9: Settle in Canada
Prepare to settle in Canada. You must arrive on or before the date specified on your work permit.
Step 10: Consider Permanent Residency
If you’re interested, explore permanent residency options in Canada through a suitable immigration program.
Canada Work Visa Requirements
To apply for the Canada work visa/ work permit, you must meet specific requirements. Here is the list of all the forms and documents required for a Canadian work visa.
1. Canada Work Visa Form
The complete list of the main application forms depends on your work permit type. Here is the complete checklist of top forms-
- IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada)
- IMM 5710 (Application to Change Conditions or Extend Stay in Canada)
- IMM 5802 (Employer Compliance Form, if LMIA-based)
- IMM 5707 (Family Information)
- IMM 5409 (Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union)
- IMM 5409 (Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union)
- IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative)
- IMM 5475 (Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual)
2. Canada Work Visa Documents
Here is the list of all required documents for the Canada Work Visa or Canada Work Permit. Let’s check out
Mandatory Documents:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Job Offer Letter from a Canadian employer
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) (if required)
- Proof of Work Experience & Qualifications (resume, diplomas, licenses)
- Digital Photo (as per IRCC specifications)
- Proof of Funds (bank statements showing sufficient funds)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Medical Exam Report (if working in healthcare/childcare)
Additional Documents (If Applicable):
- Family Information Form (IMM 5707)
- Marriage Certificate (for spouse open work permit)
- Study Transcripts (for PGWP applicants)
Canada Work Visa Processing Times and Fees
Canada work permit processing time varies according to the type of work permits and work programs. It typically takes 3 to 4 months for overseas applications. Here is the current estimated processing time for types of work permits-
- LMIA-Required Work Permit: 8-26 weeks
- LMIA-Exempt Work Permit: 4-12 weeks
- Open Work Permit (Spousal): 10-16 weeks
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): 80-180 days
- International Experience Canada (IEC): 4-8 weeks
- Global Talent Stream: 2-4 weeks
JR Immigration Is The Best Canada Immigration Consultant
At JR Immigration, we provide end-to-end support to secure a Canada work permit as well as a Canada work visa for you. Get Canada Immigration Consultants in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bangalore with us. Here is how we can help you in the process-
- Free Eligibility Assessment
- Job Search & L Mia Support
- Work Visa Application Processing
- Post Visa Services
- High Success Rate
- Transparent Pricing
- Personalise Support
- Strategic And Fast Processing
Start your Canada work journey today by booking a free consultation with us. We have been trusted by 5000+ successful applicants and certified by the IRCC. Get your free eligibility check, secure a job offer and submit a strong work visa application. Make your Canadian dream come true with us.
FAQS about Canada Work Visas
For LMIA application, the success rate for a work permit is around 65 to 75%
The possible rejection reasons for your Canada work visa can be incomplete or missing documents, mismatched details with documents, passport status, criminal or addiction record, etc.
To activate your Canadian work permit, you have to leave the country and re-enter the country.
Work visas allow you to enter Canada, where work permits allow you to work legally. Some nations, like America, only need a permit, not a visa, but Canada needs both.
Yes, you can apply for a work permit without an LMIA.
Yes, you can bring your family, like your spouse or children, with your work permit.
If your work permit application is refused by the authority, you can reapply by addressing the deficiency or by appealing.
Yes, you can apply to extend your work permit, but you have to apply before it expires.
Yes, a work permit can lead to a PR. Canadian work experience can help in Express Entry, PNPS, etc.