🇨🇦 Canada · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Most foreign workers need a work permit — either employer-specific (often requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment, LMIA) or an open work permit. Programs like the Global Talent Stream speed up skilled hires. Permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Work permits and immigration are administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Employer-specific permits often require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC.
- Work permits are either employer-specific (often LMIA-based) or open.
- Express Entry manages applications for several economic permanent-residence programs.
- Some workers are LMIA-exempt under international agreements or mobility programs.
Step-by-step
- 1
Determine the work-permit type
Decide between an employer-specific work permit and an open work permit; most employer-specific permits need a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer.
- 2
Employer obtains an LMIA or offer of employment
The employer applies for an LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada, or submits an offer of employment under an LMIA-exempt program (such as an intra-company transfer or a trade agreement).
- 3
Apply for the work permit
Apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online with the job offer, LMIA number and supporting documents; some applicants use the Global Skills Strategy for faster processing.
- 4
Provide biometrics and medicals
Give biometrics and complete any required medical exam.
- 5
Receive the permit and enter Canada
On approval you receive a port-of-entry letter; the work permit is issued when you enter Canada.
- 6
Consider permanent residence
Canadian work experience can support permanent residence through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.
Checklist
- Work-permit type chosen (employer-specific or open)
- LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer of employment
- IRCC work-permit application
- Biometrics + medical exam if required
- Proof of funds / supporting documents
- Port-of-entry letter (approval)
- Work permit issued at entry
- PR pathway (Express Entry / PNP) considered
Official authorities
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Visas, work permits and permanent residence.
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA).
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need an LMIA?
No — LMIA-exempt routes exist (intra-company transfers, certain trade agreements, and open work permits for some spouses and graduates), but many employer-specific permits require one.
How long does a Canadian work permit last?
Duration varies by program and job offer, commonly up to a few years, and many permits are renewable while you remain eligible.
Can a work permit lead to permanent residence?
Yes — Canadian work experience helps in Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, both common paths to PR.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of Canada — Canada's federal service portal — immigration, taxes, benefits, and travel info
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, work/study permits, and PR card applications
- Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) — T1 personal tax returns, corporate taxes, GST/HST, and benefit applications (CCB)