Work in Canada
Canada is one of the top destinations for foreign workers due to its
strong economy, high wages, quality of life, and immigration-
friendly policies
Work Visa Types in Canada
To work in Canada, you need a work permit, which can be either:
Temporary Work Permits
For those looking to work in Canada for a specific period.
- Employer-Specific Work Permit
- Tied to one employer & job.
- Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
- Employer must prove no Canadian worker is available for the job.
- Open Work Permit
- Not job-specific (you can work for any employer).
- No LMIA required.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – for international students.
- Spousal Open Work Permit – for spouses of skilled workers or students.
- Global Talent Stream (GTS) Work Permit
- For highly skilled tech professionals.
- Processing time: 2 weeks.
- Employer does not need an LMIA under some conditions.
Apply for a Work Permit
- Provide necessary documents:
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter
- LMIA (if applicable)
- Proof of qualifications
- Police clearance & medical exam (if required)
- Processing times vary (2 weeks to several months, depending on visa type).
- If approved, you will receive a Work Permit Approval Letter.
Permanent Work & Immigration Pathways
Express Entry (EE) System
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Uses Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) (min. 67 points required).
- Processing Time: 6 months after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Each province has its selection criteria.
- Some require a job offer, while others select from the Express Entry pool.
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
- Quebec has separate immigration rules from other provinces.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- For skilled workers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and PEI.
- Requires a job offer from a designated employer.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- For skilled workers in small communities in Canada.