Work in Canada: Apply for Canada Work Permit

A work visa for Canada allows foreign workers to work temporarily in Canada. The process for obtaining the visa involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and then applying to the Government of Canada. The length of the job permit will depend on the job offer, and some can be extended. It's important to note that a job permit is not the same as permanent residency, and it does not guarantee a path to citizenship. However, it can be a stepping stone for those looking to immigrate to Canada.

When to Apply for a Work Visa to Canada

It is recommended to apply for a job permit visa to Canada well in advance of the intended start date of the job offer. The processing time for the application can vary depending on the location and type of work, as well as the completeness and accuracy of the application. It's best to apply as soon as you have a job offer and all the necessary documents to avoid delays. Some work permit applications require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which also takes time to process. It's essential to plan accordingly and stay informed of changes to the application process and requirements.

Types of Work Permits for Canada

There are two varieties of permits for anyone moving to Canada.

An Employer-Specific Work Permit

A job permit issued by an employer that allows you to operate as an employee in Canada must meet certain requirements, such as the company's name that you have been hired for specifically, the length of your workday, and where you can do your perform your job (if applicable).

The employer who wants to hire you must follow certain procedures and provide you with either a copy of a Workforce Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number to include in your application before you can submit your request for an employer-specific permit.

Open Work Permit in Canada

An open work visa for Canada allows the holder to perform a job for any employer in Canada rather than being tied to a specific employer or job. This type of permit is usually issued to certain groups of people, such as:

1. Spouses or common-law partners of certain skilled workers or international student visa holders
2. International graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions
3. Certain young professionals participating in international exchange programs
4. Individuals who have been issued a positive eligibility assessment for permanent residency under certain economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program or Canadian Experience Class
5. Certain individuals are protected persons, live-in caregivers, and other specific groups.
   Open work permits also have no restrictions on the type of job, location, or duration of employment. However, it's important to note that an open work permit does not guarantee a path to permanent residency in Canada.

Open work permits also have no restrictions on the type of job, location, or duration of employment. However, it's important to note that an open work permit does not guarantee a path to permanent residency in Canada.

Types of Application for Canadian Work Permits

Temporary employees: You can be granted a work visa for Canada, including open permits and employer-specific job permits, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the nature of the employment.

Business: These permits are required for those on the go for business, as well as professionals, traders, and investors, among others.

Permanent Residents: With a job permit, competent individuals can immigrate to Canada for a job as skilled workers (Express Entry).

International students: Depending on several factors, international students may be allowed to work as co-op students, interns, or employees on or off campus.

Workers in agriculture: Farm and agricultural workers can be eligible for a work visa for Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

1. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): This program allows employers in Canada to hire foreign workers for seasonal agricultural jobs, such as planting and harvesting crops. To be eligible for this program, the worker must have relevant experience and skills, be able to meet the job's physical demands, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers for non-seasonal agricultural jobs, such as livestock farming, orchard, and greenhouse duties. To be eligible for this program, the worker must have relevant experience and skills, be able to meet the job's physical demands, and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

To be eligible for either program, the worker must also meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, obtaining a medical examination, and obtaining a police certificate, if required.

Candidates Experience: Candidates who meet the requirements can join the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool(s) by being invited to apply for a work visa.

The Requirements for Canada Work Visa

1. There are particular requirements you must fulfill depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit. No matter where you apply or the kind of work visa you request, you must meet work visa requirements.


2. Show an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.


3. Obey the law and do not have any criminal history (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate).


4. Demonstrate that you have the resources necessary to support yourself and your family while you are a visitor in Canada and when you return home.


5. Do not intend to work for an employer labeled as "ineligible" on the list of employers that did not meet the work visa requirements.


6. Sufficient funds to cover both your accommodation and travel costs.


7. Never plan to work for a company that regularly provides independent escorts, erotic dance, striptease, or erotic massages, and


8. Provide the agent with any further documents they request so they can verify your entry into the country.

The Process Timing of Work Visa for Canada Application

The processing times tell you how long it should typically take us to process your application. An application's processing period begins the day they receive it and concludes when they make a decision. The period for mail-in applications begins when your application enters the mailroom.
India takes approximately 60 days to process a work permit from Canada.
Obtaining a work visa for Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC) usually takes 56 days. Still, other types of work visas for Canada requested from outside the country typically take 60 days to complete. If you are already in Canada and seeking to extend your work permit, the process may take up to 120 days. It's important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the type of work permit, location, and completeness of the application.