Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Work Visa for Canada

Canada offers over 100 work visa pathways, but navigating the process can be overwhelming. This definitive guide breaks down the exact steps to secure your Canadian work permit – whether you’re a skilled professional, temporary worker, or international student.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

(Key work visa types and who qualifies)

A. Temporary Work Permits

1. LMIA-Based Work Permit
   • Employer proves no Canadian could fill the role
   • Processing: 4-6 months
2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
   • Includes:
     • CUSMA (ex-NAFTA) Professionals (TN Visa)
     • Intra-Company Transfers (L1 Visa)
     • Global Talent Stream (Tech workers, 2-week processing)

B. Permanent Residency-Linked Work Visas

For those with PR application in progress

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permit

Get nominated by a province → work permit while PR processes

Express Entry Work Permit Bridging

For those with PR Application in Process.

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer

(How employers can hire you legally)

For LMIA-Required Jobs:

1. Employer submits LMIA application to ESDC
   • Must advertise job for ≥4 weeks first
   • Fee: $1,000 CAD
2. You apply for work permit once LMIA approved

For LMIA-Exempt Jobs:

1. Employer files offer via Employer Portal
2. You receive job offer number to include in application

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

(Checklist for most work permits)

Document	Details
Job Offer Letter	Must include salary, duties, duration
LMIA Copy (if applicable)	With ESDC approval number
Proof of Qualifications	Degree + credential evaluation (WES/ICES)
Language Test Results	IELTS/CELPIP for NOC 0/A/B jobs
Passport	Valid for ≥6 months beyond stay
Proof of Funds	$2,500+ for singles (varies by family size)

Exception: No proof of funds needed if already working in Canada.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

(Current processing times & methods)

Online Application Steps:

1. Create IRCC account
2. Complete:
   • IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit)
   • IMM 5645 (Family Info)
3. Pay fees:
   • Work Permit: $155 CAD
   • Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 CAD (if applicable)

Processing Times (2024):

• LMIA-Required: 12 weeks (outside Canada)
• LMIA-Exempt: 4-8 weeks
• Global Talent Stream: 10 business days

Urgent? Flagpole at Canada-US border for same-day issuance (only for certain visas).

Step 5: Prepare for Arrival

A. Port of Entry (POE) Letter

• Required for visa-exempt nationals (e.g., Americans, Europeans)
• Shows you’re approved to work

B. Post-Arrival Must-Dos:

1. Apply for SIN (Service Canada)
2. Open Canadian Bank Account (TD/RBC offer newcomer packages)
3. Get Provincial Health Coverage (Wait periods apply)

Alternate Pathways

(If you don’t have a job offer yet)

1. Working Holiday Visa (IEC)

• Age 18-35 from partner countries
• Open work permit for 1-2 years

2. Study → Work Strategy

• Enroll in 1+ year program → Get PGWP (Post-Grad Work Permit)

3. Spousal Work Permit

• If partner is studying/holding skilled job in Canada

Common Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid)

❌ Incomplete Travel History
✅ Fix: Provide 10 years of travel with entry/exit stamps

❌ Low Proof of Ties to Home Country
✅ Fix: Show property deeds, job leave approval letters

❌ Mismatched NOC Code
✅ Fix: Use NOC 2021 Tool to verify job duties match

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2024 Changes to Watch

• Digital Nomad Visa: Launching late 2024 (12-month stay)
• Recognized Employer Pilot: Fast-track LMIAs for trusted companies
• Ukraine Visa Extension: CUAET program likely to continue

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Success Timeline: From Application to Work Permit

Timeframe	Action
Day 1-7	Employer gets LMIA (if required)
Week 2	Submit work permit application
Week 6	Biometrics request (if applicable)
Week 8-12	Approval & passport request