• 505,000+ job vacancies in Canada
• 300,000+ work permits issued in the first half of 2025
• Average annual salary: CAD 68,000+ for full-time workers
• Median hourly wage: ~CAD 30/hr across industries
• Standard full-time hours: 37.5–40 hours per week
• Strong demand in healthcare, IT, trades, and construction
A Canada Work Permit is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific employer and duration. Issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is typically tied to a job offer and may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Work permits can be employer-specific or open, depending on the applicant's eligibility. This permit plays a key role in helping skilled professionals gain Canadian work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
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Canada offers a range of work permits tailored to different types of foreign workers, depending on the nature of the job, the applicant’s nationality, and whether a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required. These permits allow skilled professionals, temporary workers, businesspeople, and intra-company transferees to work legally in Canada. Understanding the right type of permit is essential for a successful application.
Here are the main types of Canada work permits:
Allows holders to work for almost any employer in Canada without job-specific restrictions; issued under immigration streams like IEC, spouse permits, and Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP).
Visas You Can Apply for with an Open Work Permit:
Tied to a specific employer and job, typically requiring a positive LMIA or an LMIA-exempt job offer under IMP. You cannot switch employers without a new permit.
Available to eligible graduates of Canadian Designated Learning Institutions, allowing open work rights for up to three years. Recent changes expanded eligibility to include 119 additional fields currently.
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is an essential document that Canadian employers must obtain before hiring most foreign workers. Issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), it serves as proof that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill a specific job role because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do so. A positive LMIA, often referred to as a confirmation letter enables the foreign national to apply for a Canadian work permit. For employers looking to hire through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), securing an LMIA is one of the most important first steps in the recruitment process.
The International Experience Canada (IEC) program is a unique opportunity for young people from over 30 countries including the UK to live, work, and explore Canada. Designed to foster cultural exchange and international work experience, the IEC program allows individuals typically aged 18 to 35 to gain hands-on experience while enjoying the vibrant Canadian lifestyle.
Whether you are looking to fund your travels, gain relevant industry experience, or complete an internship, IEC Canada offers flexible pathways that cater to different goals. It’s an excellent starting point for anyone considering a long-term stay or future immigration to Canada.
Ideal for those who want the freedom to work and travel across Canada. This open work permit allows you to work for most employers in any location.
Designed for individuals with a job offer in their field of study or expertise. This employer-specific permit helps you gain valuable international work experience.
Tailored for post-secondary students who need to complete a work placement or internship as part of their academic program. A great way to gain real-world experience in a Canadian workplace.
*Want to migrate to Canada? Let Y-Axis help you with the process.
Some of the benefits of applying for a Canada work permit visa are as follows:
Canada continues to be a popular destination for UK residents seeking better career opportunities and a high quality of life. With strong historical ties, a shared language, and a transparent immigration system, the process of securing a Canadian work visa is straightforward for eligible UK citizens. Whether you are a skilled professional, a recent graduate, or looking to join a Canadian employer, several visa pathways, like the International Mobility Program and Global Talent Stream, make it easier to live and work in Canada.
To apply for a Canada Work Permit, applicants must fulfill a set of essential criteria, regardless of the type of permit. These requirements ensure that individuals are qualified to work in Canada and contribute effectively to the workforce.
To legally work in Canada as a foreign national, you must obtain a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The requirements vary depending on the type of work permit, open or employer-specific but in all cases, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and provide supporting documents. Ensuring your application is accurate and complete helps avoid delays or rejections.
General Requirements for a Canada Work Permit
Required Forms for Canada Work Permit Application
Documents Required for Canada Work Permit Application
You can follow the below steps to apply for a Canada work permit:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Check if you meet the general eligibility requirements, such as having a valid job offer, relevant work experience, and the necessary documents based on the type of work permit (open or employer-specific).
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare all mandatory documents, including:
Step 3: Create an IRCC Account and Apply Online
Visit the IRCC official website to create your secure account. Complete the work permit application form and upload your documents.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Pay the applicable processing fee and, if necessary, the biometric fee. The work permit fee for most applicants is CAD 155, and biometric collection (if required) costs CAD 85.
Step 5: Submit Biometrics and Attend Interview (if applicable)
You may be asked to give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). In some cases, an interview may be scheduled at your local visa application centre (VAC).
Step 6: Wait for Processing and Decision
Processing times vary based on the applicant's country of residence and the type of permit. Track your application through your IRCC account.
Step 7: Receive Your Work Permit
If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Present this to Canadian border officials upon arrival to receive your physical work permit.
Step 1: Secure a job offer if required
Step 2: Apply for LMIA (if needed)
Step 3: Submit work permit application online via IRCC
Step 4: Provide biometrics and undergo medical exam (if requested)
Step 5: Wait for approval and receive Letter of Introduction
Step 6: Enter Canada and start work or apply for local status change
The processing time for a Canada Work Permit varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence, the type of work permit (open or employer-specific), and whether all required documents are submitted correctly. On average, processing takes 4 to 27 weeks for most countries, as per the official IRCC website. Factors such as LMIA approvals, biometric submissions, and application completeness can also affect timelines. Applicants are advised to check the IRCC processing tool for the most accurate estimate based on their situation.
| Type of Canada work visa | Fees |
| Work permit (including extensions) – per person | $155.00 |
| Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists) | $465.00 |
| Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place | |
| International Experience Canada | $161.00 |
| Open work permit holder | $100.00 |
| Restore your status as a worker | $355.00 |
| Restore your status ($200) and get a new work permit ($155) | |
| Students | |
| Study permit (including extensions) - per person | $150.00 |
| Restore your status as a student | $350.00 |
| Restore your status ($200) and get a new study permit ($150) | |
| Inadmissibility | |
| Temporary resident permit | $100.00 |
| Biometrics | |
| Biometrics – per person | $85.00 |
| Biometrics - per family (2 or more people) | $170.00 |
| Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place | |
| Biometrics - per group (3 or more performing artists) | $255.00 |
| Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place |
Canada continues to be a popular destination for skilled professionals from the UK, offering strong job prospects across various sectors. As of 2024, the country has over 1 million job vacancies, with key demand in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades. UK residents benefit from cultural compatibility, high average salaries (CAD 55,000–70,000), and a straightforward immigration process through programs like Express Entry and LMIA-based work permits.
| Occupation | Average Salary range in CAD |
| Sales Representative | $52,000 to $64,000 |
| Accountant | $63,000 to $75,000 |
| Engineering Project Manager | $74,000 to $92,000 |
| Business Analyst | $73,000 to $87,000 |
| IT Project Manager | $92,000 to $114,000 |
| Account Manager | $75,000 to $92,000 |
| Software Engineer | $83,000 to $99,000 |
| Human Resources | $59,000 to $71,000 |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,000 to $43,000 |
| Administrative Assistant | $37,000 to $46,000 |
Y-Axis, the leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UK, provides unbiased immigration services for every client based on their interests and requirements. The impeccable services of Y-Axis include:
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With the Canadian work permit, you can apply for various jobs in Canada. Some of the in-demand jobs in Canada are given below:
| Occupation | Annual Salary (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| IT | $91,721 |
| Marketing & Sales | $81,079 |
| Engineering | $115,524 |
| Hospitality | $59,533 |
| Healthcare | $122,008 |
| Accounting & Finance | $65,839 |
| Human Resources | $65,839 |
| STEM | $89,266 |
| Nursing | $72,735 |
| Teaching | $45,007 |
The step-by-step procedure to apply for a Canadian work visa is given below.
Step 1: Secure a job in Canada.
Step 2: Check your eligibility for the Canada work visa.
Step 3: Arrange the documents required to apply for the work visa.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled application form for the Canadian work visa.
Step 5: Receive your Canada work visa.
Yes, you can apply for a permanent Canadian work visa through Canada PR. The PR visa in Canada lets you live, study, and work in Canada permanently, and also acts as a pathway for Canadian citizenship. You can apply for Canadian PR under the Skilled Worker stream. It is available for those who have the required work experience and fulfill other eligibility criteria. You can also apply under the CEC or Canadian Experience Class if your work experience in Canada meets the requirements.
The detailed procedure to apply for a permanent Canadian work visa is given below:
Step 1: Check for eligibility for the Canada PR.
Step 2: Arrange the required documents to apply for permanent residency.
Step 3: Submit your profile under a suitable stream.
Step 4: Track the status of your Canada PR application.
Step 5: Receive permanent resident status in Canada.
Obtaining a Canadian work visa can be challenging, but it is achievable if you meet the eligibility requirements and submit accurate documents. It involves detailed planning and compliance with the immigration rules and regulations of Canada.
To ensure that you have a hassle-free Canadian work visa application process, you must follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Research the Canadian work visa you want to apply for.
Step 2: Assess your eligibility for the work visa.
Step 3: Organize the required documents to apply for the work visa.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled visa application form.
Step 5: Receive your Canadian work visa.
To live and work in Canada through a Canadian work visa, you can follow the given steps:
Step 1: Secure employment in Canada.
Step 2: Check your eligibility for the Canadian work visa.
Step 3: Arrange the documents required to apply for the work visa.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled form for a Canadian work visa.
Step 5: Obtain the work visa to live and work in Canada.
To apply for a Canadian work permit from your home country, you can follow the given steps:
Step 1: Secure a job in Canada.
Step 2: Check your eligibility for the Canadian work permit.
Step 3: Prepare the documents required for the visa application.
Step 4: Submit the duly filled Canadian work permit application.
Step 5: Receive your Canadian work permit and fly to Canada for work.
To get a Canadian open work permit, you must apply under a suitable immigration program. You can obtain a Canadian work permit through the following immigration programs:
The application procedure for a Canadian open work permit is given below:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for the Canadian open work permit.
Step 2: Organize the required documents to apply for the Canada work permit.
Step 3: Submit the duly filled application form.
Step 4: Track the status of your application.
Step 5: Receive your Canadian work permit.
A Canadian work permit includes the following details:
To work in Canada, you must have the following:
To apply for a Canada work visa, you typically need:
In most cases, a job offer is required to obtain a Canadian work visa. However, UK citizens may explore open work permit options under programs like the International Experience Canada (IEC), where job offers are not mandatory prior to entry. Additionally, certain LMIA-exempt categories under CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) allow UK professionals to work in Canada without a traditional job offer, subject to eligibility.
Not all work visa applicants are called for interviews, but when required, the interview assesses your job role, qualifications, ties to your home country, and intent to return after the visa expiry. You may be asked about your employer, job duties, salary, and past experience. The interview is usually conducted at the Canadian Visa Application Centre or embassy, and clarity, honesty, and preparedness are crucial for success.
