2 Year Work Permit Canada in 2025-26: How to Apply, Fees, Requirements, Extension & More

Are you also aspiring to experience working in Canada? The 2 Year Work Permit Canada in 2025-26 could be your gateway to gaining International work experience and securing eligibility to pathways to Canada permanent residency (PR).

Whether you are in hospitality, construction, caregiving, agriculture, etc, this work permit in Canada allows you to legally work in Canada for up to 24 months with the possibility of renewal. In this detailed guide, we will cover all the details of the 2-year work permit in Canada eligibility requirements, application process, fees, etc and more.

What is a 2-Year Work Permit in Canada?

The 2-Year Temporary Work Permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to a foreign national who has a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. This visa allows the holders to work in Canada for up to 2 years, depending on their job contract and passport validity.

Simultaneously, for many, it is also a stepping stone to gain eligibility to permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

A quick overview of the 2-Year Work Permit in Canada is as follows:

Benefits of 2-Year Temporary Work Permit in Canada

The unique advantages of securing a 2-Year work permit in Canada in 2025-26 include the following:

High Employment Prospects

The employment rate among the permit holder have increased from 60% in 2010 to 71% in 2020, with certain streams like agriculture (increased 89% - 95%), Live-in caregivers (above 84%), and high skilled Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (increased from 60% to 83%) witnessing the highest growth.

Access to High-Paying Jobs

US non-citizens, temporary workers in Canada earn a median salary of CAD 107,600, while the other foreign nationals earn an average salary is around CAD 57,558

Fast Processing

Under the International Mobility Program (IMP) the median processing time for new work permits in Canada is only about a few weeks

2-Year Work Permit in Canada Eligibility Requirements 

To qualify the eligibility for the Canada 2-Year Work Permit in 2025-26 for Indian national would need to meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer
• Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA Canada might be required for most employers to prove no Canadian worker is available for the job
• Must have a clean criminal record
• Evidence that you will leave Canada once your work permit expires
• Sufficient proof of funds showing that you can support yourself during your stay in Canada

Learn How to Show Proof of Funds for Canada Immigration in 2025?

Documents Required to Apply for 2-Year Work Permit in Canada in 2025-26

While you have cleared the eligibility for a Canada 2-Year work permit, here is the list of documents that you would need to keep prepared for a smooth and timely application process:

• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if applicable)
• IMM 1295 form, which is the main work permit application form
• Job offer letter detailing your job title, responsibilities, duration, and salary
• Sufficient proof of funds
• Medical tests report
• Police clearance certificate
• Valid passport

Explore How To Get a Police Clearance Certificate From a Local Police Station

Step by Step Application Process for Canada 2-Year Work Permit

The detailed step by step application process for the 2-Year Work Permit in Canada from Indian in 2025-26 is as follows:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In case an LMIA is required, your employer must have obtained it beforehand

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents: Ensure that all the required documents are ready before you start with the application process for the 2-Year work permit in Canada

Step 3: Create Your IRCC Account: Visit the IRCC official website and create your your IRCC account

Step 4: Complete Application Process: Once you have signed in, proceed with filling out the IMM 1295 (work permit application) form.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fee: After your have completed your application form you would need to pay the applicable fee and if required additional fee for Open Work Permit Canada.

Step 6: Submit Your Application: Upload all the required documents (scanned) and submit the application through your IRCC account

Step 7: Provide Biometrics: Upon successful submission of your work permit application, you would further be required to schedule your Canada Biometric Appointment, visit the VAC and record your fingerprints and photo.

Step 8: Attend Interview: If required you might be asked to attend an interview with a visa officer.

Step 9: Receive Your Port of Entry (POE) Letter: After successful visa processing, if approved, ensure to carry your POE letter when travelling to Canada and the work permit will be issued upon arrival.

Types of Work Permit in Canada

There are 2 types of work permits available in Canada for foreign nationals. These include:

Explore the Canada Work Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

Popular Work Permit Programs in Canada in 2025-26

The list of popular work permit programs that you could consider for 2-year work permit in Canada in 2025-26 from India includes:

1. Caregiver Program for home care providers and support workers
2. Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programs (SAWP), offered for temporary farm work for nationals from eligible countries
3. Global Talent Stream for fast track processing for high demand tech roles.

Do you know? New Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots in 2025 Offer Canada PR on Arrival. Why wait further, check out your eligibility.

2-Year Work Permit in Canada Fees and Processing Time in 2025-26

The current application fees for 2-Year Work Permit in Canada include:

• Standard Work Permit Fees of CAD 155
• Additional Open Work Permit fees of CAD 100 (if applicable)
• Biometrics fees
• Permit Extension Fees of CAD 155

The processing time for the 2-Year Work permit in Canada is currently around 90 days (from India new work permits have a processing time of about 6 weeks). The Canada visa processing time for permit extension is approximately 181 days. 

How to Extend a 2-Year Work Permit in Canada?

For applicants worried about the extension of the 2-year work permit in Canada, you would be happy to know that the process for this visa type is straightforward. To apply for an extension you:

• Must apply at least 30 days before the current permit expiry
• Provide an updated job offer or LMIA (as per requirement)
• Need to pay the extension fees
• Need to maintain valid status while waiting for a decision

Trust GetGIS for a Seamless and Fair Guidance With Your Canada Work Permit

The 2-Year Temporary Work Permit in Canada is an excellent opportunity to gain global exposure and experience, benefits to earn in Canadian dollars, while preparing for your potential transition to permanent residency. By preparing your documents in advance and carefully following the application process and IRCC updated guidelines, you can make your Canadian work dream a reality in 2025-26.

Are the continuous immigration policy updates confusing you? Reach out to GetGIS for expert and dedicated guidance, tailormade to meet your immigration needs in accordance with the IRCC guidelines, ensuring your safe and timely Canada immigration experience.

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