Work Permit in Canada: A Detailed View

A Canada Work Permit Visa, also known as a Canadian work visa, is an official document issued by the Government of Canada. This is granted for applicants who meet the precise qualifying requirements, such as receiving a job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer. To know more about it, let us dive deep into knowing all about how to apply for it, the eligibility, and processing time, and all the documents required, etc. in this article.

A Canada work permit visa is a temporary authorization that grants the visa holder the right to work while in Canada. There are two types of work permits in Canada. Namely,

1. Employer-specific work permit
2. Open work permit 

Types of Canadian Work Permits in 2025 

Employer-Specific Work Permit 

An employer-specific work permit is something that allows you to work in Canada based on the conditions mentioned under the work permit, like:

1. The specific employer’s name
2. How long will the working period be
3. The particular location of your work (if applicable)

Requirements:

1. a copy of your employment contract
2. Any 1 of the following:
1. A copy of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
2. an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)

To obtain this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal. In case, your employer isn’t using the employer portal of the IRCC, they must give you a copy of the employment contract.

Also Read: How to Immigrate to Canada Without a Job Offer in 2025?

Canada Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except:

1. Those who are classified as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the restrictions, or
2. who routinely offer striptease, erotic dancing, escort services, or erotic massages.
3. Some jobs might require a medical examination. You can acquire a medical checkup from a panel physician if you don't want medical issues on your open work permit.

Eligibility for Open Work Permit 

• Spouses or Common Law Partners 
• Refugees or Asylum Seekers 
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
• International Experience Canada 

Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Work Permit in 2025 

When applying for a work permit, you must meet particular requirements based on where you are. However, regardless of where you apply or the sort of work permit you want, you must:

1. Prove trustable to an officer that once your work permit expires, you will be leaving Canada without any hassle.
2. Showcase that you have adequate funds to take care of yourself and your family members throughout the period of your stay in Canada and to return to your home country.
3. Adhere to the law and have no record of criminal activity against your name. (A police clearance certificate might be asked for in some cases.)
4. Prove that you aren’t a threat to Canada’s security;
5. Be in your best health and have a medical exam done if needed.
6. Not planning to work for an employer listed under the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the country’s rules.
7. Be ready to provide the officer with any other documents they may require to prove you can enter Canada. 

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why Canada is the Best Country to Live in The World for Indians

Policy Updates for Canada Work Permits in 2025 

Changes in Work Permit Eligibility for Families

• Spouses & dependents of low and high-skilled workers can apply for open work permits. 
• Affected 200,000+ foreign workers working in fields of healthcare, trades, and hospitability are also eligible to apply. 

Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

Faster processing is considered for in-demand jobs like healthcare, trades, and hospitability

Documents Required for Canada Permit

To apply for a Canada work permit, you must provide certain documents to the country’s government. A brief list is given below, and you can read about the documents required for a Canada permit on the official website.

1. Proof of Identity: A valid passport provides you the right to go back to your home country. 2 photos of you and every single family member who will be accompanying you.
2. Proof of employment in Canada: 
3. Proof of Relationship: Proof of marriage and birth certificates must be provided for you and your family members.
4. Proof of your Current Immigration Status: If you aren’t a Canadian citizen of Canada, you will be required to submit proof of your immigration status.
5. Biometrics is made necessary for most applicants 
6. Digital submission of documents is also required 

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada?

Obtaining your Canada work permit will take you some time. But, if you follow the right steps, it turns out hassle-free. Find the proper procedure to apply for it, below;

Step 1: Check Eligibility 

• Use the IRCC Eligibilty Tool or Canada Immigration Points calculator to check your eligibility.
• Obtain Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if necessary.  

Step 2: Submit all the Required Documents 

If the required document is not translated in French or English, translate it and submit all the required documents. 

Step 3: Use Online Mode or Paper Application 

• Use the IRCC Portal to apply online 
• For paper application, mail to Visa Appliaction Centre (VAC) 

Step 4: Pay Fees &  Submit Biometrics 

Here are the fees for different visas 

•  Work Permit Fees: CAD 155
• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD 100 
• Biometric Fees: CAD 85  

Step 5: Wait for Processing Time 

Keep tracking your application via your IRCC account

Canada Work Permit Processing Time in 2025

Usually, your Canada work permit processing time starts the day they receive your finished application, and it ends when they finally make an approved decision on it.

If the application is submitted through mail, the processing time starts when your finished application arrives in the embassy’s mail room. If the application is submitted online or in person, the processing time starts when you submit your completed application.

It is usually said that a work permit might take around 9 weeks to get approved after all the formalities have been completed. Anyways, you can constantly keep track of your application status.

Note: The processing time for different fields might differ.

Canada Work Visa Cost

The work visa cost in Canada is the same regardless of the industry or stream through which you apply.

Ready to take the next step toward your Canadian PR?

In conclusion, if you are planning to apply for permanent residency in Canada, it is crucial to have the minimum IELTS score required for a successful application of your work permit.

Besides offering end-to-end immigration services to Canada, Australia, Germany, Austria, and Sweden, we have an impressive 99.9% success rate in helping candidates achieve 8-band scores in IELTS. So, get in touch with our expert counsellors today to bring your dream of studying in Canada! Book a free consultation today!

Useful Links:

• Complete Guide to Securing a Canada Working Visa
• Understanding the Difference Between PR Visa and Work Permit
• Complete Guide To Post Graduate Work Permit in Canada 2023