Canada Work Visa for Indians: Eligibility Requirements, Fees, Process

A Canada Work Visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period. To obtain this visa, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria, typically requiring a job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer. The employer must also obtain an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada), which enables them to hire foreign skilled workers for jobs that cannot be filled in by citizens or permanent residents of Canada. The Canadian work visa is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).  

The Canadian Work Permit Visa is a key pathway for foreign nationals to move to Canada permanently. With over 870,000 job vacancies in early 2024, Canada issued more than 1.6 million work permits in 2023-2024, and this is expected to reach 437,000 in 2025. The country’s policies also allow some work permit holders to study without a separate permit, making it an appealing choice for skilled workers and students. If you are ready to explore this opportunity, read our detailed guide on the Canada work visa for Indians, covering eligibility, requirements, and the application process to help you get started!

How to apply for Canada work permit?

Applying for a Canadian work permit or work visa is the first step toward securing job opportunities in Canada. You need to apply online. First, determine your eligibility for specific immigration programs by identifying the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your occupation. Your employer provides this number on the job offer or LMIA. Be sure to accurately enter the NOC number in the job title box when applying.

Once you have this information, follow these steps to conveniently apply for a Canada work visa or permit online.

Step 1: Select the suitable immigration program: Explore the given immigration programs. Pick the most suitable one for your profile, such as the Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or particular streams like the Atlantic Immigration Pilot.

Step 2: Get a Job offer: Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In some cases, the employer may need to acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.

Step 3: Gather necessary documents: Get ready with all essential documents including educational qualifications, work experience proof, identification proofs, etc. Before applying, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for a Canada work visa or permit by reviewing the specific requirements set by IRCC.

Step 4: Apply Work Permit online: Now visit the official website of  Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to begin the online application process. Create an online profile detailing your skills, work experience, and education, to apply for a work permit.

Step 5: Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form and pay the necessary fees. Also upload the required supporting documents like your employment contract, and LMIA, as requested by IRCC to verify your eligibility.

Step 6: Biometrics and Medical Examination: Submit your biometrics at the designated office. Visit an approved panel physician to complete a medical exam, with the results sent directly to the immigration authorities.

Step 7: Wait for the Processing: Wait patiently while your Canada work visa application is being processed. The processing time can vary depending on various factors like work permit type, place from where you applied, and number of applications received.

Step 8: Receive Canada Work Permit: You'll be notified of the decision on your application via email or through your online account. Once approved, you'll receive your Canada Work Permit, so be sure to review the details regarding the type of work, locations, and duration.

Step 9: Travel to Canada: You must reach Canada on or before the date specified on your work permit and comply with all the conditions mentioned in your permit.

Step 10: Explore Permanent Residency: If you are interested in settling in Canada, you can explore various pathways to permanent residency in Canada during your stay—Research Express Entry’s Canadian Experience class or Provincial Nominee programs.

Along with the method of application, your location also plays a key role in determining which forms you need.  Whether you are applying from outside Canada, or already residing in the country, or planning to enter at a port of entry, it is important to understand the requirements for the smooth process of your application. Now, we will guide you through how to get a work visa for Canada and outline different scenarios and eligibility requirements involved.

Applying from outside Canada

If you are currently staying outside Canada and want to work there, then you must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures. The requirements of the visa office may vary based on your country or place of residence. Hence it is important to carefully follow the instructions given by the visa office for the smooth run of your application process. 

Moreover, you might also benefit from the Global Skills Category, which speeds up the work permit application processing. This program gives priority to applicants in essential services like agriculture, agri-food occupations and healthcare occupations, ensuring their applications receive immediate attention.

There are two ways to apply from outside Canada: Online and Paper. Paper applications are accepted only for a few eligible applicants and take longer to process, so avoid using them unless absolutely necessary.

Applying from Inside Canada

If you are already in Canada and qualified for the specified eligibility criteria, you can apply for a work permit from inside the country. Here are some scenarios where this is possible:

• Valid Study or Work Permit: You may be eligible to apply for a work permit from within the country if you already have a valid study or work permit in Canada.
• Spouse, Common-law partner, or Parents permits: You may be eligible to apply for a Canada work permit if your spouse, common-law partner, or parents hold a valid study or work permit in Canada.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): You may be eligible to apply for a graduation work permit if you have a valid study permit and have recently graduated from the Designated Learning Institution (DLI)  in Canada.
• Temporary resident permit holders: Individuals who have a valid temporary resident permit that is valid for 6 months or more are eligible to apply for a work permit while staying in Canada.
• Awaiting a Decision on a Permanent Residence Application: If you are in Canada, applied for a permanent residence permit, and are waiting for the decision, you can apply for a work permit.
• Refugee Claim or Protected Status: Individuals who have filed a claim for refugee protection or have been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada are eligible to apply for a work permit.
• Working without a Work Permit: In some cases, individuals are allowed to work in Canada without a work permit, but they need a work permit to work in different job domains (this doesn't apply to business visitors).
• CUSMA Professionals: You may be eligible to apply for a work permit if you’re a trader, intra-company transferee, investor, or professional under the United States- Canada - Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Applying at a Port of Entry

While it is recommended applying for a work permit before moving to Canada, certain circumstances will allow you to apply for a work permit upon arrival at a port of entry (POE) if you meet the eligibility criteria.

For applying at the port of entry, you must satisfy all the requirements and present the necessary documents to the authority. The officer will check for your passport or travel documents, eligibility, and a valid medical certificate. If you are applying for an employer-specific work permit, you need to present a job offer, LMIA, proof of experience, and qualifications. Overall, being fully prepared with all the supporting documents is important for a smooth application process when you arrive at the port of entry.

What is Canada Work Permit Eligibility?

Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements irrespective of the type of work permit they are applying for. Work permit eligibility includes:

• Age less than 45 years
• A valid job offer letter from a Canadian employer that is supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
• Under the NOC system, at least 2 years of skilled work experience in a TEER Level 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.

Moreover, irrespective of where you apply or the type of work permit you apply for, you must also adhere to the following eligibility requirements:

• You should prove to the immigration officer that you will leave Canada immediately after your work permit expires.
• You must show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada and also to return home.
• You must follow the law and possess no criminal record. (Immigration might also ask for a police clearance certificate.)
• You must not pose a threat to Canada’s security.
• Your health must be good and you must undergo a medical exam if needed to demonstrate good health.
• You must confirm to the immigration officer that you did not plan to work for an employer marked with ‘ineligible’ status on the list of employers who failed to meet the work permit conditions.
• You must submit to the officer other necessary documents such as a valid passport, job offer letter, and educational certificates, that help them to verify your eligibility to enter the country.

What are the Canadian Work Permit or Work Visa Requirements?

The detailed checklist of forms and documents that need to be submitted while applying for a Canada work visa are as follows:

List of Forms Required

Below is the list of forms that need to be submitted for Canada work permit: 

• Application form for the work permit made outside of Canada (IMM1295)
• Details of the family members (IMM 5707)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409)
• Purpose of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Permission to Share Personal Information with a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
• Employment offer to a Foreign National Exempt from the Labour Market
• Impact Assessment (IMM 5802)

List of Documents Required

In addition to the above forms, below is the list of documents that need to be submitted for Canada work visa:

• A photocopy of the information page from your valid passport or travel document
• Proof of visa application fee payment
• Your current immigration status proof
• Two photographs
• Your Marriage License Certificate photocopy, if applicable.
• Proof of payment of employer compliance fee
• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) document
• If working in Quebec with an LMIA, a valid Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) is required.
• Proof of requirements of study program, if applying for a post-graduation work permit.
• For Provincial Nominees: Overview of Federal-Provincial Agreements [R204(c) – T13]
• Other additional documents like updated CV/resume, medical certificate, proof of funds, etc.

Make sure to have both softcopy and hardcopy versions of all documents. Carry original documents along with photocopies (xerox copies). Check if any documents need attestation and ensure everything is in order before submission.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced tighter restrictions on the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programe. He posted “Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.”

The visa process now includes measures to detect fraudulent or rejected asylum claims. Canada plans to reduce temporary residents from 6.5% to 5% of the population, which will be outlined in the 2025-2027 immigration plan by November 1.

How much is the Canada Work Visa Fees?

The cost involved in applying for a Canadian work visa varies based on the pathway one has opted for. The basic Canada work visa fees in Indian rupees and Canadian dollars are as follows:

Type of Canada Work Visa	Fees in Canadian dollars	Fees in India Rupees
Work Permit (including extensions) - per person	$155	Rs.9,637/-
Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists)	$465.00	Rs.28,911/-
Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place International Experience Canada	$161.00	Rs.10,010/-
Employer Compliance Fee (if applicable)	$230	Rs.14,300/-
Open work Permit holder	$100	Rs.6,217/-
Restore your status as a worker	$355.00	Rs.22,072/-
Restore your status ($200) and get a new work permit ($155)
Students
Study permit (including extensions) - per person	$150.00	Rs.9,326/-
Restore your status as a student	$350.00	Rs.21,761/-
Restore your status ($200) and get a new study permit ($150)
Inadmissibility
Temporary resident permit	$100.00	Rs.6,217/-
Biometrics
Biometrics - per person	$85	Rs.5,284/-
Biometrics - per family (2 or more people)	$170.00	Rs.10,569/-
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	Rs.15,854/-
Maximum fee for a group of 3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (if required)	$7

What is Canada Work Permit Processing Time?

For overseas applicants, the Canada work processing time varies from 3 to 4 months, depending on the type of work permit they are applying for. It should also be noted that the Government of Canada permits immigration for family members under the dependent work permit category.

If you have an open work permit or if you obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be allowed to take your spouse and children to Canada. Also, your children can join Canadian educational institutions without the need for separate study permits. Your spouse will also be eligible to apply for an open work permit in Canada.

How to Check the Status of a Canada Work Visa Online?

After applying for a work visa in Canada, you can check the application status online through the Canadian government’s IRCC website. The step-by-step process is given below:

• Open the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.
• Select the option “Check your application status” or “Check your eligibility for travel to Canada”.
• Enter the required information such as your application number, passport information, and other details asked.
• Submit your request after entering all the necessary information.
• Soon you will be directed to a page that displays your work visa application status. If it is still being processed, you can track real-time status updates as they occur.

Why obtain a Canada Work Visa?

Under a Canadian work permit visa, you can migrate along with your family and settle in Canada. Here’s why you should obtain a Canada work visa:

• Access to a strong job market and diverse career opportunities.
• Potential pathway to permanent residency in Canada.
• High quality of life and social benefits.
• Opportunity to gain international work experience.
• Work in a multicultural environment with a welcoming community.
• Relaxed work policies for skilled workers.
• 40 hours per week working hours and 25 paid leaves per year.
• 7.5% increment in the average hourly based salaries.

What are the types of Canada work permits?

There are seven types of work permits and various Canada visa types for candidates seeking employment. These work permits include:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program
2. Intra-Company Transfers
3. LMIA Required and LMIA Exempt
4. Business Visitors
5. IEC Canada
6. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
7. Open Work Permits

LMIA Canada

LMIA, commonly referred to as The Labour Market Impact Assessment is necessary for those who want to migrate to Canada to work. Candidates should apply for this through Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada. A positive LMIA report allows you to enter Canada’s local job market.

IEC Canada

The International Experience Canada (IEC) permits candidates to travel and work in Canada for a maximum of 2 years. The work and travel experiences in Canada are of three types, namely:

• Young Professionals
• Working Holiday
• International Co-op (Internship)

Canada Open Work Permit

As the name implies, an employer-specific work permit allows you to work for only one designated employer. In contrast, an open work permit may include certain conditions, which will be specified on the permit itself. These include:

• Type of work
• Places where you can work
• And the duration of the work

Individuals with the following visas are eligible to apply for an Open Work Permit:

• Temporary work permits for spouses
• Spousal open work permit
• Post-Graduation Work Permit
• Temporary Resident Permit
• World Youth Program Permit
• Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program Spousal Permit
• Regular Open Work Permit
• Bridging Open Work Permit

Well, the requirement conditions for the open work permit are as follows:

• Proof of availability of financial resources to support you and your family’s stay in Canada for the duration of the work permit.
• Proof of zero criminal records in the past.
• Proof that your health is good.
• Commitment to comply with the conditions of your work permit, even if it is a restricted one.
• Must fulfill the eligibility conditions such as language skills, biometrics, and insurance.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) in Canada allows international students who graduate from designated learning institutions (DLIs) to obtain a valid work permit and gain work experience in the country. With a PGWP, international graduates can work unlimited hours anywhere in Canada, unlike during their studies, when they were limited to 20 hours per week.

New Rule on where to apply PGWP: Effective June 21, 2024, PGWP applications can no longer be submitted at a port of entry (airport, land, or marine border) when entering Canada.

 Latest modifications to post-graduation visa scheme 2024

The Canadian government recently made significant modifications to its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, study permits, and spousal work permits, effective from November 2024. Some key changes include:

1. New Language Proficiency Requirements: University graduates must now demonstrate a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7. College graduates require a CLB score of 5.

2. PGWP Eligibility Linked to Fields in Shortage: Graduates from public colleges will still be eligible for up to a three-year PGWP if their field of study is linked to long-term labor market shortages.

3. Spousal Open Work Permit Restrictions: Spousal work permits are now limited to those married to students in specific programs, such as certain master's or doctoral degrees, and select high-demand professional fields.

4. Study Permit Cap: A new cap on study permits will reduce the number issued over the coming years, with a target of 437,000 in 2025, a 10% reduction from 2024.

These adjustments aim to balance Canada's economic needs with immigration levels, reducing the overall number of temporary residents. They also focus on ensuring that PGWP holders gain valuable Canadian work experience in critical sectors.

Explore In-demand Jobs in Canada

There are hundreds and thousands of lucrative jobs in Canada for Indians due to its strong job market. Post-pandemic, the country has embraced foreign professionals, with businesses creating thousands of job openings each month. Here are some in-demand jobs in Canada:

Occupation	Salary per Annum
HR Manager	CAD 75,000 to CAD 156,000
Developer	CAD 68,000 to CAD 155,000
Registered Nurse	CAD 68,000 to CAD 94,000
Mechanical Engineer	CAD 66,000 to CAD 131,000
Business Analyst	CAD 62,000 to CAD 142,000
Digital Marketing Coordinator	CAD 62,000 to CAD 122,000
Construction Project Manager	CAD 61,000 to CAD 150,000

Also check out the highest-paying jobs in Canada here.

How to extend your work permit in Canada?

A Canadian work permit is typically valid for up to 2-3 years, depending on the job and employer. To extend it before expiration, apply online at least 30 days prior, providing necessary documents like your job offer or LMIA. If you encounter difficulties applying online due to a disability or technical issues, you have the option to submit a paper application instead. Staying in Canada after expiration requires restoration of status.

Learn more about how to extend your work permit through the following steps:

• Step 1: First gather all the necessary documents like passport details, current immigration documents, letters of employment (if needed), and marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Step 2: You need to fill out various forms when you start the application, so, read the comprehensive instruction guide given by the Canadian government that explains how to fill all the required forms.
• Step 3: Fill out all the given forms for the renewal of a work permit in Canada and then upload the required documents.
• Step 4: Pay the application fee- for a work permit it is CAD 155 and for open work permit holders (if applicable)  fee is CAD 100. You are only required to pay the Open Work Permit holder fee if you are applying for an open work permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get work visa for Canada?

To get a work visa for Canada, you generally need a job offer from a Canadian employer, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and a work permit application. Some programs, like the International Mobility Program (IMP), offer exemptions from LMIA. Ensure your qualifications meet Canadian immigration requirements.

2. How much is a 2-year work permit in Canada?

The cost of a 2-year work permit in Canada typically includes a CAD 155 application fee. If you are applying for an open work permit, an additional CAD 100 Open Work Permit holder fee applies. Fees may vary depending on your specific situation or additional services required.

3. Can we apply work permit online in Canada?

Yes, you can apply for a work permit online in Canada. The online application is accessible through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It allows you to submit documents electronically, track your application status, and receive updates more efficiently than through paper applications.

4. Can we get a work visa for Canada from India?

Yes, If you are an Indian citizen planning to apply for a Canada work visa, you can choose either an online or offline (paper) application via the Government of Canada’s official website IRCC. You'll need a job offer from a Canadian employer, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases, and meet eligibility criteria.

5. How to get a job offer in Canada for work permit?

To get a job offer in Canada for a work permit, search for job opportunities through online platforms like Job Bank, LinkedIn, or company websites. Network with Canadian employers and ensure your qualifications meet job requirements. Once offered a job, your employer may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

6. Is there a language requirement for a Canada work visa?

There is no specific language requirement for a Canadian work visa. However, proficiency in English or French may be necessary depending on the job and employer. Certain positions might require language skills to meet job requirements for Canadian immigration standards, which can impact the application process.

7. How long can I stay and work in Canada on a work visa?

The duration you can stay and work in Canada on a work visa depends on the specific work permit issued. Typically, work permits are granted for periods ranging from a few months to up to two years. Extensions may be possible if you meet the eligibility criteria.

8. Can I apply for permanent residency while on a work visa?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residency while on a work visa in Canada. Many work permit holders use programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) to transition to permanent residency. Your work experience in Canada can strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.

9. What happens if my work visa in Canada expires?

If your work visa expires, you must stop working immediately and leave Canada unless you apply for an extension or a new permit. Overstaying your visa can lead to legal issues, including deportation and difficulty in future immigration applications. Ensure timely renewal to avoid complications.