Canada’s work permit process allows an international applicant to work temporarily. Navigating the work permit options & processes can be quite challenging. Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Canada’s work permit process. 

How Much Is The Processing Fee For Work Permit In Canada? 

The cost of Canada’s work permit process is the same irrespective of the industry in which you work or the stream in which you apply. The processing fee for a work permit in Canada is CAD 155 per person & $100 per person for an open work permit. 

What Documents Do I Need For A Work Permit In Canada?

In order to apply for Canada’s work permit, you must submit the following documents & forms: 

  • A valid travel document/ passport 
  • Submission of biometric fingerprints & photo 
  • Proof that you have met the requirements for the prospective job 
  • Quebec Acceptance Certificate, if needed 
  • Proof of relationships with spouse, children, & common-law partners
  • Completed application for work permit which is made outside of the country; if applying from outside of Canada 
  • Completed the document checklist 
  • Completed the family information
  • Completed schedule 1 – Application for TRV form. This form must be completed by the principal applicant, their spouse, dependent children older than 18, & common-law partners. This form must only be completed by foreign nationals who need a temporary resident visa to arrive in Canada. 
  • You might also need to submit the needed documentation from your employer. 

Can I Apply For Canada’s Work Permit Without A Job Offer? 

Most applicants will need an employment offer from a Canadian employer specifically supported by an LMIA. An LMIA aims to ensure that hiring a foreign professional will have a positive/ neutral effect on the Canadian labor force.  

However, this requirement has certain exceptions, where foreign professionals can apply for a work permit without an LMIA or a job offer. 

For instance, a recent graduate from a Canadian DLI might be eligible for a PGWP, which does not need an employment offer. Similarly, the spouse of someone already on a Canadian work/ study permit might be eligible for a work permit without an employment offer. 

Who Is Eligible For An Open Work Permit In Canada?

You might be eligible/ qualified for an open work permit if you: 

  • Are a foreign student who graduated from a DLI & is eligible for PGWP. 
  • Are a student who is no longer able to meet the cost of your studies. 
  • Applied for a PR in Canada. 
  • Are a dependent family member of an applicant who applied for a PR.
  • Are spouses/ common-law partners of skilled workers/ international students. 
  • Are the spouse of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program applicant.
  • Are a refugee, refugee claimant, family member, or protected person. 
  • Are under an unenforceable removal order. 
  • Are a temporary resident permit holder.
  • Are a young professional participating in special programs. 

Can I Bring My Family To Canada On My Work Permit? 

If you are applying for a work permit & have a job offer from an employer in Canada, then you might be eligible to have your spouse & dependent children accompany you to Canada.

In addition, your spouse/ partner might also be eligible to apply for an open work permit, thus allowing him/ her to work for almost any employer in Canada. Moreover, dependent children of a temporary foreign professional might also be eligible for Canada’s work permit if they meet the eligibility criteria. 

What Are The Types Of Work Permits In Canada? 

The government of Canada has two categories of work permits, i.e., LMIA-supported (closed) work permits & LMIA-exempt (open) work permits. As previously explained, an LMIA demonstrates that the issuance of a work permit to an international applicant will not have a negative impact on the employment & wages of Canadian workers. 

The TFWP is the work permit program that requires an LMIA, while the IMP does not need an LMIA. 

For instance, under IMP, there are LMIA-exempt work permits that result from free trade agreements, like CUSMA. This agreement enables foreign workers to apply for a work permit without their employer obtaining an LMIA. 

What Is The Fastest Work Permit In Canada? 

The Global Talent Stream offers work permits that bring foreign nationals to Canada on temporary work permits to fill specific labor market needs. The Global Talent Stream is a stream within the TFWP.

In addition, this stream enables certain skilled professionals to obtain work permits within two weeks of applying, as the applications are typically processed within ten business days. 

Moreover, there are two categories under the Global Talent Stream, i.e., Category A & Category B. Category A is for high-growth companies which can demonstrate the need to recruit unique, specialized talent from abroad. On the other hand, Category B is for employers looking to recruit certain highly skilled foreign workers for professions on the Global Talent Occupation List, which have been determined to be in demand & for which there is insufficient labor supply in Canada. 

How Many Months Does It Take To Process Canada’s Work Permit? 

Canada’s work permit processing types are processed within one to nine months. The processing time begins the day IRCC receives your completed application & ends when they make a decision. 

Processing times will vary based on: 

  • The type of application submitted
  • If the application is complete
  • How easily IRCC can verify your information 
  • How long you take to respond to requests/ concerns

Can I Transform My Status From Visitor To Worker In Canada? 

A visitor can apply for TRV & further subsequently apply for a work permit, which would change their status from visitor to worker. 

You can do this by applying for Canada’s work permit. Once you have the employment offer, you must ensure that you meet the specific criteria for the work permit. Further, if you are eligible, you can apply for a work permit. 

Can I Get Permanent Residence While Being In Canada On A Work Permit?

Work permit holders in Canada can apply for a Canadian permanent residence. There are a few immigration programs which are tailored for temporary foreign professionals. One of the best ways to obtain a PR in Canada is via CEC, i.e., Canadian Experience Class. 

Thus, in order to apply for PR under CEC, international applicants must meet the following requirements: 

  • Have a minimum of 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada gained in three years before applying. 
  • Meet/ exceed the required level of language skills as per the NOC skill level of your work experience.