Where do you apply for a work permit?

If you are a national of a country that needs a visitor visa to enter Canada, you must apply for a work permit before you enter Canada. The visa office where you made your application will provide you with a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction that states your application was approved. You will then present this document when you enter Canada so that your work permit can be issued.

If you do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada, you may apply for a work permit at the port of entry. You will need to bring all relevant documents and satisfy the border officer that you meet the requirements.

Can you apply for a work permit inside Canada?

Generally speaking, you must apply for a work permit outside Canada or at the port of entry. In some cases, you may apply for a work permit inside Canada if one of these apply to you:

• you, your spouse or parents have a valid study permit or work permit
• you have a work permit but want to apply for a work permit for a different job
• you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more
• you are in Canada currently awaiting the outcome of your permanent residence application

What are the requirements to apply for a work permit in Canada?

Requirements may vary based on the type of work permit you apply for. Generally speaking, the following are required to apply for a work permit in Canada:

• a valid job offer and contract of employment
• proof of financial support
• proof of qualifications in education, training, and experience to perform the job required
• certification, registration, or license if working in a regulated profession
• proof of intent to leave Canada at the end of the authorized period of stay
• a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if applicable
• a visitor visa or electronic travel authorization, if applicable
• police certificate and medical examination may be required

What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before he can hire a foreign worker. A positive LMIA shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job, as no Canadian worker is available to fill the role.

What work permit applications are exempt from an LMIA?

Certain work permit applications are exempt from an LMIA, including:

• Under International Agreements such as the USMCA or GATS
• Under an agreement between the federal government and a province or territory
• Under a pilot project
• Intra-company transfers
• Those that support Canadian interests, such as providing significant benefits, reciprocal employment with other countries, charity and religious works, and as designated by the Minister
• Spouses of work permit holders in NOC 0, A, B occupations of more than 6 months
• Spouses of study permit holders
• Co-op students
• New caregiver applicants

How long is the processing time and what are the application fees?

Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for and where you submitted your application. Usually, in-Canada applications take about 2 months.

The application fee for a work permit is $155. Biometrics may be required.

What are the key considerations in submitting an application?

The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for a work permit for Canada:

• Are you applying for the right work permit?
• Is your job offer eligible for a work permit?
• How do you prove that you intend to leave Canada when your work permit expires?
• What if you already have an ongoing permanent residence application outside Canada?