Visandwork

Work Visa in Canada: Types, Requirements, and Duration (2025)

Canada remains one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking employment abroad thanks to its strong economy, cultural diversity, and immigration policies designed to prioritize skilled talent.

If you want to work legally in Canada, the first step is to understand what type of work permit you need. The choice depends on your situation, profession, whether you have a job offer, and how you plan to enter the country.

Canada

Main Types of Work Permits

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit

This permit ties you to one employer and includes conditions such as:

  • Who your employer will be.
  • How long you can work.
  • In which province or location you are allowed to work.

Key requirements:

  • A valid job offer.
  • Your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving no Canadian workers are available for that position. Once approved, you can apply for your work permit.

2. Open Work Permit

This permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada (except those on the non-compliant or restricted list).

You may qualify for an open work permit if:

  • You are an international student who recently graduated and are eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
  • You are the spouse or dependent of a skilled worker or eligible student.
  • You are in the process of applying for permanent residency.

⚠️ Update (January 2025): Open work permits for family members are now limited to:

  • Spouses of master’s (minimum 16 months) or doctoral students, or those in professional programs.
  • Spouses of skilled workers in TEER 0–1 occupations and certain TEER 2–3 roles.

3. Other Work Visa Options

International Experience Canada (IEC)
For young people (18–35) from countries with agreements with Canada. Includes:

  • Working Holiday: work without a pre-arranged job offer.
  • Young Professionals: skilled employment.
  • International Co-op Internship: internships related to studies.

Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) & Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP)

  • SAWP: temporary agricultural work for up to 8 months.
  • LCP: live-in caregivers in private homes; after the contract, workers may apply for permanent residency.

General Requirements for Applying

While specific conditions vary, most permits require:

  • Valid passport and completed application form.
  • Job offer and LMIA, if applicable.
  • Proof of academic qualifications and work experience.
  • Medical exam and police certificate (depending on role).
  • Payment of fees:
    • Work permit: ~CAD $155
    • Open work permit add-on: ~CAD $100
    • Biometrics: ~CAD $85

Duration and Processing Times

  • Employer-Specific Permit → Duration tied to the employment contract; usually renewable.
  • PGWP (Open Work Permit) → Valid for the same length as your study program (1–3 years).

Processing times:

  • From outside Canada: 4–12 weeks (faster for high-demand roles).
  • From inside Canada (renewal): 6–7 months.

Risks and Recent Changes

  • Stricter rules on family members applying for open work permits.
  • LMIA and renewal delays have left some workers out of legal status, creating vulnerability.

In 2025, Canada continues to provide multiple legal pathways for foreign workers, from employer-specific permits to open permits. The key is to:

  • Choose the correct type of permit.
  • Secure a valid job offer when required.
  • Gather all documentation and meet deadlines.

With the right preparation and reliable information, you can not only work in Canada but also build a long-term future and move toward permanent residency.

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