Visa Types
Canada Work Visa Process
Apply to work in Canada, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Canada Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Canada?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Canada.
Canada visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Canada visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a Canada visa, but it may vary. Embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment
What kind of visa will we acquire from Canada?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-12-2023)
Work Permit (including extensions): CAD 155
Biometric Fee: CAD 85
Click here for more information
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- When applying for a visa to Canada, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or family reunion, to select the appropriate visa category.
- Consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to access comprehensive information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures specific to your purpose of travel.
- Ensure you meet the specific eligibility criteria, provide the necessary documentation, and adhere to any financial requirements for the chosen visa type to increase the chances of a successful visa application for Canada.
Submit your online application directly to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You'll have to complete supporting documents per the IRCC document checklist relevant to your visa category.
After you have applied for your visa, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is referred to as "biometric information."
You will receive an appointment confirmation email and the letter of appointment once you have booked your appointment.
If you are part of a family or group, you must schedule separate appointments for each member of the family or group.
You do not need to book an appointment to visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre if you are not required to submit your biometric information.
Once you have completed your application, you'll have to pay your visa application fee.
You'll pay your fees directly within the online application (e-app) when you apply.
Make sure you have a credit or debit card ready.
This is the only way you can pay this fee when applying online.
Once you arrive at the Canada Visa Application Centre, your application and biometrics(if applicable) will be collected. This receipt will contain your unique tracking number, which will help you track the progress of your application online.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can't access email easily or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether the service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting.
If your visa is approved, the next step is to submit your passport for visa stamping. You will receive a letter from the consulate or embassy notifying you of the approval and requesting you to submit your passport. The process of visa stamping typically involves the following steps:
After the Application review process, the embassy will notify the applicant of the outcome of their application. If the visa application is approved, the applicant will receive an approval letter stating that they need to submit their passport to the Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) through a web form.
The web form will provide the applicant with instructions on how to submit their passport, as well as any additional documents or fees that may be required.
Once the VFS receives the applicant's passport, it will be processed and the visa will be affixed to a page in the passport.
The processing time for the visa application can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of visa applied for, the volume of applications being processed, and the complexity of the applicant's case.
After the visa processing is complete, the applicant's passport will be returned to them with the visa stamped on it. It is important to note that the visa approval does not guarantee entry into Canada, as border officers have the final say on admission into the country.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here's a detailed document checklist, including application form requirements and other basic documents, for various categories of Work Permits in Canada:
- Create an online Express Entry profile and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Express Entry pool.
Additional Documents:
- Proof of work experience.
- Educational documents.
- Language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
- Apply and receive a nomination from a specific Canadian province or territory.
Additional Documents:
- Provincial nomination certificate.
- Proof of eligibility for the specific PNP stream.
- Proof of work experience.
- Educational documents.
- Language test results.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
- Obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- The employer may need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in some cases.
Additional Documents:
- Job offer letter or contract from a Canadian employer.
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required).
- Proof of educational qualifications.
- Language test results (if required).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report (if required).
- Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Be offered a position under the Global Talent Stream.
Additional Documents:
- Job offer letter from a Canadian employer.
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemption code.
- Proof of educational qualifications.
- Language test results.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Obtain a commitment certificate or letter of support from a designated organization.
Additional Documents:
- Letter of support from a designated organization.
- Proof of investment funds.
- Business plan.
- Language test results.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Secure a job offer from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
Additional Documents:
- Endorsement letter from a designated employer in Atlantic Canada.
- Proof of work experience.
- Educational documents.
- Language test results.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
Additional Documents:
- Proof of qualifying work experience in Canada.
- Language test results.
- Educational documents (if applicable).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family.
- Obtain a job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer.
Additional Documents:
- Job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer.
- Proof of caregiver training or qualifications.
- Language test results.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical examination report.
- Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria under a specific trade agreement (e.g., NAFTA, CETA).
Additional Documents:
- Proof of eligibility under a specific trade agreement.
- Job offer or contract from a Canadian employer.
- Educational documents
Please note that the document requirements may vary depending on the specific work permit category and your individual circumstances. It’s important to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek advice from authorized visa application centers for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the document checklist for a Work Permit in Canada.
Canada has two online portals through which individuals can apply for a visa to enter Canada. These portals are the official websites of the Government of Canada:
PORTAL 1- Click Here
PORTAL 2- Click Here
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
IMM 5984- Rural and Immigration Pilot (If you have applied under this programme)
IMM 0115- Agri-Food Pilot (If you have applied under this programme)
IMM 0157- Atlantic Immigration Program (If you have applied under this programme)
IMM 1295- Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada
IMM 5707- Family Information Form – Visitors, Students and Workers (if applicable)
IMM 5409- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union – Temporary and PR (if applicable)
IMM 5646- Custodian Declaration Form (if applicable)
IMM 5476- Use of a Representative Form (if applicable)
IMM 5713- Family Representative Form (if applicable)
For more forms click here
Note: The above list is not exhaustive, and additional forms or documents may be required based on individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the requirements for a Canada Work Visa and follow the instructions provided by the Government of Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
- Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine if you are eligible for a Canada work visa, which may depend on factors such as your occupation, qualifications, and work experience.
- Find a job in Canada: Once you have determined your eligibility, you need to find a job in Canada and receive a job offer letter from a Canadian employer.
- Obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Depending on the type of work you will be doing, you may need to obtain a LMIA from the Canadian government.
- Create an account on the IRCC website: After receiving the job offer letter and LMIA (if required), you need to create an account on the IRCC website and complete an application for a work permit.
- Gather documents: You need to gather all the required documents, including your job offer letter, LMIA (if required), passport, and language test results.
- Pay the application fee: After gathering all the required documents, you need to pay the application fee and submit your application.
- Wait for processing: After submitting your application, you need to wait for the authorities to process your application. This can take several weeks or months.
- Medical exam: Depending on your occupation and country of origin, you may be required to undergo a medical exam.
- Receive your work permit: If your application is approved, you will receive a work permit. This document allows you to work in Canada for the duration of your job offer.
Note: The above steps are a general guide, and the actual process may vary based on individual circumstances. It is important to carefully review the requirements for a Canada work visa and follow the instructions provided by the Government of Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website
Express Entry System: The Express Entry system is a popular pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It manages the applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Eligible candidates are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many Canadian provinces and territories have their own PNP that allows them to nominate skilled workers for immigration. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria and target occupations, which can provide additional opportunities for individuals with specific skills or experience.
Temporary Work Permits: If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may apply for a temporary work permit. The employer may need to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
Global Talent Stream: The Global Talent Stream is a part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and is designed to attract skilled foreign workers in specific occupations to Canada. It provides faster processing times for work permit applications in certain industries.
Start-up Visa Program: If you have a promising business idea and can secure support from a designated organization, you may be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program. This program allows entrepreneurs to start a business in Canada and obtain permanent residency.
Atlantic Immigration Pilot: The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a program designed to address labor market challenges in the Atlantic provinces of Canada. It allows eligible employers in the region to hire skilled workers and international graduates for full-time employment.
Canadian Experience Class: If you have gained work experience in Canada through a temporary work permit, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program. This program is designed for individuals with Canadian work experience and language proficiency.
Family Sponsorship: If you have a close family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you for immigration to Canada through the Family Class sponsorship program.
Caregiver Programs: Canada offers caregiver programs for individuals who have experience in caring for children, elderly individuals, or individuals with medical needs. These programs provide pathways to permanent residency.
Trade Agreements: Canada has trade agreements with certain countries that allow for facilitated work permits. For example, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) allows certain professionals from Mexico and the United States to work in Canada through the TN visa program.
It is important to note that each pathway has its own eligibility requirements and application processes. It is recommended to consult the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or seek assistance from an immigration consultant or lawyer to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.