Steps to acquire Canada work visa requirements?

To acquire a work visa to Canada, you generally need a Canadian job offer, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (in most cases), and to meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Below is a step-by-step guide with all key requirements.

Types of Work Permits in Canada:

1. Employer-specific work permit

o Tied to one employer and job location

o Requires an LMIA in most cases

2. Open work permit

o Not job-specific

o Does not require LMIA or a job offer

o Only available to certain applicants (e.g., spouses of skilled workers or international students, refugee claimants, etc.)

For most foreign workers, the employer-specific work permit applies.

Step-by-Step Process to Acquire a Canadian Work Visa:

Step 1: Get a Valid Job Offer

• You need a written job offer from a Canadian employer.

• The offer must outline your duties, wages, and employment conditions.

Step 2: Employer Applies for an LMIA (If Required)

• Most employers must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

• A positive LMIA shows that no Canadian or permanent resident is available to do the job.

Exceptions:

• Some jobs are LMIA-exempt (e.g., under international trade agreements, intra-company transfers, or cultural/public interest categories).

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

You will need:

• A valid passport

• Job offer letter and employment contract

• LMIA copy and LMIA number (if applicable)

• Proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications)

• Work experience documents

• Medical exam results (for certain jobs)

• Police clearance certificate (if required)

• Proof of sufficient funds (if applicable)

• Recent passport-sized photos

Step 4: Submit Online Application

Apply through the IRCC website or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if required.

You’ll need to:

• Create an IRCC online account

• Fill out the work permit application form (IMM 1295)

• Upload documents

• Pay application fee (approx. CAD 155)

• Pay biometrics fee (approx. CAD 85, if required)

Step 5: Provide Biometrics

• After applying, you’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter

• Visit a VAC to provide fingerprints and a photo

Step 6: Attend a Medical Exam (If Applicable)

• Required for jobs in healthcare, childcare, or if staying more than 6 months from certain countries

Step 7: Wait for Processing

• Processing times vary based on country of residence and type of work permit

• You can track the status online

Step 8: Receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter

• If approved, you’ll receive a POE Letter of Introduction

• This is not a visa but must be shown at the Canadian border

Step 9: Travel to Canada

• Present your documents at the border

• If all is in order, the border officer will issue your work permit

Additional Notes:

• Visa vs. Work Permit: If you're from a visa-required country, you’ll also receive a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) along with the permit

• Spouse and Children: You can often include them in your application, and they may be eligible for open work or study permits

• Extensions: Work permits can be extended inside Canada, subject to employer and immigration rules

Eligibility Summary:

You must:

• Have a valid job offer (unless applying for an open work permit)

• Prove you will leave Canada once your work permit expires

• Have no criminal record (submit police certificates if needed)

• Be in good health (medical exam may be required)

• Not plan to work for an ineligible employer

• Show you can support yourself and any accompanying family

This is the complete process and requirement list for obtaining a Canadian work visa through the temporary foreign worker program or International Mobility Program, depending on your situation.