Why work in Canada
- Job opportunities. Canada has large numbers of vacancies for skilled workers.
- Openness to foreign workers. Canada issues hundreds of thousands of work permits every year.
- Competitive salaries. Good pay and a comfortable standard of living.
- Worker-friendly policies. Reasonable working hours and paid leave.
What a Canada work permit is
A work permit is granted to people who meet specific eligibility criteria. In most cases you first need a job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer. The employer often needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which allows them to hire a foreign worker for a role they couldn’t fill locally.
The application process
- Check eligibility. We assess your profile against the permit options.
- Educational Credential Assessment. Get an ECA report for qualifications earned outside Canada.
- Documents. We prepare your checklist and review every document.
- Apply. We submit your work permit application.
- Work in Canada. Once approved, you can travel, start work and settle in.
Processing time and family
Processing times depend on the type of work permit and where you apply from. We give you the current estimate for your case. Under the dependant permits, family members may also be able to come to Canada to work or study.