Work Permit

A Canadian work permit allows you to work in Canada for a specific period of time. As a foreign worker, you must have a permitted job offer and a work permit while travelling to Canada.

Over thousands of foreign workers apply for visas every year, not only because they are looking for new prospects in one of the most multicultural and welcoming countries in the world but because of the job opportunities and the incredible work benefits that come with them. Canada’s national average salary for full-time workers is approximately $54,630 per year and with an unemployment rate of just 7.5 percent, the odds of landing a good job in Canada are extremely high compared to other countries.

Working in Canada is an attractive option for many skilled foreign workers from all over the world. Each year, close to 200,000 foreign skilled workers come to work in Canada on Temporary Canadian Work Permits. There is no reason why this cannot be you too!

Eligibility requirements for all applicants

There are specific requirements you need to meet depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit.
But regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, you must:

prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home
obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
not be a danger to Canada’s security
be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed
not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employer who failed to comply with the conditions
not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.

Eligibility requirements if you apply from outside Canada

Anyone can apply before they enter Canada. However, there may be visa office requirements that you need to meet depending on what country or territory you’re applying from.

Eligibility requirements if you apply from outside Canada

Anyone can apply before they enter Canada. However, there may be visa office requirements that you need to meet depending on what country or territory you’re applying from.

Eligibility requirements if you apply from inside Canada

You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if;

you have a valid study or work permit
your spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit
you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid
you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more
you’re waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada

you made a claim for refugee protection
you’ve been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
you’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors)
you’re a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada – United States – Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Eligibility requirements if you apply when you enter Canada at a port of entry

You should apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada. However, you can apply for a work permit when you enter Canada if you’re eligible.

To apply at a port of entry (POE), you must be;

eligible for an electronic travel authorization or to travel without a visitor visa (find out if you need a visa)
entering Canada directly from the United States while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place

Still not sure about your eligibility or need help regarding your application?

There are other requirements depending on the type of work permit you’re applying for.

Please contact us