Detailed Eligibility Requirements & Procedures for Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

Canada is an ideal destination for those who wish to develop their careers in an international environment. To work legally in this country, you need to obtain the appropriate work visa. In the following article, Phan Immigration will help you understand the types of Canadian work visas, the conditions for obtaining a visa, and the benefits of working in the land of the maple leaf.

What is a Canadian Work Visa?

A Canadian work visa allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada, opening up opportunities to access the labor market and gain international experience. Therefore, holding this visa enables workers to experience a professional working environment, integrate into life in Canada, and increase their chances of applying for permanent residency through suitable immigration programs.

Types of work visas for foreign workers in Canada:

• Temporary Work Visa: Allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a limited period (usually from 1 to 2 years). This type of visa applies to various sectors, ranging from general labor to high-skilled jobs. Common programs under the temporary work visa include:
  • Low-skilled Worker Visa
  • High-skilled Worker Visa
  • Agricultural Worker Program
  • Health Care Worker Program
  • Seasonal Worker Program
• Skilled Worker Visa: Issued to individuals with high-level expertise, allowing them to work in Canada for a longer term (usually 3 years or more). Workers must meet language proficiency requirements and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live in Canada.

Who is eligible to apply for a Canadian work visa?

Most foreign nationals are required to have a work permit to work legally in Canada, except for certain exempt cases. To apply for a work permit, most applicants must have a job offer from a Canadian employer, along with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

However, some cases may be exempt from the LMIA requirement or may not need a job offer at all, such as:

• International students who have recently graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Spouses of individuals who already hold a work permit or study permit in Canada.

In addition, to be eligible for a Canadian work visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Commit to leaving Canada when the work permit expires.
• Prove they have sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses and return airfare.
• Have no criminal record and not violate immigration conditions.
• Be free from medical conditions that would make them inadmissible.
• Work only for eligible employers as specified by Canadian regulations.
• Provide complete documentation to prove admissibility as required.

Requirements for Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

What do you need to prepare to apply for a work visa in Canada? To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria related to occupation, qualifications, and work experience.

Below are the essential documents you need to prepare to complete your Canadian work visa application:

• A completed work visa application form (as required by IRCC).
• A valid job offer letter from a legitimate Canadian employer.
• Proof of educational qualifications or certificates relevant to the position being applied for.
• Documents verifying your work experience in a related field.
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your initial stay in Canada.
• A certificate or documentation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided by the employer.
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – a key document confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

In addition, you’ll need to prepare the following personal documents:

• A valid passport.
• Passport-sized photos that meet Canadian visa photo requirements.
• A medical examination report as required by Canadian authorities.

Detailed Procedures for Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

To apply for a work visa in Canada, you must prepare all required documents as per official guidelines. Below is a detailed list of the procedures to follow:

Personal Documents and Passport:

• A valid passport with at least 3 years of remaining validity.
• National ID card or citizen ID.
• Certified copy of household registration book.
• Birth certificate.
• Two passport-sized photos (3.5 × 4.5 cm), taken on a white background within the last 6 months.
• Police clearance certificate issued by the local authority.

Documents Related to Work Eligibility in Canada:

• Form IMM 1295 – Application for a Work Permit Made Outside of Canada.
• Form IMM 5645 – Family Information Form.
• Temporary resident visa application (if required).
• Medical examination from a panel physician approved by Canada.

Proof of Employment in Canada:

• A job offer letter from a Canadian employer.
• If the employer is exempt from the LMIA requirement → Submit the offer letter and offer of employment number.
• If the employer has a valid LMIA → Submit the offer letter, a copy of the LMIA, and the signed employment contract.
• Proof of previous work experience.
• Relevant employment contracts, degrees, diplomas, or professional certificates.

Proof of Financial Support:

• A savings account statement showing a minimum balance of USD 5,000, maintained for 3–6 months.
• Bank account statements with an official balance confirmation.
• Certificates of property ownership, vehicle registration, stock ownership, or other valuable assets (if available).

Proof of Relationship with Accompanying Family Members (if applicable):

• Marriage certificate (if accompanied by a spouse).
• Child’s birth certificate (if accompanied by children).
• Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (if in a common-law relationship without legal marriage registration).

Process for Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

Below is the step-by-step process for obtaining a Canadian work visa:

Step 1: Prepare Personal Documents

Gather all required documents as outlined by Phan Immigration. If you already have a job offer from a company in Canada, ensure you have all necessary proof of employment. Additionally, prepare financial documents such as savings account statements, bank statements, or proof of assets to demonstrate your ability to support yourself while living in Canada.

Step 2: Translate and Notarize Documents

All documents submitted for your work visa application must be translated into English or French and notarized as required. Important documents to translate include degrees, professional certificates, proof of work experience, and personal identification documents.

Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit and Complete LMIA Process (If Required)

Submit your Work Permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If the job offer requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), your employer must complete this process before you apply for the permit.

Step 4: Submit the Visa Application

Once all documents are ready, submit your work visa application to the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC). You will receive instructions for paying the visa processing fee. Review your application carefully to avoid errors that could delay the processing.

Step 5: Provide Biometrics

After submission, you will receive a notification to provide your biometrics, which includes fingerprints and a photo. This step must be completed within 30 days of the IRCC request.

Step 6: Track Application Status and Receive Your Visa

You can track your application status online via the IRCC portal or wait for official notifications via email or your registered address. If your application is approved, you will receive your work visa and can proceed with your plans to work in Canada.

Types of Work Permits in Canada

Canada currently offers two main types of work permits for foreign nationals, each with its own conditions and eligibility requirements:

Employer-Specific Work Permit: This type of permit allows a foreign worker to work for a specific employer in Canada.

• Conditions of this permit include:
  • The worker may only work for the employer named on the permit.
  • The duration of employment must match the terms of the signed contract.
  • The location of work must be specified, if applicable.
• Important requirements:
• The Canadian employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.
• The foreign worker must have an official job offer and a copy of the LMIA to apply for a work visa.

Open Work Permit: An Open Work Permit allows the holder to work for any employer in Canada and is not tied to a specific company or job location. However, not everyone qualifies for this type of permit, as it is granted only under certain circumstances.

• Conditions for obtaining an Open Work Permit include:
  • Based on international agreements, such as the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) between Canada and Vietnam, which streamlines the work permit process for professionals, investors, and intra-company transferees.
  • Issued to individuals who can contribute economically or culturally to Canada, such as startup entrepreneurs awaiting permanent residency approval.
  • Granted to spouses of international students or foreign workers, allowing them to work legally in Canada while their partners study or work in the country.

Important Notes When Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

To avoid the risk of being denied a Canadian work visa, you should pay close attention to the following factors:

• Carefully Check Personal Documents: Identity documents such as national ID cards, birth certificates, and household registration books play a crucial role in the visa application. All documents must be valid, clearly legible, and accompanied by certified copies. If any document is blurry, outdated, or expired, it should be renewed before submission to avoid delays or rejection during the review process.
• Choose a Reputable Visa Consultancy: Working with a professional Canadian visa consultancy, such as Phan Immigration, ensures your application is handled properly and increases your chances of approval. Avoid unreliable agencies to prevent issues during the visa processing.
• Adhere to Submission Deadlines: The Canadian work visa application process has specific timelines for each step. It is essential to monitor these deadlines closely and complete each stage on time. If you have received a job offer and an entry schedule, make sure all documents are prepared and that you arrive on the scheduled date to avoid any impact on your entry and employment in Canada.

FAQs About Applying for a Canadian Work Visa

How long does it take to process a Canadian work visa?

According to the latest update on the official Government of Canada website (as of January 29, 2025), the average processing time for a work permit is 15 weeks. This may vary depending on the type of application, the applicant’s country of residence, and the workload of the visa office. Therefore, it’s recommended to prepare your application early and monitor its progress to avoid delays in your plans to work in Canad

Is it difficult to get a Canadian work visa?

Applying for a Canadian work visa is not easy—it is similar to the immigration processes of many other countries. To increase your chances of success, it’s advisable to seek guidance from immigration professionals or reputable consultants like Phan Immigration.

How much does it cost to apply for a Canadian work visa?

The standard fee for a Canadian work permit is CAD 155 per application. This fee is subject to change depending on Canada’s immigration policies. It’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before applying.

If I have a job offer in Canada, am I eligible to apply for a work visa??

Yes. If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be eligible to apply for a work visa.

Can I get a work visa for Canada without a job offer?

Yes, in some cases. You may be eligible for a Canadian work visa without a job offer if you qualify for an Open Work Permit (OWP), which allows you to work for any employer in Canada without restriction.

Can my family be included in my work visa application?

Yes, your family can accompany you to Canada, depending on the type of work permit. This typically includes:

• Your spouse or common-law partner
• Your dependent children

How can I check the status of my work visa application?

You can check your work visa status online through the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website by following these steps:

1. Visit the IRCC website
2. Log in using your GCKey or SecureKey Partner account (if you applied online). If you submitted a paper application, you can check using your Application Number.
3. After logging in, you’ll see updates on the status of your application, including estimated processing time and the next steps.

If you need assistance, you may also contact IRCC or your local Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) for support.

What are common reasons for Canadian work visa refusals?

NIncomplete or incorrect documentation: Missing key documents or errors in the submitted information; submission of falsified documents.

• Unclear employment purpose: Lack of a valid job offer or inability to clearly explain the purpose of work.
• Failure to meet financial requirements: Insufficient funds or bank statements that do not meet visa requirements.
• Health or criminal issues: Failing to meet Canada’s health standards or having a criminal record.
• Lack of ties to the home country (e.g., Vietnam): No stable job, property, or family ties; visa officers may doubt your intention to return after your visa expires.

How can I extend my Canadian work visa?

To extend your Canadian work permit, follow these steps:

• Apply before expiration: Submit your extension at least 30 days before your permit expires to avoid work interruption.
• Prepare documents: A valid passport, current work permit, new job offer (if applicable), LMIA (if required), and any additional documents requested by IRCC.
• Submit online: Apply through the IRCC website and pay the CAD 155 extension fee.
• Monitor your application: Track your status online. If your permit has already expired, you have 90 days to restore your legal status (restoration fee: CAD 200).

We hope this guide helps you better understand the process of applying for a Canadian work visa and the key points to improve your chances of success. If you need assistance or have questions, feel free to contact Phan Immigration for personalized support.