How to Get a Work Visa for Canada in 2026
Canada issues 600,000+ work permits a year through more than 100 different streams. Which one fits you depends on your job, your nationality, and whether you already have a Canadian employer lined up.
How do I get a work visa for Canada?
To get a Canadian work visa, either secure a job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), qualify for an LMIA-exempt category (intra-company transfer, CUSMA, IEC working holiday, Global Talent Stream), or apply for permanent residence through Express Entry which includes work rights.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Determine your route
LMIA-based (employer-sponsored), LMIA-exempt (intra-company, CUSMA, francophone mobility), IEC (working holiday for 18–35), Global Talent Stream (2-week processing for tech), or Express Entry (PR with work rights).
- 2
For LMIA-based: employer applies first
Your Canadian employer applies to Service Canada for the LMIA, proving no Canadian was available for the role. Processing takes 5–10 weeks.
- 3
Apply for the work permit
Once you have the LMIA (or proof of exemption), apply online via IRCC with your passport, job offer, qualifications and biometrics.
- 4
Submit biometrics
Book a biometrics appointment at a VAC within 30 days of receiving your biometrics instruction letter.
- 5
Receive Port of Entry letter
If approved, you get an introduction letter — present it with your passport on arrival in Canada to receive the physical work permit.
Documents and requirements
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter from a Canadian employer (with LMIA number if applicable)
- Proof of qualifications matching the job (degrees, licences, experience letters)
- Proof of funds for initial settlement
- Police clearance and medical (for some occupations)
- Biometrics
IEC Working Holiday: the fastest route under 35
Citizens of 30+ partner countries (UK, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, and many more) aged 18–35 can apply for an open work permit through IEC — no job offer required.
IEC has three categories: Working Holiday (open permit, valid 12–24 months), Young Professionals (requires job offer matching your career), and International Co-op (requires employer + study).
Global Talent Stream: 2-week processing for tech
If you have a job offer in a Global Talent Occupation (software engineer, data scientist, digital media, etc.) from a designated employer, your work permit can be processed in just 2 weeks — the fastest skilled-worker route in the world.
Frequently asked questions
Can I move to Canada without a job offer?
Yes — through Express Entry (PR), Provincial Nominee Programs (some streams), IEC Working Holiday (if 18–35 from a partner country), or as a self-employed person under the Self-Employed Persons Program.
How long does it take to get a Canadian work visa?
IEC: 4–8 weeks. LMIA-based work permit: 6–20 weeks (LMIA itself takes 5–10 weeks, then 4–10 weeks for the permit). Global Talent Stream: 2 weeks. Bridging Open Work Permit: 4 weeks.
How much does a Canadian work visa cost?
Work permit application: CAD $155. Open work permit holder fee: CAD $100. Biometrics: CAD $85. The employer pays the LMIA fee of CAD $1,000 — they cannot legally pass this to you.
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