How to get Canada work visa from India

Why Canada Work Visa?

With its strong economy, welcoming immigration policies, and abundant career opportunities, Canada is one of the most preferred destinations for skilled professionals. Every year, thousands of foreign workers come to Canada to gain international work experience, enjoy a high standard of living and open the door to permanent residency.

What is a Canada Work Permit?

A Canada work visa is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada.  Depending on the type of permit, it can be employer-specific or open, meaning you can be restricted to one employer or allowed to work for any employer in Canada.

Canada Work Visa for Indians

For Indian professionals, Canada offers a wide range of employment opportunities in industries such as IT, healthcare, hospitality, construction, and finance. With a strong demand for skilled workers and transparent immigration policies, Canada is one of the easiest countries for Indians to obtain a work permit and eventually move to permanent residency.

Canada Work Permit Requirements

To apply for a Canada work visa, applicants generally need to:

• Hold a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (except applying for an open work permit)
• A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer (unless exempt)
• Proof of education qualifications
• Proof of previous work experience and skills relevant to the job offered in Canada
• Proof of funds to support yourself and dependents during your stay
• Medical examination and Police clearance from the country of applying.

Canada Work Permit Eligibility Requirements

You must be eligible to below mention criteria to apply for a Canadian work permit:

• Age should be at least 18 years old.
• A valid passport or travel document.
• No criminal background
• Meet the health requirements
• Demonstrate intent to leave Canada once the work permit expires.
• Valid language test reports

Canada Work Permit Process

• Job Offer & LMIA – Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may need to apply for an LMIA to prove that no Canadian worker is available for the position.
• Apply for Work Permit – Submit your application online or through a visa office with the required documents.
• Biometrics & Medical Exam – Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and undergo a medical examination, if required.
• Application Review – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) review your application.
• Approval – Once approved, you’ll receive a work visa on which you can travel to work in Canada.

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

The processing time for a work permit depends on your country of application and the type of permit. On average, it takes 8–24 weeks. However, applicants from India usually get results within 8–12 weeks, provided all documents are in place. We have success stories of applicants who got their work permit approved within a week. It all depends on the accuracy of documents and letters annexed to present your application for Work Permit.

Canada Work Visa Costs and Fees

Here is a breakdown of the standard Canada work permit fees:

Work Permit (per person)	CAD $155
Work Permit (group of 3 or more performing artists)	CAD $465
Open Work Permit Fee	CAD $100
Biometrics Fee (per person)	CAD $85

Types of Canada Work Permit

Canada offers different types of work permits depending on the job and applicant’s profile:

1. Employer-specific work permit – allows you to work only for the employer mentioned in your permit.

a) LMIA-based work permit – requires an approved LMIA from the employer.

b) LMIA-exempt work permit – for jobs exempted from LMIA (e.g., intra-company transfers, international agreements)

• Open work permit – allows you to work for any employer in Canada (except restricted or non-compliant employers).

Canada Open Work Permit

The open work permit is one of the most flexible options because it allows you to work for almost any Canadian employer. You do not need a job offer or LMIA to apply.

Common open work permit categories include:

• Spousal Open Work Permit – For spouses of international students or skilled workers in Canada.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – For international students who have completed studies at a Canadian institution.
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) – For those awaiting the decision on their permanent residence application.

Final Note:

Obtaining a Canada work permit is a major step towards international career development and permanent residence. At E3 Immigration, we help applicants with eligibility checks, documentation, and filing applications to keep the process smooth and increase the chances of approval.

Note: WE DO NOT OFFER ANY JOB OR PLACEMENT.