This page describes how to apply for a work permit.
Remember that in most cases, you have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Your employer also has a role in the application process.
If you apply to work temporarily in Quebec, you must meet all the federal requirements and you must get a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (Certificate of acceptance) from the province. See the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Go to Check how long it may take to process my case in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page to get an idea of how long it will take to process your application.
How long it takes to process your application varies depending on where you applied. You can check application processing times in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
You can speed up the process by:
Your application will take longer to process if the visa office has to take extra steps to assess your case. For example, extra steps are required if:
You can access the application kit from the Related Links section at the bottom of this page, or you can contact a Canadian visa office. For a list of visa offices, go to Locate a visa office in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page. If you are eligible to apply from inside Canada, you can also obtain an application kit from the Call Centre (see Contact Us at the top of this page).
Before you fill out the application, you will need:
If you need an HRSDC opinion, it is up to your employer to get it and send it to you. For more information about HRSDC opinions, go to Frequently asked questions in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Remember, even if HRSDC has given a positive labour market opinion, there is no guarantee that you will get a work permit.
Some jobs do not require an HRSDC opinion. For more information on those jobs, go to Work permit: eligibility in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page. For these jobs you will require:
After your employer gets confirmation that you can be offered a job, the employer will send you the labour market opinion confirmation letter. You must submit the detailed job offer with the application.
Now you can apply for a work permit at a Canadian mission abroad.
You must submit your application to the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live. You must have legal status in your country of residence. For a list of visa offices, go to Locate a visa office in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
In some cases, you can apply for a work permit when you arrive in Canada, or from within Canada. For details, go to Work permit: Eligibility in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
If you want to work in Canada, you must meet the requirements for a work permit. You must also meet the general requirements for entering Canada. This means that you might also need a passport and a temporary resident visa.
A temporary resident visa is an official document that is placed in your passport. To find out if you need a visa to enter Canada, see the Visiting Canada section on the left-hand side of this page.
If you require a temporary resident visa, you do not have to apply for it separately or pay a separate fee. If your work permit is approved, the visa will be issued at the same time as the documentation you need to enter Canada as a worker.
If you are a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, Greenland or Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, you do not need a passport or a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. You must, however, provide proof of citizenship or permanent residence, such as a national identity card or an alien registration card.
There is a fee for applying for a work permit.
For current rates, go to Pay a processing fee in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page. In many countries, the fee can be paid in the local currency.
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
Once you are sure your application form is complete, sign and date it, and check that you have included all the required documents and fees. Make sure you have the right receipt for the fees.
Remember, your application will be returned to you if it is not properly completed or if documents are missing.