Canada is a popular destination for Pakistani professionals seeking international work opportunities. With a robust labor market, strong labor rights, and a multicultural environment, Canada issues over 500,000 work permits annually.
If you’re planning to work in Canada temporarily, or even settle permanently, this guide will walk you through the essentials, from types of work visas to eligibility, documents, costs, and common interview questions.
What is a Canada Work Visa?
A Canadian work visa, also known as a work permit, is a legal document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a specific employer, job, and time period. It is often supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless exempted under specific programs.
A work permit is not the same as a visa. While the work permit allows you to work, a temporary resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is needed to enter Canada.
What are the Different Types of Work Visas Available for Canada?
Work permits for Canada are broadly classified into two categories: employer-specific (closed) permits and open work permits.
1. LMIA-Based Work Permits (Employer-Specific)
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Global Talent Stream
- Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
2. LMIA-Exempt Work Permits (Still Need Job Offer)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Intra-Company Transfer
- CETA & NAFTA/USMCA Work Permits
3. Open Work Permits (No Job Offer or LMIA Needed)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Spousal Open Work Permit (Spouse of a worker or student)
- International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
What are the Benefits of Working in Canada?
- Competitive Salaries: Foreign workers must be paid the same as Canadian citizens in similar roles.
- Workplace Safety: Enforced under Canadian labor laws.
- Family Benefits: Spouses may be eligible for an open work permit; children can study in Canada without a study permit.
- Path to Permanent Residency: Canadian work experience boosts your chances in programs like Express Entry, PNPs, and Quebec Immigration.
- Public Healthcare: Some provinces allow work permit holders to access provincial health insurance.
How Much Does a Canadian Work Visa Cost?
- Employer-Specific (Closed) Work Permit: CAD $155
- Open Work Permit: CAD $255
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (if required)
- Restoration Fee (if applicable): Additional CAD $200
Other costs may apply depending on your case, such as medical exams or police clearances.
What is the Process for a Canada Work Visa?
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
From a Canadian employer. In most cases, it should be supported by an LMIA.
Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA
The employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for permission to hire a foreign worker.
Step 3: Collect Documents
This includes a passport, job offer letter, LMIA (if needed), proof of qualifications, and police/medical reports.
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply online or via a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Pakistan.
Step 5: Biometrics & Medical
You may receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) and medical exam request.
Step 6: Visa Approval & Permit Activation
You’ll get a letter of introduction and instructions on how to activate your permit at the Canadian border.
What is the Processing Time for a Canada Work Visa?
Processing times depend on your application type and where you’re applying from:
- LMIA Approval: 2–5 months (Quebec = 2–3 months; Global Talent Stream = 10 days)
- Work Permit (from Pakistan): 8 to 12 weeks on average
- Biometrics & Medical: Add 1–2 weeks to the total time
What Documents Are Required for Canada Work Visa?
- Valid passport
- Job offer letter
- LMIA (if applicable)
- Completed application forms
- CV/Resume
- Proof of education and work experience
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical exam (if required)
- Biometrics
- Proof of funds
- Recent passport-size photo (IRCC specs)
- Marriage/birth certificate (if bringing dependents)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (if working in Quebec)
If you need professional guidance through this process, our team of Canada Work Visa Consultants in Islamabad
can help you prepare your documents, meet eligibility requirements, and improve your chances of a successful application.
What is the Duration of a Canada Work Visa?
- Typical Duration: 1–2 years
- Extensions Possible: Yes (apply at least 30 days before expiry)
- Limits: Cannot exceed job contract, LMIA validity, or passport expiry
- Permanent Residency: Some work permits count towards PR eligibility
What Questions Are Asked in a Canada Work Visa Interview?
If invited for an interview (rare but possible), expect questions like:
- Why do you want to work in Canada?
- What is your job role and employer’s name?
- What are your qualifications?
- How long do you intend to stay?
- How will you support yourself in Canada?
- Do you plan to return to Pakistan?
What is the Difference Between a Canada Work Visa and a Work Permit?
| Feature | Work Visa (TRV/eTA) | Work Permit |
| Purpose | Entry into Canada | Legal right to work in Canada |
| Required For | Travel | Employment |
| Where Issued | Passport (Visa Sticker) | Printed Document from IRCC |
| Can Work? | No | Yes |
| Validity | Matches permit or entry conditions | Job-specific or open (1–2 years) |
FAQs
Is IELTS required for a Canada Work Visa?
IELTS is generally not required for a work permit, unless your job offer specifies a language requirement or you’re applying under a program that evaluates language (e.g., Express Entry later on).
Can I apply for a Canada Work Visa without a Job Offer?
Yes, in certain cases like:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Spouse of a worker/student (Open Work Permit)
- International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (for PR applicants)
Which Companies in Canada Sponsor Foreign Workers?
Employers don’t “sponsor” per se but can help you get an LMIA. Some frequently hiring employers include:
- Amazon Canada
- Magna International
- SNC-Lavalin
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Tim Hortons (Franchise)
- Canadian Tire
- Loblaw Companies Ltd.
- RBC / TD / Scotiabank (for tech roles)
Always check if the employer is listed on Canada’s list of eligible employers for foreign workers.
