Canada Work Visa FAQs 2026

A Canada work permit lets a foreign national work in Canada, either for one employer or any eligible employer. It is temporary and does not give PR by itself, but Canadian work experience can support Express Entry and PNP pathways.

An open work permit lets you work for most employers in Canada and usually does not need an LMIA. An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer, role, and location, and usually needs either a positive LMIA or an LMIA exemption.

An LMIA is an ESDC decision showing that hiring a foreign worker will not harm Canada's labour market. Most closed work permits need one; common exemptions include PGWP, SOWP, BOWP, IEC, intra-company transfers, and some significant-benefit categories.

IRCC lists 9 weeks for work permit applications from India, last updated July 22, 2026. Processing still depends on the permit type, biometrics, medicals and IRCC workload, so check IRCC's processing-time tool again before planning travel, notice periods or a start date.

Sometimes. Spouses of eligible skilled workers, some special-program workers, and eligible international students may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit. Spouses of many TEER 4 or 5 workers generally do not qualify unless a specific exemption applies.

A PGWP is an open work permit for graduates of eligible Canadian DLI programs. It can be valid up to 3 years, is usually issued only once, and helps graduates gain Canadian work experience for PR pathways such as CEC and PNP.

A BOWP lets eligible PR applicants keep working while IRCC processes their permanent residence application. You usually need a valid or recently expired work permit, a complete eligible PR application, and an Acknowledgement of Receipt.

Yes. A work permit does not automatically lead to PR, but Canadian skilled work experience can improve Express Entry CRS scores and support CEC or PNP eligibility. One year of skilled Canadian work can be enough for CEC if other requirements are met.

Common documents include a passport, forms, photos, biometrics, job offer, LMIA or exemption proof, education and experience evidence, medicals or police certificates if required, and proof of funds or ties. PGWP and SOWP applicants need program-specific proof such as transcripts, completion letters, permits, and relationship documents.

An employer-specific work permit costs CAD 155. An open work permit usually costs CAD 255, including the CAD 100 open-permit holder fee. Biometrics are typically CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 per family, and some cases have extra employer or restoration fees.