Work in Canada

Your employer plays a direct role in whether Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue your work permit. If the employer fails to meet compliance rules, your application can be refused—even if you qualify.

Employer obligations vary by permit type. Certain core duties apply across most categories.

Submit the Required Employment Offer and Fees

Before you apply for many employer-supported permits, your employer must:

• Submit the employment offer information
• Pay the required employer compliance fee under R209.11
• Complete this process before you submit your application

If your employer does not complete this step, an officer may refuse your application under R200(3)(f.1).

This requirement commonly applies to an Employer-Specific Work Permit, including some LMIA-Based Work Permit cases and certain LMIA-exempt categories.

Meet Program-Specific Requirements

Different work permit categories impose different employer obligations.

For example, under an Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit, your employer must show that you work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role for a multinational company outside Canada.

If the company is creating a new Canadian entity, administrative code C61 applies when establishing the qualifying enterprise.

Your employer must also support evidence of your current continuous employment. Your specialized training or expertise should be documented as well.

Incomplete documentation or missing translations can delay processing.

Respect Employer Compliance and Labour Standards

Your employer must comply with Canadian labour standards and employer compliance rules. IRCC reviews this information when assessing your file.

Meeting the listed requirements does not guarantee approval. Officers must also be satisfied under R200(1)(b) that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.

This applies even if you hold an Open Work Permit, a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or you apply through programs such as International Experience Canada (IEC).

Support Permanent Residence Pathways

If you later apply through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, your employer may need to confirm your job title and duties.

Your period of employment and your residency and tax status may also need to be verified.

Accurate records matter. If you are an international student working in Canada, you may also need to file Canadian taxes.

Understand Admissibility and Processing

Your employer cannot overcome inadmissibility issues. You must still be admissible to Canada for security, criminal, and medical reasons.

You must also plan to live outside Quebec unless you apply through Quebec’s separate system.

Processing times are calculated by IRCC and can increase. Your employer should prepare documentation carefully to avoid delays.

You apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The exact steps depend on the pathway you choose, such as an Employer-Specific Work Permit, an LMIA-Based Work Permit, an Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit, or an Open Work Permit like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or International Experience Canada (IEC).

Processing times vary. IRCC currently estimates about 7 months, but this is only an estimate and can change based on application volume.

If you plan to work in Quebec, expect additional processing because the Government of Quebec must also review your case.

Step-by-Step Application Flow

Confirm your eligibility and category.

You must identify the correct pathway, whether it is an LMIA-based route, an Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit, or a permanent residence stream such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Some provincial programs require you to secure a nomination before you apply.

Secure a valid job offer and meet employer conditions.

Your employer must meet required offer conditions and pay any required employer compliance fees before you submit your application. For intra-company transfers, you must have worked full-time in a similar role for at least one continuous year within the last three years.

Gather supporting documents.

Your file should include:

Evidence of the relationship between the foreign and Canadian businesses (for intra-company transfers). Proof of work experience in your NOC category. Documentation of specialized training or experience. Proof of fee payment. A complete and signed work permit application form

Incomplete applications may be returned or delayed.

Submit under the correct process.

Many work permits are filed through the non‑Express Entry process. If you qualify under a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you must first obtain the provincial nomination before submitting your federal application to IRCC.

Processing Expectations

IRCC calculates processing times based on current intake levels. If application volumes exceed annual immigration targets, decisions may take longer.

After you arrive, you may apply for federal and provincial benefit and credit payments, even before filing your first Canadian tax return.

You can move from temporary worker to permanent resident through programs managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your current status—such as an Employer-Specific Work Permit, LMIA-Based Work Permit, Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit, International Experience Canada (IEC) permit, Open Work Permit, or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—shapes how you qualify.

IRCC will assess your background, work history, and job details. You must show that your work creates or maintains significant economic, social, or cultural benefits or opportunities for Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Pathways Linked to Skilled Work

Many workers apply through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. If you qualify under a program that requires Canadian experience, you must prove at least 1 year of work in the relevant NOC category.

Your job offer must be genuine. IRCC reviews your biographical and identity details, job title and NOC code, and evidence of your Canadian work experience.

Proof that your work provides a significant benefit to Canada is also reviewed.

If you hold an LMIA-based or employer-specific permit, IRCC may assess whether your employment continues in the qualifying enterprise.

Dual Intent and Ongoing Status

You may apply for permanent residence while holding a temporary work permit. IRCC assesses dual intent, meaning you can intend to stay temporarily while also seeking permanent residence.

You must maintain valid temporary status during processing. Keep your contact information current to avoid delays.

Core Application Steps

Confirm eligibility under the correct program.

Match your work experience, NOC code, and job offer to the specific permanent residence stream.

Collect required documentation.

Include identity documents, proof of at least one year of qualifying Canadian work experience if required, and detailed job offer information.

Demonstrate significant benefit where required.

Show how your employment supports economic, social, or cultural interests in Canada.

Pay the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).

You must pay the RPRF in CAD (CA$) before approval.

Monitor processing times.

IRCC publishes estimated processing times based on the month and year you applied.

IRCC will issue a final decision once it completes its review. Processing time is an estimate, not a guarantee, so plan your employment and status extensions accordingly.

Your salary in Canada depends on your role, employer, and the pathway you use—whether it's a work permit or permanent residence. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) doesn't set most wages, but your employer must stick to the terms in your job offer and any exemption code that applies.

If you have an LMIA-Based Work Permit or an Employer-Specific Work Permit, your income is tied to the employer named in your approval. Changing jobs isn't allowed without authorization, which limits flexibility.

An Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit usually covers executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge. Executives and managers can get up to three years at first, with possible two-year renewals.

If you come in under the start-up exemption (code C61), IRCC may only grant a year, and extensions aren't common.

Before you apply, plan for all application-related costs.

• Pay the required government fees.
• Make sure the employer completes the offer of employment process, if needed.
• Confirm the exemption code, where it matters.

IRCC starts processing only after a full application arrives. Processing ends when IRCC makes a decision on your permit or permanent residence file—like under Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.

You must show proof of funds. If you can't, refusal is possible. This is especially important for permanent residence or if you want an Open Work Permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or to join International Experience Canada (IEC).

Consider these typical financial factors:

Once you arrive, you join the Canadian tax system. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) manages benefits, credits, and support programs that could apply to you.

Your financial plan should match your authorization's length and conditions. IRCC may ask for proof that you'll leave Canada when your stay ends, especially for temporary permits.

If you're aiming for permanent residence, budget for both temporary work status and the later application steps.

You can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). List every accompanying family member and fill out all required sections for each person.

Leaving someone out causes delays and possible refusals.

Your spouse or partner may qualify for an Open Work Permit, depending on your status. This is different from a Work Permit (Employer-Specific), which ties you to one employer.

If you have an LMIA-Based Work Permit, an Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit, participate in International Experience Canada (IEC), or hold a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), review how your category affects your family’s eligibility before applying.

IRCC checks the genuineness of your job offer and whether your work benefits Canada under section R200(1)(c)(ii.1). You must show:

• The position is real and full-time.
• Your role matches your experience.
• Your employment creates economic, social, or other measurable benefits.
• You clearly identify your spouse/partner and dependent children.

If you apply to extend your status under a different Intra-Company Transferee category, you must prove you held a similar full-time position abroad and will do equivalent work in Canada. IRCC expects consistent duties and a clear link to the foreign company.

Processing times vary by province. Applications involving Quebec follow separate timelines under the Canada–Quebec Accord.

If you apply for a minor (under 18) who lives outside Canada and the United States, check the processing time listed by IRCC before sending documents.

Once in Canada, your spouse and children must follow federal and provincial employment standards. These cover:

• Hours of work and overtime
• Minimum wage
• Vacation and statutory holidays
• Protections for interns and student interns

Employers must comply with labour standards and meet obligations toward interns. If your spouse faces unpaid wages or unfair dismissal, they can file a complaint under the relevant labour standards.

You also have Canadian tax obligations. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) collects taxes and manages government payments. If your spouse works, they'll deal with the CRA for income reporting.

If you later apply for permanent residence through Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, you must declare your spouse and dependent children again. Keep your family information accurate and consistent.