How to Get a Temporary Work Permit in Canada: Step-by-Step Process
Short answer: Six steps: secure a job offer from a Canadian employer, employer obtains LMIA if required, gather personal/employment/supporting documents including police clearances, complete IMM 1295/IMM 5645/IMM 5707 online, pay $155 + $85 biometrics + $100 OWP fee where applicable, then provide biometrics at a VAC within 30 days.
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
Your Canadian employer must offer you a position before you can begin the application process. This is often the most challenging step when figuring out how to get a temporary work permit in Canada applications started.
Use these job search strategies:
- Government Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca) - Official government job portal
- LinkedIn with Canadian location filters and targeted networking
- Industry-specific job boards related to your profession
- Provincial job matching services offered by individual provinces
- Recruitment agencies specializing in international hiring
- Professional associations in your field
When you receive a job offer, ensure it includes:
- Detailed job description and responsibilities
- Salary and benefits information
- Start date and employment duration
- Company contact information
Your employer will then need to obtain an LMIA (if required) before you can proceed with your application.
Step 2: Employer Obtains LMIA (If Required)
The Labour Market Impact Assessment is your employer's responsibility. They must prove they couldn't find a qualified Canadian or permanent resident for the position.
Some positions are LMIA-exempt, including:
- Intra-company transfers
- International trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA)
- Academic positions
- Francophone mobility program
- Global Talent Stream participants
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Collect these essential documents for your how to get a work permit in Canada application:
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport (must be valid for the entire work period)
- Recent passport-style photographs meeting IRCC specifications
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Employment Documents:
- Official job offer letter
- LMIA number and copy (if applicable)
- Employment contract
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates)
- Professional licenses or certifications
- Letters of reference from previous employers
Supporting Documents:
- Police clearance certificates from countries where you've lived for 6+ months
- Medical examination results (required for certain occupations)
- Proof of financial support
- Travel history documentation
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Create an account on the IRCC online portal to submit your application. You'll need to complete several forms:
Primary Forms:
- IMM 1295 (Application to Work in Canada)
- IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
- IMM 5707 (Schedule A - Background/Declaration)
Additional Forms (if applicable):
- Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
- Authority to Release Personal Information (IMM 5475)
Double-check all information before submitting, as errors can lead to delays or refusals.
Step 5: Pay Application Fees
Current fees for how to get a work permit in Canada applications:
- Work permit processing fee: $155 CAD
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD (for most applicants)
- Open work permit holder fee: $100 CAD (if applicable)
Payment must be made online using a valid credit card or debit card.
Step 6: Provide Biometrics
After submitting your application, you'll receive a biometrics instruction letter within 24 hours. You have 30 days to visit a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC) to provide:
- Digital fingerprints
- Digital photograph
Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you've provided them recently for another Canadian immigration application, you may not need to repeat this step.
How Long to Get a Work Permit in Canada: Processing Times
Short answer: 2026 processing times by country — US 4 to 6 weeks, UK 6 to 8 weeks, India 8 to 12 weeks, Philippines 10 to 14 weeks, Nigeria 12 to 16 weeks, Iran 8 to 10 weeks, Turkey 6 to 9 weeks.
Processing times vary significantly by country of residence and current application volumes. Current 2026 estimates from the processing times page include:
- United States: 4-6 weeks
- United Kingdom: 6-8 weeks
- India: 8-12 weeks
- Philippines: 10-14 weeks
- Nigeria: 12-16 weeks
- Iran: 8-10 weeks
- Turkey: 6-9 weeks
Regularly check IRCC's website for updated processing times from your specific location.
How to Get a Work Permit in Canada from US: Special Considerations
Short answer: US residents get faster processing (4 to 6 weeks typically), access to Application Support Centers for biometrics, CUSMA agreement benefits for certain professions, streamlined application process, and no visa requirement for travel to Canada.
US residents benefit from faster processing times and specific advantages:
- Shorter processing times (4-6 weeks typically)
- Access to Application Support Centers for biometrics
- CUSMA agreement benefits for certain professions
- Streamlined application process
- No visa requirement for travel to Canada
Receive Your Decision
If approved, you'll receive either:
Port of Entry Letter of Introduction: For applicants from visa-required countries. This letter allows you to travel to Canada, where border officers will issue your actual work permit.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): For visa-exempt countries. Your work permit is issued electronically, but the physical document is still provided at the port of entry.
