Work in Canada

How to get a job in Canada for foreigners?

Here are the options for working in Canada:

 1) to work in Canada temporarily with an existing employer,

 2) to immigrate as a skilled worker in an occupation in-demand for permanent residence in Canada.

To search a temporary work, you may use our selection of websites for job seeking in Canada. It includes both classic job search engines and job boards.

Temporary work in Canada

If you have an employer, the procedure for entering Canada is following:

1) you should apply for a Canadian work permit. However, some occupations (trainers, athletes, crewmembers) do not require a work permit. Please see The list of occupations that do not require a work permit.

2) to be issued with a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada,

3) to get a work permit at the border control when entering Canada.

What is a work permit in Canada?

A work permit is a written authorization issued to a person, who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, valid only for a certain employer and for a certain period. On the other hand, the employer in Canada should get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and apply for it though Employer Portal.

You should apply for a permit for work in Canada and Temporary Resident Visa at the same time. It is required to fill out the forms and prepare the documents according to the checklist:

Application for work permit,
Schedule 1 Application for temporary residence,
Family Information,
Checklist of documents to submit with your application

Thereafter, the documents and application may be submitted in two ways:

-   online,  in this case you must submit the supporting documents as the scan copies and pay the fee with your bank card.  
-   or in hard copy. The application forms must be, in any case, filled out online and then printed. There is no need to scan your supporting documents. You may submit them to the local Visa Application Center.

The officer will assess all provided information and documents and determine, whether you need an interview. If the interview is required, you will receive a letter stating the date, time and place of the interview. In case of positive decision, you will receive the original documents and your passport together with the letter of introduction that confirms the positive decision.

Who issues a work permit in Canada?  

When entering Canada:  A letter of introduction, issued by the Consulate shall be presented to the immigration officer at the point of entry. You should also present your passport and flight tickets. The immigration officer will issue a work permit stating the conditions of stay and work in Canada, including your position, name of your employer and duration of stay in Canada. 

Permanent work (Canada immigration)

If you want to immigrate to Canada under the Skilled Select Program, you must meet the following requirements:

1. your occupation must be on the Eligible Occupations List.

2. you must prove your English or French language skills by scoring enough points.

If you meet all the requirements, you may apply for an immigration visa (Permanent Residence) online (Express Entry).   

If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR); then for working in Canada, you must get an immigration visa sticker by applying to your local Visa Application Center.

After arrival to Canada, a foreigner must apply for a Permanent Residence Card (PRC). It shall be done at the border control. In a month or so, the issued card will be delivered to you by mail. 

How to immigrate to Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program? 

The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is closed to new applicants.If you have not already got a LCP work permit and would like to work as a caregiver in Canada, you must apply for a regular work permit.