How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Canada (2025)

A Canadian work permit is the legal authorization that allows a foreign national to work in Canada, typically for a specific employer, in a specific role, and for a specified duration. In most cases, it is paired with a temporary resident visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) for entry, and it is employer-sponsored when the role is with a Canadian company.

Canada’s strong demand for skilled workers and robust immigration pathways creates opportunities for businesses and professionals alike. However, navigating Canada’s visa system can be daunting, as complex rules, cumbersome sponsorship requirements, and strict compliance standards often slow hiring and expansion plans.

For most foreign nationals, the process centers on obtaining a Canadian work permit—the authorization that allows them to work legally for a Canadian employer and receive payment through Canadian payroll. Some permits are “employer-specific” (closed), tying the worker to a single employer and role, while others are “open,” allowing the holder to work for almost any employer but usually in more limited circumstances (for example, spouses of certain workers or students).

These barriers cause delays, missed opportunities, and compliance risks that can impact business growth and talent acquisition. But you don’t have to go it alone. Deel Immigration streamlines the entire visa and work permit process—from eligibility assessment to employer sponsorship and application management—removing traditional roadblocks.

With Deel, companies can unlock faster hiring, ensure compliance, and scale operations in Canada with confidence. The result? Accelerated access to the talent and markets your business needs to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Canada?

Short answer: It depends on the pathway. LMIA-based, employer-specific work permits are more demanding, while LMIA-exempt and open work permits can be more straightforward—but the rules are strict in all cases.

Obtaining a work permit in Canada is very challenging for foreign nationals. A Canadian work permit is the document that authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada; in most employer-sponsored cases, it must be approved before the employee can start working or be placed on Canadian payroll. The difficulty often depends on factors such as meeting labor market test requirements, the job title, scope and industry, as well as the skills and education level of the applicant.

Key factors that affect how hard it is to get a work permit include:

See also: Moving to Canada: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in Canada?

Yes. From an employer’s perspective, it’s useful to think in three buckets:

• Employer-specific (closed) work permits, which name the employer and role and often require an LMIA (for example, many Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Global Talent Stream roles)
• LMIA-exempt work permits, issued under programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP), certain free trade agreements, or significant benefit categories
• Open work permits, which allow the holder to work for almost any employer in Canada (for example, certain spouses or International Experience Canada participants), and visitor-based “digital nomad” stays that permit remote work for foreign employers but not Canadian ones

The main types of entry visas and work permits in Canada include:

• Global Talent Stream Category A: For high-growth Canadian companies, referred by a designated partner, to hire unique and specialized foreign talent quickly
• Global Talent Stream Category B: For Canadian employers hiring foreign workers in in-demand occupations listed by the government, with expedited processing
• LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (Significant Benefit Category): For individuals whose work in Canada would provide significant social, cultural, or economic benefit; no LMIA needed
• LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (Mobilité Francophone Category): For French-speaking skilled workers wanting to work outside Quebec; promotes French language and culture in Canada
• LMIA-Exempt Work Permit (Canada Free Trade Agreements Category): Allows certain professionals, intra-company transferees, and business visitors from partner countries to work in Canada under free trade agreements, without an LMIA
• Spousal Open Work Permit (LMIA-Exempt): Allows spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary workers or students to work for any employer in Canada
• Dependent Visa (Global Talent Stream): Allows spouses and children of Global Talent Stream applicants to accompany them to Canada, with eligibility for study or open work permits
• Working Holiday Visa (International Experience Class): For young people from partner countries to work and travel in Canada for a limited period
• Digital Nomad (Remote Work on Visitor Status): Permits remote workers employed by foreign companies or serving clients outside Canada to live and work from Canada for up to six months as visitors, without a Canadian work permit or entry into the Canadian labour market. This is not a separate “digital nomad visa” category, but a use of visitor status

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Canada visa and work‑permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Applicants must have a valid passport, a Canadian job offer, and meet minimum education or experience standards relevant to the job, along with satisfying salary thresholds and other criteria depending on the permit category.

For most employer-specific work permits, candidates must:

• Hold a genuine job offer from a compliant Canadian employer (and, where required, a positive LMIA or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment under the IMP)
• Meet minimum wage, NOC skill, and experience requirements for the position
• Satisfy admissibility rules, including medical and background checks

Remote workers coming to Canada on visitor status (digital nomads) must not work for Canadian employers and do not receive a Canadian work permit.

Canada visa comparison table

For a fast, expert assessment of eligibility—with a clear breakdown of costs—Deel offers a 48-hour visa and work permit evaluation (Deel Immigration Value Note).

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Canada visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Canadian employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless exempt, demonstrate a genuine labor market need, and be a Canadian business in good standing to sponsor work permits. For most programs, the employer must be a legal entity registered in Canada and able to provide a detailed job offer, wage information, and compliance with local labor laws.

In practice, this means employers are responsible for:

• Providing a compliant job offer and meeting or exceeding the prevailing wage for the NOC and region
• Preparing and paying for the LMIA where required (GTS/TFWP), including recruitment efforts and a Labour Market Benefits Plan for Global Talent Stream cases
• Submitting an Employer Compliance Offer and paying the employer compliance fee for most LMIA-exempt IMP categories
• Maintaining records to prove ongoing compliance in the event of an inspection

To request a work permit or support an application, the employer typically supplies a job offer letter, contract, and may need to advertise the position domestically to demonstrate insufficient Canadian candidates. For LMIA-exempt streams, such as the IMP, the employer’s main responsibility is compliance with employment standards and filing an Employer Compliance Offer.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Deel allows international companies without a Canadian entity to compliantly sponsor foreign workers in Canada. The EOR acts as the legal employer, assuming all payroll, tax, HR, and immigration compliance responsibilities—making the process seamless for businesses expanding into Canada.

Deel Immigration, a G2-leading Employer of Record, supports companies in over 150 countries and can sponsor employees in Canada through 200+ permit categories across 40 countries. With high-volume expertise, real-time application tracking, and rapid eligibility assessments, Deel helps businesses move talent quickly, compliantly, and at scale—so you can focus on growth, not paperwork (Deel Immigration Value Note).

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Canada work‑permit application process

For employer-sponsored roles, the work-permit journey typically follows this pattern: confirm the job offer, determine whether an LMIA is required, complete the employer side (LMIA or Employer Portal submission), and then have the candidate apply for their work permit with IRCC. Only after approval can they start working for the Canadian employer.

Follow this five-step roadmap for obtaining a Canadian work permit.

Step one: Obtain a valid job offer

Obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer meeting the required criteria. Both the candidate and employer should confirm that the offer includes full job details, wage, NOC code, and duration. Deel’s automated job requisition tools can streamline this step by aligning job description and salary with regulatory standards.

For LMIA-exempt categories (such as certain IMP or FTA routes), the employer will still need to create an offer in the Employer Portal and pay the employer compliance fee, but they won’t usually need to run recruitment or obtain a labour market test.

Tip: Use Deel’s platform to create compliant job offers and support document storage.

Step two: Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required to demonstrate the need for a foreign worker. For TFWP and many GTS permits, the employer must submit the LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), including proof of recruitment efforts and job market data. Deel’s EOR service can manage the LMIA filing directly for your business.

Where the Global Talent Stream is used, employers benefit from faster LMIA processing—often around two weeks—provided they meet wage requirements and commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan that outlines how they will create lasting benefits for the Canadian labour market.

Tip: Start the LMIA process early, as approval can take several weeks.

Step three: Candidate submits the work permit application

The work permit applicants submit their applications online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including the LMIA and job offer documents. Applicants upload supporting materials—ID, job contract, LMIA or exemption, and any required educational or professional credentials—using IRCC’s online portal. Deel Immigration automates document collection and secure submission on your behalf.

Tip: Double-check all forms and documents before submitting to avoid delays.

Step four: Complete biometrics and additional requirements

Applicant completes biometrics and any additional documentation or medical exams as requested. Most applicants need to schedule a biometrics collection at a local center and may be asked for medical tests depending on role or origin country. Deel sends real-time reminders and booking links for these next steps.

Tip: Schedule biometrics promptly; missing the appointment can set your process back.

Step five: Wait for processing and receive decision

Wait for application processing, typically between 4 and 12 weeks, then receive a decision and, if approved, obtain the work permit. The IRCC will review the application and notify the candidate and employer when a decision is made. Deel’s visa tracker provides real-time application status and alerts for every stage.

Once the worker enters Canada with their letter of introduction (work permit approval) and, if required, temporary resident visa, the physical work permit is issued at the port of entry. They can then begin working for the named employer in the authorized role and location.

Tip: Track processing with Deel’s in-app dashboard to stay proactive about timelines.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Canada?

Government fees for work permits range from CAD 155 to CAD 255, with additional charges for biometrics (CAD 85), employer compliance fees, and potential documentation fees; Deel Immigration fees apply separately. Total cost depends on permit type, the applicant’s nationality, and if dependents are included.

The LMIA fee (for most employer-specific permits under the TFWP) is currently CAD 1,000 per position and must be paid by the employer; it cannot be charged back to the worker.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Canada?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration stands out as the premier solution for navigating Canada’s complex work permit landscape, offering businesses a seamless, compliant path to hiring and sponsoring foreign talent. Their deep expertise in Canadian immigration, combined with cutting-edge technology, ensures fast, reliable outcomes for employers and candidates alike.

• End-to-end immigration management simplifying LMIA and permit processes
• Fast, free visa assessments to quickly determine candidate eligibility
• Personalized expert support guiding you through every application step
• Real-time application tracking keeps you informed and proactive
• Automated renewal reminders to maintain compliance and avoid penalties

With Deel Immigration, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to accelerating and simplifying Canada hiring. Let’s explore how Deel can help you hire faster and smarter.

See also: Deel's Work Visa Webinar Series: Canada Work Visa

Hire employees in Canada faster with Deel Immigration

Hiring foreign workers in Canada can be daunting, but Deel Immigration removes the guesswork with its end-to-end immigration management. From initial eligibility assessments to LMIA filings, visa applications, and final permit approvals, Deel handles the entire process so you can focus on growing your business. Their personalized expert support ensures your applications are accurate and compliant, reducing delays and boosting approval rates.

Book a free consultation today and discover how Deel’s accelerated processing and self-serve document uploads streamline your hiring pipeline. With Deel, you’ll experience faster turnaround times, transparent pricing, and real-time updates—empowering your team to onboard skilled workers in Canada swiftly and confidently.