Work PermitVerified 2026-04-13Canada Work Permit — Informational
A Canada Work Permit authorizes an Indian national to work in Canada for a specific employer (employer-specific permit) or for any employer (open work permit). Employer-specific permits generally require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The work permit itself is issued by IRCC — SureshotVisa does not process work permit applications or help secure Canadian employment.
⚠️ IMPORTANT — SureshotVisa / Pro Lifeset Overseas does NOT help find work permits or Canadian employment. This page is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Canada Work Permits are issued by IRCC based on a job offer from a Canadian employer (and LMIA in most cases). For other Canada visa types we CAN help with — Tourist, Business Visitor, Family Visit, Study Permit — please see the related links.
Processing
Varies — depends on LMIA processing + IRCC work permit processing
Stay Duration
Varies by permit type — typically 1-3 years, renewable
Starting Fee
CAD $155
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants with a confirmed Canadian job offer + LMIA (employer-specific permit)
- Spouses of work permit holders (open work permit)
- Post-graduate students from Canadian DLIs (PGWP)
- Applicants under International Mobility Program categories (various open permits)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Applicants without a job offer (for employer-specific work permits)
- Applicants not meeting specific program eligibility
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work Permit application fee | CAD $155 |
| Biometrics fee — individual | CAD $85 |
| VFS service charge — per package | ₹603 |
| Two-Way Courier Service | ₹1,716 |
| Premium Lounge service | ₹4,767 |
| SMS Tracking Service | ₹179 |
All IRCC government fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and paid directly to IRCC online. VFS service charges are paid in INR at the VAC. Fees are subject to change — verify on IRCC (canada.ca/immigration) and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can) before applying. Third-party costs (medical exam, police clearance, translation) may also apply. Additional LMIA fee (CAD $1,000) is paid by the Canadian employer, not the applicant.
Documents Required
Informational — What applicants typically need
- !Job offer letter from Canadian employer
Must include job title, salary, duration, location
- ○LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
Required for most employer-specific work permits — obtained by the Canadian employer, not the applicant
- !Educational credentials and work experience proof
Relevant to the job offered
- !Valid passport + photographs
- !Biometrics
- ○Medical exam (in certain job categories)
- ○Police clearance certificate
May be required
Types of Work Permits
- ○Employer-specific Work Permit
Tied to one specific employer, job, and location. Requires LMIA in most cases.
- ○Open Work Permit
Not tied to a specific employer. Typically available to spouses of skilled workers, PGWP holders, and certain IMP categories.
- ○Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
For graduates of Canadian DLIs. Typically 1-3 years based on program length.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer
The employer initiates the process — most employer-specific work permits require an LMIA from Service Canada.
Employer obtains LMIA (if required)
The Canadian employer applies for a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Not required for LMIA-exempt categories.
Applicant submits Work Permit application online
Via IRCC Portal with job offer + LMIA copy + supporting documents. Pay CAD $155 application fee + CAD $85 biometrics fee.
Biometrics at VAC
Book via AMS, attend VAC, complete biometrics.
Wait for decision
IRCC processes the Work Permit application.
Collect passport + receive Work Permit at port of entry
If approved, the actual Work Permit is issued when you arrive at a Canadian port of entry.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)
Download latest version from IRCC. Required for all visitor/tourist visa applications.
Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for all applicants 18 years and older. Lists all family members.
Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative to submit your application.
Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
Optional — authorizes someone else to receive updates about your application.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Work Permits require a Canadian job offer — SureshotVisa does NOT help with job search or employer introductions.
- Most employer-specific work permits need an LMIA — this is the employer's responsibility, not yours.
- If you've graduated from a Canadian DLI, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — this path does NOT require an LMIA.
- Spouses of skilled workers can often get an Open Work Permit — useful for family reunification.
- Verify current work permit pathways directly on IRCC (canada.ca).
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Missing or invalid LMIA for employer-specific permits
- 2.Job offer doesn't match a valid NOC (National Occupation Classification) code
- 3.Educational credentials don't meet the job requirements
- 4.Previous immigration violations in Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SureshotVisa help find Canadian jobs or work permits?+
What is an LMIA?+
What's the difference between employer-specific and open work permits?+
Can I apply for a Work Permit without a job offer?+
What other Canada visas does SureshotVisa handle?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other Canada visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other Canada Visa Types
Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) from India. Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, biometrics, application process through VFS Global, and 10 VAC centres across India.
Canada Business Visitor Visa (TRV)
Canada Business Visitor Visa for Indian professionals attending meetings, conferences, and business events in Canada. Stay less than 6 months. Not entering the Canadian labor market.
Canada Study Permit
Canada Study Permit for Indian students enrolling at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Complete guide on IRCC fees, documents, PAL requirements, and 2026 updates.
Canada Family Visit Visa (TRV)
Canada Family Visit Visa for Indian citizens visiting family who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, temporary residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act. Up to 6 months.
Canada Spousal Visit Visa (TRV — Spouse of PR Sponsor)
Canada Spousal Visit Visa for Indian spouses whose Canadian partner has sponsored them for Permanent Residence. Faster processing available while PR application is in progress.
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa (TRV — Urgent Family)
Canada Compassionate Visit Visa for urgent visits due to critical illness, death, or other humanitarian reasons. Priority processing available with strong supporting evidence.
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as crew in Canadian ports. Temporary Resident Visa for duration of contract.
Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — For Visa-Exempt Nationals
Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — important information for Indian citizens. Most Indians need a Tourist Visa (TRV), NOT an eTA. eTA is for visa-exempt nationals.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.