Canada continues to hire skilled workers from abroad, but the rules have tightened in recent years. Many applicants from India lose time because they misread what each permit demands. Knowing the work permit Canada requirements before you accept a job offer can prevent refusals and wasted fees. This guide explains the permit types, the rules for workers and employers, and the documents you need.
Two Main Types of Work Permits
Canada issues two broad kinds of work permits:
- Employer-specific work permit: This links you to one employer, one job and one location. Most skilled workers abroad start here.
- Open work permit: This lets you work for most employers. It is usually limited to certain groups, such as eligible graduates or spouses.
The type you need depends on your job offer and personal situation.
Requirements Every Applicant Must Meet
IRCC sets common conditions for all work permit applicants. You must:
- Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your permit expires
- Show you have enough money for yourself and your family during your stay and to return home
- Obey the law and have no criminal record, with a police certificate if requested
- Be in good health and complete a medical exam, if needed
- Provide any other documents the officer requests
For an employer-specific permit, your employer must also complete all required steps before you apply. You can apply from inside Canada only in limited cases, such as holding a valid study or work permit. Since IRCC ended a temporary public policy in August 2024, most visitors can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada, though a few narrow exceptions remain.
The Employer’s Role: Labour Market Impact Assessment
Many job offers need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) first. An LMIA shows that hiring a foreign worker will not harm Canadian workers. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reviews these applications.
Key points to understand:
- The fee belongs to the employer. Employers pay CAD 1,000 per position, and this fee cannot be recovered from the worker.
- Wage level decides the stream. A wage at or above the provincial threshold falls under the high-wage stream. A lower wage falls under the low-wage stream.
- Low-wage roles face more limits.Under ESDC’s current policy, most low-wage LMIAs are not processed in census metropolitan areas with unemployment of 6% or higher, though some sectors are exempt and the list changes every quarter.
- Advertising periods differ. ESDC’s current rules require eight weeks of advertising for low-wage jobs, compared with four weeks for high-wage jobs.
ESDC’s updated wage thresholds apply to LMIA applications received on or after 17 July 2026. Some roles that were high-wage earlier may now count as low-wage. Ask your employer which stream applies to your position. Tech employers may also use the Global Talent Stream, which offers faster processing for in-demand roles.
LMIA-Exempt Pathways
Some work permits do not need an LMIA. These fall under the International Mobility Program. Common examples include intra-company transfers for employees of multinational firms. In these cases, the employer submits the job offer through IRCC’s Employer Portal and pays a compliance fee. LMIA wage threshold changes do not affect these permits.
Documents to Prepare
A strong file reduces the chance of delays or refusal. Prepare the following:
- A valid passport
- A written job offer or employment contract
- A copy of the positive LMIA, or the employer’s offer number for exempt roles
- Educational certificates and relevant licences
- Experience letters showing your duties and dates of employment
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements
- Police certificates and medical exam results, where required
These documents form the core of any Canada visa for work permit application from India. The work permit fee is CAD 155. Biometrics usually cost another CAD 85 per person.
Red Flags to Watch For
Job fraud remains a serious risk for overseas applicants. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Requests to pay for an LMIA or job offer. Employers cannot charge workers for these, and using a purchased or fake offer may lead to a five-year ban for misrepresentation.
- Offers that seem too easy. Genuine employers interview candidates and check their skills.
- Unlicensed agents. Only authorised representatives can charge for Canadian immigration advice.
You can verify any consultant on the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) public register. Firms such as Croyez Immigration, whose team includes a licensed Canadian lawyer and an RCIC, publish their licence details for this purpose.
Conclusion
A Canadian job offer is only the first step. Your employer must meet its obligations, and your own file must be complete. Check whether your role needs an LMIA, gather documents early and keep every detail consistent. Rules shift often, so confirm the current work permit Canada requirements on the IRCC and ESDC websites before applying.
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