Updated on 2 Dec 2025
Are you considering a new career opportunity in Canada? If so, you're in the right place. This guide is designed to walk you through the essential steps for obtaining a Canadian work visa for Indians, including navigating employer-specific permits and understanding the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Whether you're aiming to advance your career or start a new chapter in a diverse country, this comprehensive overview will equip you with the knowledge and confidence needed to successfully manage the application process and achieve your professional goals in Canada.
Canada Work Visa categories overview
A Canadian work visa for foreign nationals, including Indians, is categorised into two main types:
Employer-specific work permit (closed work permit)
It allows you to work for a single, approved employer. To obtain this, a valid job offer and, in most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) are required.
Open work permit
It lets you work for almost any employer in Canada. This does not require an LMIA or job offer. It is commonly issued under programmes such as:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): It is for international students.
- Spousal Open Work Permit: It is for spouses of skilled workers or students.
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): It is for PR applicants waiting for approval.
Special programmes and streams
- International Mobility Program (IMP): It is for LMIA-exempt jobs.
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): It is for temporary farm workers.
- Global Talent Stream (GTS): It is for highly-skilled tech workers with faster processing.
Canada work visa requirements
Before proceeding on your journey, you must meet several Canadian work visa requirements. These include:
- Temporary stay: You need to demonstrate that you will leave Canada once your work permit expires.
- Financial readiness: Prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada.
- Criminal record check: You should have a clean criminal record. A police clearance certificate may be required from a place where you have lived for six months or more in the past ten years.
- Health requirements: A medical exam is required to confirm that you are in good health.
- Employment compliance: Ensure that you are not planning to work for employers who have violated employment laws or in jobs that the Canadian government has prohibited.
- Necessary documents: Bring documents such as your valid passport, job offer letter, educational certificates and proof of professional qualifications.
How to apply for a Canadian work visa?
Depending on the circumstances of your Canada work visa application, you may have to go through different processes:
Applying from outside Canada:
- Secure a job offer: Get a job offer from a Canadian employer who might need to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Document collection: Compile all necessary documentation, including your job offer, language test results and educational assessments.
- Application submission: Submit your application via the Canadian immigration website or through your local visa application centre.
- Biometrics: Provide your biometric data as part of the application process.
- Interview: Attend an interview at the visa application centre, if required.
Applicants outside Canada may benefit from the Global Skills Strategy, which expedites processing for those in essential services.
Applying from Inside Canada:
You might be eligible to apply for a work permit based on any of the following conditions if you are already in Canada:
- Existing permits: Holders of valid study or work permits.
- Family status: Spouses or children of permit holders.
- Post-graduation: Recent graduates from Canadian institutions.
- Temporary resident: Those holding a valid temporary resident permit.
- Permanent residence applicants: Individuals awaiting a decision on their permanent residence application.
- Refugee status: Recognised refugees or those under protected status.
Different rules may apply for specific categories, such as CUSMA professionals, intra-company transferees, investors or other specialised roles.
Steps to apply
Prepare required documents: These include your passport, proof of legal status in Canada (study/work permit), job offer letter and employer’s LMIA (if required).
Apply online: Create an account on the IRCC website, fill in the application form and upload documents.
Pay the fees: The standard fee for a work permit is CAD $155. Additional charges may apply for biometric collection.
Wait for approval: Processing times vary depending on the type of permit. Once approved, you will receive your work permit.
Canada work visa fees for Indian citizens
It is necessary to understand the various fees involved in acquiring a Canadian work visa for Indians. These are as follows:
- Work permit fee: The application fee for a standard work permit is $155 CAD. This fee is required for most work visa categories and is for processing your application.
- Work permit extension: If you are extending your stay in Canada under the same work permit category, the extension also costs $155 CAD. This ensures your continued employment in Canada.
- Employer compliance fee: For certain types of work permits involving an employer, there is an additional compliance fee of $230 CAD. The employer pays this fee to ensure that they meet all conditions set by the Canadian government regarding the hiring of international workers.
- Biometrics fee: Most visa applications now require biometric data, and the fee for this service is $85 CAD. This includes fingerprinting and a digital photo and is essential for identity verification.
Canada work visa processing time
The processing time for a Canadian work visa or work permit can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of application and the current workload of visa offices. Here's what you need to know:
Work permit from outside Canada
When applying for a work permit from outside Canada, you may have to wait for over 20 weeks or 5 months. The visa office also prioritises essential occupations, so if you are not applying under this category, your application may take even longer.
Work permit from inside Canada
Applying for a work permit from inside Canada may take significantly less time. You may have to wait about 120 days or 3 months to hear back about your application.
Remember, processing times are updated weekly based on the workload of the visa office, so make sure to check regularly for updates and plan your application accordingly. Your application may also take longer than usual if it is complex. It may also be returned or delayed further if not complete.
Benefits of a Canadian work visa
Holding a Canadian work visa provides several significant advantages. These are as follows:
Career opportunities
Canada's economy is vibrant and diverse. It offers various job opportunities across various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, finance, engineering and more. This environment allows professionals to advance their careers by working for some of the top companies in the world.
Cultural diversity
Canada is a welcoming and inclusive society. It celebrates a rich tapestry of cultural backgrounds. This multicultural environment enriches personal experiences and provides a global perspective in professional settings.
Quality of life
Canadian residents enjoy a high standard of living, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world. The benefits of holding a work visa also extend to healthcare, with access to Canada’s acclaimed public healthcare system.
Educational opportunities
Canada offers world-class educational institutions and various programmes that support the different academic and professional development needs of those looking to further their education or that of their children.
Pathway to permanent residency
A Canadian work visa can serve as a stepping stone towards permanent residence in Canada. Many immigration programmes provide pathways for work visa holders to apply for permanent status, offering an opportunity to settle permanently and enjoy the benefits of Canadian citizenship.
Importance of travel insurance for Indians on a work visa in Canada
Getting travel insurance online is an essential consideration for Indians holding a work visa in Canada. Here's how it can benefit you:
Medical emergencies
Healthcare in Canada can be costly, especially for non-residents who may find it difficult to navigate the public health system. Travel insurance can cover significant medical expenses from unexpected illnesses or accidents.
Travel incidents
Life is unpredictable, and travel plans can change unexpectedly due to various reasons, such as flight delays, cancellations or even personal emergencies requiring an early return home. Travel insurance helps manage these risks by covering the associated costs, which can save you considerable financial strain.
Baggage protection
Loss of luggage or personal belongings can be a distressing experience, especially when far from home. Canada travel insurance compensates for lost, stolen or damaged baggage, which is invaluable when you need to replace essential items quickly.
Comprehensive support
Beyond financial coverage, most travel insurance plans also offer 24/7 support services. These can help you navigate local healthcare systems, provide legal advice if necessary and supply immediate assistance in case of emergencies.
Legal liability
Some policies also cover legal liabilities, which can occur if you unintentionally damage someone's property or cause injury to another person.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Canadian work visa provides extensive opportunities for both professional and personal growth. With adequate preparation, you can embark on an enriching new chapter in Canada, unlocking diverse career paths and enjoying a high quality of life in one of the world's most welcoming countries.
While you focus on building your career dreams in Canada, let us guide you through the right travel insurance. Get personalised overseas travel insurance advice by simply filling out the form provided on this page.
FAQs
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Can I switch jobs in Canada on a work visa?
The possibility of changing jobs depends on whether you have an open work permit or an employer-specific one.
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Do I need IELTS for a Canada work visa?
Language test scores like IELTS are usually required for most work permits.
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Can my family accompany me on a Canadian work visa?
Spouses can apply for open work permits and children can study in Canada.
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What is the maximum validity of a Canadian work permit?
Most permits are valid for up to 2 years. It depends on the job offer and LMIA.
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Can I apply for PR while on a work visa in Canada?
Canada work visa holders can later apply for permanent residency through pathways like Express Entry.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.