How to Apply Online for a Canadian Work Visa in 2025

How to Apply Online for a Canadian Work Visa in 2025? If you’re looking to work in Canada, you’ll need to navigate the official immigration system carefully and correctly. Every year, thousands of people successfully get a Canadian work permit and many of them do it entirely online, without paying any expensive agents or third-party consultants.

This guide will show you how to apply for a Canadian work visa online yourself, without middlemen, from any country.

We’ll cover:

1. What a Canadian work permit is (and isn’t)

2. Eligibility requirements

3. Types of work permits

4. Required documents

5. Step-by-step online application process

6. Fees you will need to pay

7. Biometrics and medical exams

8. Processing times and what to expect

Everything here is based on the official Government of Canada process, with no hype or scams.

What Is a Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific period.

It is not the same as permanent residency (PR), although in some cases, work permit holders can later qualify to apply for PR through programs such as Express Entry.

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada legally.

Who Needs a Work Permit?

If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you want to work in Canada, you generally need a work permit, unless you fall under specific exemptions (such as business visitors, performing certain short-term work, or being a diplomatic official). For most people looking to work in Canada for any significant period, a work permit is required.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

There are two broad categories:

A. Employer-Specific Work Permit

1. Tied to a single employer.

2. Usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) showing that the employer tried to hire a Canadian first.

3. The work permit will include employer name, location, and job title.

There are also LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits, where international agreements or special programs remove the LMIA requirement (e.g., Intra-Company Transfers, trade agreements like CUSMA, certain charitable/religious work).

B. Open Work Permit

1. Not tied to any specific employer.

2. Allows you to work for most employers in Canada.

3. Typically only available in certain situations, such as:

   1. Spouses of skilled workers or international students in Canada.

   2. Participants in International Experience Canada (IEC) program (for youth from certain countries).

   3. Refugee claimants.

   4. Graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

Open work permits are more flexible but are limited to specific eligibility categories.

Can You Really Apply for a Work Visa “Free” Online?

There is no “free visa” that exempts you from the official government fees.

What people mean by “free online application” is that you can apply without paying any agent or middleman.

You can use the official Government of Canada website to do everything yourself.
You only pay the standard IRCC fees.
 No hidden or extra charges if you do it yourself.

Official Fees for Canadian Work Permits

As of 2025, here are the typical government fees you need to pay online:

• Work Permit Processing Fee: CAD $155 per person.

• Open Work Permit Holder Fee: CAD $100 (only for open permits).

• Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 per person (if required).

Example Total Costs:

• Employer-specific work permit (with biometrics): ~CAD $240.

• Open work permit (with biometrics): ~CAD $340.

These fees are paid online during the application process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Canadian Work Permit Online

Here’s the full official process you’ll follow to apply online through the Government of Canada’s portal:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

First, figure out if you are eligible for:

1. Employer-specific work permit (with a valid job offer and LMIA or LMIA-exempt code).

2. Open work permit (if you qualify under specific categories).

You cannot simply apply for an open work permit without qualifying. Canada does not have a general “come work for free” visa.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need to scan and upload clear copies of these documents:

1. Valid Passport (all pages with stamps/visas recommended).

2. Job Offer Letter (for employer-specific permits).

3. LMIA or Exemption Code (if applicable).

4. Proof of Relationship (for spouses applying for open work permits).

5. Resume/CV.

6. Educational credentials (if required by job).

7. Police Certificates (some applicants).

8. Medical Exam Results (if you will work in healthcare, with children, or in certain regions).

9. Digital Photo meeting IRCC specifications.

Tip: IRCC may request additional documents after submission.

Step 3: Create Your IRCC Account

Go to the official Government of Canada immigration site:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html

1. Sign up for a GCKey or Sign-In Partner (online banking login).

2. Create a secure IRCC account.

3. Keep your login details safe—you’ll need them for updates.

Step 4: Complete the Online Questionnaire

When logged in, you will:

• Answer questions about your nationality, residency, job offer, education, family.

• The system will determine your eligibility.

• You will get a personalized document checklist.

This ensures you are applying for the correct type of work permit.

Step 5: Fill in the Application Forms

Common forms include:

1. IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada)

2. IMM 5710 (Inside Canada – Extend or Change Conditions)

3. IMM 5257 (Visitor Visa application, if you need one at the same time)

4. Family Information Form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)

Forms are completed online in your account.

Step 6: Upload All Supporting Documents

Scan and upload all documents requested in your personalized checklist:

• Must meet IRCC file size and format guidelines (typically PDF, JPG).

• Label files clearly.

• Combine multiple pages if needed.

Your online account will guide you through this upload process.

Step 7: Pay Your Fees

Use a credit or debit card to pay online:

• Work permit fee.

• Biometrics fee.

• Open work permit holder fee (if applicable).

The IRCC portal will automatically calculate what you owe.

Step 8: Submit Your Application

• Carefully review everything.

• Ensure no missing documents.

• Submit your application electronically.

You’ll receive:

• Confirmation of submission.

• A receipt for fees.

• A reference number to track your status.

How to Apply Online for a Canadian Work Visa in 2025

Step 9: Attend Biometrics Appointment

Most applicants will be required to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

1. IRCC will send you a Biometrics Instruction Letter.

2. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

3. Bring your passport and instruction letter.

4. Pay biometrics fees if not paid online already.

Your biometrics are valid for 10 years for Canada, so you may not need to repeat them if you gave them recently.

Step 10: Medical Exam (If Required)

You may need a medical exam if:

• You will work in healthcare or with vulnerable populations.

• You plan to stay in Canada for more than six months and have recently lived in certain countries.

IRCC will tell you if you need a medical.

• Must be done with a panel physician approved by IRCC.

• Doctor sends results electronically to IRCC.

Step 11: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary by country and type of permit.

1. Average is 3–16 weeks for most work permits outside Canada.

2. Faster processing for certain priority streams (e.g., Global Talent Stream).

Check current times here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

IRCC may contact you for:

1. Additional documents.

2. Interviews.

3. Clarifications.

Step 12: Receive Your Decision

If approved:

1. If applying outside Canada, you’ll receive a Letter of Introduction.

   • Show this to Canadian border officers when you arrive.

   • They will issue your work permit at the port of entry.

2. If applying inside Canada, the work permit will be mailed to your Canadian address.

Important Notes and Warnings

1. There is no general “free Canada work visa.” You must meet eligibility and pay IRCC fees.

2. Avoid scams. Only use the official Government of Canada website.

3. Do not pay “guaranteed job” agents unless you verify them carefully.

4. Employer-specific permits require a valid job offer. Fake offers can get your application rejected or banned.

5. Check your country’s visa requirements. Some nationals also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.

Why Apply Online?

Applying online is:

1. Safer: You can track your application.

2. Faster: Electronic submissions are processed more quickly.

3. Transparent: You see your status updates directly.

4. More affordable: You avoid “agent fees” or scams.

Useful Official Resources

1. IRCC main site: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

2. Create account: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html

3. Work permit guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit.html

Conclusion

Applying for a Canadian work permit online is the most reliable, cost-effective way to do it. While you can’t avoid paying the standard government fees, you can skip the costly middlemen and control the process yourself.

By following these steps carefully, you can ensure your application is complete, correct, and has the best chance of success.

If you’re serious about working in Canada, start by researching the right type of permit for your situation, gather your documents, and set up your IRCC account today.