Last Updated 14 July 2026

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which permits them to recruit foreign skilled workers for occupations that cannot be filled in by citizens or permanent residents of Canada.
*Planning to Work in Canada? Start Here! View the Canada Immigration flipbook.
As one of the world’s leading economies, Canada is a perfect destination for Indians seeking to work abroad. The Canadian Work Permit Visa is the best route for Indians who are willing to migrate to Canada permanently. Typically, applicants need to have a job offer in hand to apply for a Canada work permit. With our end-to-end overseas career solutions, Y-Axis can help you find a job and apply for a Canadian Work Visa.
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The complete checklists of forms that are to be submitted for a Canada work visa are as follows:
The complete checklists of documents that are to be submitted for a Canada work visa are as follows:
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What are the minimum requirements to get jobs in Canada?
LMIA refers to Labour Market Impact Assessments. They are issued by ESDC of Canada to help employers bring foreign workers into Canada. A positive LMIA confirms that hiring a foreign worker would not hurt Canada’s labour market. In most cases, a positive LMIA is essential for the employee to obtain a work permit.
If you want to get the LMIA, your employer must finish the LMIA process first, which is the first step before the application for a specific work permit can happen. The processing of an LMIA and work permit applications occurs independently as they do not belong to the same process. It is crucial to know that processing times for LMIA applications are different.
Irrespective of the work permit you are applying for, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:
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Can I apply for jobs in Canada from India?
Identify your occupation's National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. This code helps determine eligibility for specific immigration programs.
Explore Immigration Programs: Research and choose the most suitable immigration program for your profile, such as the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or specific streams like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC to prove the need for a foreign worker.
Collect Necessary Documents: Gather essential documents, including identification, educational qualifications, proof of work experience, and a valid job offer letter.
If you are applying for a work permit, you must create an online profile detailing your skills, work experience, education, and other relevant information.
Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form and submit all required documents through the appropriate immigration portal. Pay the necessary fees.
Provide Biometrics: Attend a biometrics appointment at a designated location.
Undergo Medical Examination Complete a medical examination by an approved panel physician. Results are submitted directly to the immigration authorities.
Await Processing: Be patient while your application is processed. Processing times can vary based on the type of work permit and the immigration program.
Receive Work Permit Approval: Once approved, you'll receive your Canada Work Permit. Review the details, including the type of work, locations, and duration.
Arrive in Canada: Arrive in Canada before or on the date specified on your work permit. Ensure compliance with the conditions outlined in your permit.
Explore Permanent Residency: If interested, explore pathways to permanent residency in Canada, such as Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.
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Can I get PR while on a work permit in Canada?
Processing times for Canada work visa permits can differ from one type of visa to another, depending on factors such as whether a Labor Market Impact Assessment is needed, the applicant’s country of residence, and the completeness of the application submitted. While some applications may be completed in a matter of weeks, others can take a few months or more. Applicants should make sure to confirm the most current processing time from IRCC before submitting an application.
| Work Permit Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| LMIA-based Work Permit | 9–16 weeks |
| Open Work Permit (Post-Graduation) | 7–19 weeks |
| IEC (International Experience Canada) | 6–12 weeks |
| CUSMA Professionals | 1–3 weeks |
You may be entitled to take your spouse and children to Canada if you obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer and have an open work permit. Your children will be eligible to attend Canadian educational institutions without having to get separate study permits. Your spouse will also be able to apply for an open work permit to work in Canada.
Note: In the case of an employer-specific work permit being requested that necessitates obtaining an LMIA, the employer will need to obtain the LMIA from ESDC before the application goes through. The LMIA process is independent from the work permit application process, and it can take a different length of time depending on the LMIA the employer must follow.
| LMIA Stream | Average Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Global Talent Stream | 9 business days |
| Agricultural Stream | 22 business days |
| Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program | 9 business days |
| High-Wage Stream | 79 business days |
| Low-Wage Stream | 71 business days |
| Permanent Residence Stream | 99 business days |
| Type of Canada Work Visa | Fees |
|---|---|
| Work permit (including extensions) – per person | $155.00 |
| Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists) | $465.00 |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | $184.75 |
| Open work permit holder fee | $100.00 |
| Restore your status as a worker | $401.25 (Restoration $246.25 + Work Permit $155) |
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Study permit (including extensions) – per person | $150.00 |
| Restore your status as a student | $396.25 (Restoration $246.25 + Study Permit $150) |
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) | $246.25 |
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Biometrics – per person | $85.00 |
| Biometrics – per family (2 or more people) | $170.00 |
| Biometrics – per group (3 or more performing artists) | $255.00 |
| Type | Fees |
|---|---|
| Employer Compliance Fee (paid by employer, if LMIA-exempt) | $230.00 |
Note: The work permit application fee is CAD $155 per person. In most cases, an additional biometrics fee of CAD $85 applies, bringing the total cost to CAD $240 per applicant.
There are Approximately 5 Lakhs jobs in Canada lying vacant for 3 months. The table below gives information about the top in-demand occupations in Canada, along with the average salaries.

| Job Role | Avg. Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer / Cloud Engineer | $95,000 – $130,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $80,000 – $110,000 |
| Finance Director | $136,300 – $263,000 |
| Financial Analyst | $82,400 – $127,400 |
| Pharmacist | $102,300 – $142,500 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $78,000 – $135,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | ~$89,000 |
| Construction Project Manager | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Electrician (Industrial) | $67,000 – $99,000 |
| Welder | $49,000 – $79,000 |
| Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanic | ~$82,800 |
| Business Development Manager | ~$84,000 |
| SEO Specialist / Web Developer | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| Dental Hygienist | $69,400 – $103,200 |
| Warehouse / Logistics Supervisor | $52,000 – $75,000 |
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Can I apply for jobs in Canada from India?
Salaries in Canada vary based on experience, industry, and job role. Entry-level workers usually earn lower salaries, while mid-level and senior professionals with more experience and specialized skills earn higher pay. These salary ranges are common across industries like IT, healthcare, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. High-demand roles such as AI engineers, cybersecurity experts, and senior IT professionals may earn even more.
| Experience Level | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | CAD $45,000 – $60,000 per year (₹27–36 LPA) |
| Mid Level | CAD $65,000 – $90,000 per year (₹39–54 LPA) |
| Senior Level | CAD $100,000 – $150,000+ per year (₹60–90 LPA) |
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Canada has seven types of work permits and different types of visas through which candidates can apply to work. These work permits are:
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)is essential for candidates who want to migrate to work in Canada. A positive LMIA report helps to enter the local job market of Canada. Candidate needs to apply through Employment and Social Development Canada and Service Canada.
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Can I get a job in Canada without an LMIA?
An employer-specific work permit, as the name suggests, is a permit that allows you to work for a specific employer. While the employer-specific work permit pertains to a single employer, the open work permit can come with certain conditions that will be written on it. These include:
IEC, commonly referred to as International Experience Canada, allows applicants to travel and work in Canada for up to 2 years. There are 3 types of work and travel experiences in Canada, namely:
Canada issued 608,420 work permits in 2022. This number increased significantly, with over 800,000 work permits issued in 2023, reflecting rising demand for foreign workers (IRCC).

Under the Canada Work Permit Visa, you can:
A Canada work permit gives one the possibility of transitioning to permanent residence. Foreign workers who have Canadian work experience can qualify for different immigration programs. Depending on one’s qualifications, work history, skills, and location of employment, one may qualify for one of the following options:
Express Entry is an online application management system regarding skilled immigration in Canada. This system accepts applications via a number of schemes, like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), candidates can compare their scores and find out if they are eligible to receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
There is not one specific Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that one should attain to be eligible for Express Entry to Canada. The CRS cutoff does vary at different Express Entry draws depending on things such as immigration class, number of invitations issued, and labor market priorities of Canada. For Indian applicants a better CRS score generally enhances their chance to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The latest Express Entry draws show that the scores required for a successful application are not the same for applying under the Express Entry programs such as Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), etc.
| CRS Score Range | General Guidance |
|---|---|
| 500+ | Highly competitive for many general and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draws. |
| 450–499 | May be competitive for selected category-based draws, depending on IRCC requirements. |
| 400–449 | Candidates can improve their chances through category-based draws or by securing a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination. |
| Below 400 | Consider increasing your CRS score by improving language test results, gaining additional work experience, pursuing higher education, or obtaining a provincial nomination. |
Important: There is no guaranteed CRS score that results in an Invitation to Apply (ITA). In every Express Entry draw, IRCC publishes new CRS cut-off, which may vary depending on the number of ITAs issued, and the category of Express Entry draw. The people applying for Express Entry must check the latest Express Entry rounds of invitations released by IRCC for the latest CRS cut-off scores.
Each province and territory in Canada has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), through which it can satisfy needs on local labour markets. A skilled foreign worker with work experience in Canada may get nominated by the province, which may significantly increase the chances of getting permanent residence in Canada afterward. A variety of PNP streams are integrated with the Express Entry system.
From the start of April 23 through May 24, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a public consultation regarding proposed changes to the Express entry system. The purpose of the consultation was to examine the possibility of consolidating the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) into a single Federal High Skilled Program. Among the changes discussed was the possible adjustment of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Only proposals have been issued for consultation and the existing Express entry system continues to remain unchanged. Candidates are advised to keep complying with the current rules and to follow the updates from the IRCC until the amendments are finalized.
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