Canada keeps attracting people from around the world who want to work here for a short time. As of November 2025, the rules are set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The system makes sure jobs go to Canadians first when possible, while still letting skilled workers fill real gaps.
Main Types of Work Permits
Two big programs handle most work permits:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – You need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This proves no Canadian can do the job. It’s common in farming, caregiving, and some factory roles.
In 2025, low-wage jobs are capped at 10 % of a company’s staff. The high-wage cutoff rose 20 % in most provinces (now $30/hour or the local rate, whichever is higher). - International Mobility Program (IMP) – No LMIA needed. Good for company transfers, trade-agreement jobs, or roles that clearly help Canada. Processing is usually faster.
Other options exist too:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – For students who finish a Canadian program. New rule: non-degree programs applied for after November 1, 2024, must be in shortage fields.
- International Experience Canada (IEC) – For young people from partner countries.
Who Can Apply?
You must:
- Have a real job offer.
- Pass health and security checks.
- Show you will leave when the permit ends (unless you later apply to stay).
- Prove you can support yourself (unless the job pays enough).
Family members can sometimes get open permits, but only if the main worker has a skilled job (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) and at least 16 months left on the permit. This rule started January 21, 2025.
Also Read: Australia State-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 190) Process November 2025: Eligibility & Pathway
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Category and Collect Papers
Visit the official IRCC “Work in Canada” tool to see which permit fits. Common documents:
- Passport (valid for your whole stay).
- Job offer letter (wages, hours, start/end dates).
- LMIA number (TFWP) or Offer of Employment number (IMP).
- Education certificates or work reference letters.
- Police certificate (if asked).
Step 2: Employer Does Their Part
- TFWP employers apply for an LMIA online. High-wage stream: 10–20 business days. Low-wage: up to 6 months.
- IMP employers pay $230 and upload the offer in the Employer Portal. They give you a number to use.
Companies that break rules now face fines up to $1 million and two-year bans. In 2024-2025, inspectors checked 1,435 workplaces—10 % failed.
Step 3: Fill Out and Send Your Form
Use the IRCC secure account. Pick the right form:
- Inside Canada → IMM 5710
- Outside Canada → IMM 1295
Pay $155 (work permit) + $85 (biometrics, if required). Upload everything at once—missing files cause returns.
Step 4: Give Fingerprints and Photo
Most people aged 14–79 get a biometrics letter. Book at a Visa Application Centre within 30 days. This step adds about one month.
Step 5: Wait for the Answer
Track progress in your IRCC account.
- Approved from outside → Get a Port-of-Entry letter. Show it at the border to receive the actual permit.
- Approved from inside → Permit is mailed to your Canadian address.
Quick tip: A March 2025 policy lets you start a new job while a change-of-employer application is pending, as long as your current permit is still valid.
How Long Will It Take? (November 2025 Estimates)
| Type | Fee (CAD) | Average Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit (main applicant) | $155 | 8–12 weeks (outside) 100–150 days (inside) |
| Biometrics | $85 | +1 month |
| Employer compliance (IMP) | $230 | One-time fee |
Check live times on the IRCC processing tool.
Key Rule Changes This Year
- TFWP limits – Only 82,000 new entries planned for 2025-2027 (not counting seasonal farm workers).
- Family open permits – Tighter rules from January 21, 2025.
- Employer fines – Doubled in 2025.
- Switching jobs – Easier to start new work before full approval (policy runs until 2027).
Also Read: USA H-1B Visa Process November 2025: Lottery Dates, Eligibility & Step-by-Step Application
Your Rights on the Job
You get the same pay and safety rules as Canadians. Your boss must:
- Pay at least the going rate.
- Give a clear contract.
- Keep your status legal.
You must:
- Stick to the job and employer listed (unless you have an open permit).
- Tell IRCC about any changes.
Need help? Call ESDC’s confidential line or visit a free settlement agency.
Smart Tips to Avoid Delays
- Apply 30+ days before your current status ends.
- Double-check every upload.
- Use only licensed consultants if you pay for advice.
- Watch the IRCC news page—rules can shift.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have the best chance of working legally in Canada starting November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, unless you are outside Canada or in a special program like IEC. Most people must apply online.
Most foreign nationals inside Canada cannot apply at ports of entry; online applications are required. Exemptions apply to those outside Canada or under specific programs like IEC.
What are the latest changes to family open work permits for foreign workers’ spouses?
As of January 21, 2025, eligibility is limited to spouses of workers in select skilled occupations with at least 16 months of permit validity remaining. Prior applications follow old rules.
How long does it take to process a TFWP work permit application in November 2025?
LMIA processing takes 10-20 business days for high-wage roles, up to 6 months for low-wage. Overall IRCC work permit times are 8-12 weeks outside Canada and 100-150 days inside.