With the recent $100,000 USD fee hike for H1-B visa petitions in the U.S., many skilled professionals are now exploring Canada as a more affordable and accessible option to build their careers in North America.
Canada offers two main ways to gain work authorization:
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Work Permits (Temporary – usually 1–3 years, renewable)
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Permanent Residency (PR – live and work indefinitely)
Main Pathways to Work in Canada
| Pathway | Status | Key Eligibility |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Work Permit | Job offer + LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from a Canadian employer |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) | Work Permit | Transfer within a multinational company to a Canadian branch as executive, manager, or specialized knowledge worker |
| Express Entry | Permanent Residence | Skilled workers with strong CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Permanent Residence | Over 80 pathways, criteria vary by province/territory |
Many foreign nationals first enter Canada on a work permit and later transition to PR, since Canadian work experience improves CRS scores under Express Entry.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
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Requires a job offer + LMIA from a Canadian employer.
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LMIA fee: 1,000 CAD (paid by employer).
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Processing time for LMIA: ~3–4 months.
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Work permit processing time varies:
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India: 8 weeks
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Nigeria: 22 weeks
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Pakistan: 12 weeks
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U.S.: 3 weeks
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Note: LMIA approvals are restricted under the low-wage stream in regions with unemployment rates above 6%.
Intra-Company Transferee (ICT)
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For employees of multinational companies transferring to their Canadian office.
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Must have worked for the employer for at least 1 year.
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Eligible positions: Executives, Managers, or Specialized Knowledge roles.
Express Entry (Permanent Residence)
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Canada’s flagship PR system.
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Steps:
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Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
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Enter the pool.
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Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if CRS score is high enough.
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Programs under Express Entry:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Canadian Experience Class
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Tip: Starting on a work permit in Canada boosts your CRS score and increases PR chances.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Over 80 nomination pathways across provinces/territories.
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Each province sets its own eligibility criteria.
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Requires an intention to settle in the nominating province.
General Requirements for All Applicants
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Financial: Must show ability to support yourself/family.
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Medical: No serious health risks or excessive demand on services.
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Criminal/Background: No serious offenses or security risks.
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Genuine Intent: Must provide truthful information and show intent to leave Canada when required.
Family Benefits
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Work permit holders’ spouses may qualify for an open work permit.
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Successful PR applicants can bring spouse and dependent children, who receive PR simultaneously.
How to Apply
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Identify the best pathway (Work Permit or PR).
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Check eligibility and prepare documents.
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Submit application online via official Canadian government portals.
While applications can be done independently, many candidates prefer professional guidance to avoid errors and delays.
Canada remains a top destination for skilled workers seeking affordable, stable, and long-term opportunities compared to the rising costs of U.S. immigration.
