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🇨🇦 Canada · Work visa

Canada Work visa approval odds

Most Canada work permits are employer-specific: the employer usually needs an LMIA (or an LMIA-exempt offer under the International Mobility Program), and you apply with that offer. The work permit fee is CAD$155 (open permits add CAD$100) plus CAD$85 biometrics. You must still satisfy the officer you'll respect the permit's conditions — ties and history matter even with a job offer.

Last reviewed July 2026 per our editorial standards. Source: IRCC — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada .

a work visa to Canada is decided mainly on whether you have a genuine, sponsored job you are qualified for. Public statistics point to an approximate base approval of around 79% for this route for a typical applicant — but your own profile can move that figure a lot in either direction.

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Your trip

The essentials. Pre-filled if you came from a specific page.

Key requirements

  • A genuine job offer from a Canadian employer
  • LMIA from the employer, or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment (IMP)
  • Work permit application: CAD$155 (+CAD$100 for open permits) + CAD$85 biometrics
  • Proof you meet the job's qualifications (education, experience, language as relevant)
  • Evidence you'll leave at the end of your authorized stay (temporary intent)

Visa fee (cost)

CAD$155 work permit fee (+CAD$100 for an open permit) plus CAD$85 biometrics.

Money & funds

No fixed savings figure for employer-specific permits, but show enough to settle initially and support yourself until wages start; open-permit streams may set their own funds rules.

Typical timeline

Highly variable by country and stream — from a few weeks to several months. LMIA processing (employer side) adds time before you can even apply.

Common refusal reasons

  • Doubts the job offer or LMIA is genuine
  • Qualifications don't match the offered role
  • Officer not satisfied you'd leave if required (ties/dual-intent concerns)
  • Insufficient settlement funds for the initial period
  • Incomplete documents or misrepresentation

What actually moves the needle

A confirmed offer from a sponsoring employer

This is the heart of work decisions for Canada. Make it concrete and documented rather than assumed.

Qualifications and experience that match the role

Officers weigh this alongside everything else — gather clear evidence before you apply.

A sponsor in good standing

Officers weigh this alongside everything else — gather clear evidence before you apply.

Avoid the common pitfall

The most frequent reason this route fails is an unconfirmed offer or a role that does not match your background. Address it directly and you remove the biggest doubt.

Frequently asked questions

What is an LMIA and do I always need one?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is the employer's proof no Canadian was available for the job. Many permits need one, but LMIA-exempt streams exist under the International Mobility Program (intra-company transfers, trade agreements, and more).

How much does a Canada work permit cost?

CAD$155 for the permit, plus CAD$100 if it's an open work permit, plus CAD$85 for biometrics (2026).

Can my spouse work in Canada too?

Often yes — spouses of many skilled work-permit holders can apply for an open work permit, depending on your occupation and stream.

Why are Canada work permits refused even with a job offer?

Common grounds: the offer or LMIA doesn't convince the officer, your qualifications don't match the role, or temporary intent is in doubt. A job offer helps but doesn't decide the case alone.

Does a work permit lead to permanent residence?

It can — Canadian work experience feeds programs like Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class, which is why work permits are a common PR pathway.

Explore related visa odds

Helpful guides

Why Canada study permits get refused — and how to avoid it → How long does a visa take? US, UK, Canada & Schengen (2026) → How to read visa approval and refusal rates → How to prove strong ties to your home country → How to document your finances for a visa → What to do after a visa refusal →