Canada remains one of the top destinations for foreigners seeking better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. Every year, thousands of skilled and unskilled workers move legally to Canada through the work permit program. If you are searching for a Canada work visa application step by step, this detailed guide explains everything you need to know—from job offers and LMIA to documents, costs, and processing time.
Whether you are applying from Nigeria or any other country, this Canada work visa application step by step guide will help you apply confidently without falling victim to scams or agents.
This article covers:
Types of Canadian work visas
Requirements
Step-by-step application process
LMIA explained
Costs and processing time
Common mistakes to avoid
If you follow this guide carefully, you can apply confidently and legally.
What Is a Canada Work Visa?
A Canada work visa, officially called a work permit, allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific employer or job.
It is important to note:
A work visa is NOT permanent residency
It is usually temporary
Some work permits can later lead to Permanent Residence (PR)
Types of Canada Work Visas
Before applying, you must know which type of work permit you qualify for.
1. Employer-Specific Work Permit (Most Common)
This permit allows you to:
Work for one employer
At a specific location
For a fixed period
Your permit will list:
Employer name
Job title
Duration
This type usually requires LMIA.
2. Open Work Permit
An open work permit allows you to:
Work for any employer in Canada
Change jobs freely
Common open work permits include:
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
Spousal open work permit
Bridging open work permit
Most first-time foreign workers do not qualify for this immediately.
What Is LMIA in Canada Work Visa?
LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
It proves that:
No Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
Who Applies for LMIA?
The employer, not the worker.
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Why LMIA Is Important
Most foreign workers cannot apply without it
It strengthens your visa application
It shows the job is genuine
Jobs in Canada That Often Get LMIA Approval
Some jobs have higher approval chances because Canada lacks workers in these fields:
Truck drivers
Caregivers
Farm workers
Cleaners
Construction workers
Welders
Electricians
Nurses and healthcare aides
Factory and warehouse workers
Canada Work Visa Requirements
To apply successfully, you must meet basic eligibility requirements.
General Requirements
You must:
Have a valid job offer
Meet the job qualifications
Prove you will leave Canada after your permit expires
Have no serious criminal record
Be in good health (medical exam may be required)
Documents Required for Canada Work Visa
Here is a standard document checklist:
International passport
Job offer letter
LMIA approval letter (if required)
Employment contract
Proof of work experience
Educational certificates
Resume / CV
Police clearance certificate
Medical exam result
Proof of funds
Passport photographs
Visa application forms
Canada Work Visa Application Step by Step
This is the most important part of this guide. Follow it carefully to get started.
Step 1: Get a Valid Job Offer from Canada
You cannot apply blindly.
You must first:
Find a Canadian employer
Receive a written job offer
Trusted places to search:
Job Bank Canada
Indeed Canada
Workopolis
LinkedIn
Company career websites
Avoid anyone asking for visa fees upfront.
This step is the foundation of the Canada work visa application step by step, as you cannot apply without a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer.
Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA (If Required)
Once you get the job:
Employer applies for LMIA
Approval can take weeks or months
Employer sends you the LMIA number
You cannot skip this step.
Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account
Visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal and:
Create an account
Choose “Apply to work in Canada”
Answer eligibility questions
Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form
You will fill:
Personal details
Employment information
Travel history
Ensure:
Names match the passport exactly
Dates are accurate
Step 5: Upload All Required Documents
Scan documents clearly.
Do not upload:
Blurry images
Fake documents
Incorrect file formats
Step 6: Pay the Application Fees
Typical fees include:
Work permit fee: CAD $155
Biometrics fee: CAD $85
Fees are non-refundable.
Step 7: Submit Biometrics
After submission:
You’ll receive a biometric instruction letter
Visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Fingerprints and a photo taken
Step 8: Medical Examination (If Required)
Some jobs require a medical exam, especially:
Healthcare
Childcare
Food handling
Use IRCC-approved doctors only.
Step 9: Wait for Processing
Processing time depends on:
Your country
Type of job
Application volume
Average processing time:
8 to 20 weeks
Step 10: Receive Visa Decision
If approved:
You’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter
An actual work permit is issued at the airport in Canada
Canada Work Visa Processing Time
Processing times vary, but generally:
| Country | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | 12–20 weeks |
| Ghana | 10–18 weeks |
| India | 8–16 weeks |
| Philippines | 10–14 weeks |
Delays can happen due to:
Incomplete documents
Background checks
Medical issues
Cost of Canada Work Visa
Below is an estimate:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Work permit fee | CAD $155 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| Medical exam | Varies |
| Police clearance | Varies |
| Travel ticket | Not included |
Employers do not charge visa fees.
Can You Apply for Canada Work Visa Without an Agent?
Yes. Absolutely. Using an agent does not increase approval chances.
Canada immigration:
Is online
Is transparent
Does not require agents
Common Reasons Canada Work Visa Is Refused
Avoid these mistakes:
Fake job offers
Inconsistent information
Weak ties to the home country
Insufficient experience
Incomplete documents
Can a Canada Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residence?
Yes. Working legally in Canada increases your PR chances.
Many workers transition through:
Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Canada work visa application step by step process?
The Canada work visa application step by step process involves getting a valid job offer, obtaining an LMIA (if required), submitting an online application through IRCC, completing biometrics and medical exams, and waiting for a final decision. If approved, the work permit is issued at the Canadian port of entry.
- Can I apply for Canada work visa without LMIA?
Only if the job is LMIA-exempt, which is rare.
- Can Nigerians apply for Canada work visa?
Yes. Nigerians apply online through IRCC and attend biometrics in Nigeria.
- Is Canada work visa easy to get?
It is not easy, but it is possible with:
Genuine job offer
Correct documents
Honest application
- How long can I work in Canada?
Usually 1–3 years, depending on your job contract.
- Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your spouse may qualify for an open work permit, and your children can study.
Conclusion
Understanding the Canada work visa application step by step gives you a major advantage when applying to work legally in Canada. The process is not complicated, but it requires accuracy, patience, and honest documentation.
If you secure a genuine job offer, follow the official IRCC process, and submit complete documents, your chances of approval increase significantly. With the right approach, a Canada work permit can open the door to long-term opportunities, career growth, and even permanent residence.
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