x
Contact us

Contact Information

1 (403) 452-9515

1 (800) 932-1190

Learn how we can help you

More Options...

What Is The Processing Time For A Canada Work Permit?

Blog posted on by Evelyn Ackah in Canada Work Permits

What Is The Processing Time For A Canada Work Permit?

The processing time for a Canada work permit varies depending on the type of work permit you are applying for, your country of citizenship and the time of year you apply. In general, the standard for work permit processing times is between 2 and 8 weeks. However, there may be delays during peak times, such as the summer months. There have been major delays the past few years in processing times due to government office closures caused by the global pandemic. As the backlog was beginning to reduce, a 2 week strike by government workers in April is causing delays. Certain types of work permits may qualify for priority, expedited processing.

BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Here are some factors that can affect the processing time for your Canada work permit:

  • The type of work permit you are applying for.
    There are different types of work permits available, each with its own set of requirements. For example, a work permit for a skilled worker will take longer to process than a work permit for a temporary foreign worker.
  • Your country of citizenship.
    Citizens of some countries may have to wait longer for their work permit to be processed than citizens of other countries. This is because the Canadian government has different processing times for different countries.
  • The time of year you apply.
    The Canadian government receives more work permit applications during the summer months than during the winter months. This means that processing times may be longer during the summer months.

If you are applying for a Canada work permit, it is important to factor in the processing time when planning your travel. You should also be prepared to provide all of the required documentation with your application. This will help to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible.

You can check the current processing times for Canada work permits on the website of the Canadian government. IRCC process times are historical and reflect how long it took to process 80% of the applications.

Example of current work permit processing time

Priority Processing

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers priority, expedited processing for businesses that need to hire foreign workers quickly This allows employers to fast-track their Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications and reduce the time it takes to receive approval. In order to be eligible for priority processing, employers must meet certain criteria and provide supporting evidence as part of their application. In some cases, employers may be required to provide additional documents or proof that they are taking steps to recruit and retain Canadian workers.

Employers may receive a 10-business day LMIA processing service for workers in certain occupations.

--> Learn More: LMIA Processing In 2023: How To Expedite Hiring Temporary Foreign Workers

Free Case Evaluation


Who Is Required To File For A Canada Work Permit?

You are required to file for a Canada work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you want to work temporarily in Canada. There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as if you are a:

  • Business visitor
  • Trader or investor
  • Intra-company transferee
  • Professional under the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
  • Spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Dependent child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

To apply for a Canada work permit, you will need to:

  • Complete an application form
  • Pay the application fee
  • Provide proof of your identity and citizenship
  • Provide proof of your education and work experience
  • Provide a letter of offer from an employer in Canada
  • Provide a medical exam

The application process can be complex, so it is important to consult with an immigration lawyer if you have any questions so your application is not unnecessarily denied or delayed.

BOOK YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION

Do You Want To Work In Canada?

Ackah Business Immigration Law can help you get your Canada work permit. We have a team of experienced immigration professionals who can guide you through the entire process. We will make sure that your application is complete and accurate, and have a proven track record of success. Ackah Law has helped hundreds of clients obtain their Canada work permits. We understand the complex immigration laws in Canada, and we are committed to helping you achieve your goals.

We offer a free case evaluation, so there is no risk in contacting us. We will answer all of your questions and help you decide if Ackah Law is the right fit for you. Don't wait any longer: the sooner you start the process, the sooner you can start working in Canada.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you immigrate to Canada. Ackah Business Immigration Law is a full-service immigration law firm for business and individual immigration, with offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. Contact Ackah Law today at (403) 452-9515 or email us directly at contact@ackahlaw.com.


Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Founder/Managing Lawyer

Ms. Ackah is passionate about immigration law because it focuses on people and relationships, which are at the core of her personal values. Starting her legal career as a corporate/commercial ...

More About Evelyn L. Ackah, BA, LL.B.

Global Talent Stream: Fast-Tracking Tech Workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS), a crucial component of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), is a good option to address the urgent need for high-skilled tech workers ...

Read More

Canada's Temporary Residents Grew 46%: Do You Want To Move To Canada?

Canada is experiencing the highest population growth since 1957, driven mostly by immigration, according to Statistics Canada. International migration accounted for 94.5% of ...

Read More

How CUSMA Can Help Americans Work in Canada

CUSMA facilitates cross-border labour mobility for Americans to work in Canada by streamlining regulations, removing barriers that previously hindered the process and expediting ...

Read More

What Is Intra-Company Transfer To Canada?

Canada is a popular destination for skilled professionals from all over the world. One way to move to Canada is through an intra-company transfer (ICT) visa. This visa allows employees ...

Read More

Canada Launches Open Work Permit For H-1B Visa Holders

Canada Announced 6 New Tech Immigration Initiatives To Attract Global Tech Talent Starting July 16, 2023, the Canadian government will introduce a new immigration stream to allow ...

Read More

Canada Foreign Workers Don't Need Study Permits

Effective immediately, foreign workers in Canada with a valid work permit no longer need study permits to get additional training and education. The Canadian government has introduced ...

Read More

A thank you note to Ackah Business Immigration Law. Everyone's transition across the border was smooth. I appreciate all the extra work your team did in getting everything sorted out.

The hard work was greatly appreciated and yielded the best-case result.

– G.B.

View All Testimonials