Canada offers unique conditions that have made it one of the best migration destinations in the world. A dynamic economy, social security, excellent global connectivity, proximity to the U.S., favorable climate, low taxes, affordable housing, widespread use of English, lenient visa policies for immigrants, a strong job market, and more all contribute to making Canada an ideal destination for many.
On the other hand, given the country’s need for a skilled workforce, obtaining a work visa is considered one of the best, fastest, and easiest ways to migrate to Canada. In this article from Sarafi Hafez, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide on work migration to Canada. Stay with us.
Canadian Work Visa for Iranians
Iranians, like citizens of all other countries, have an equal opportunity to obtain a Canadian work visa. Those who successfully acquire this visa can reside in Canada either permanently or temporarily, depending on the type of visa, and can bring their entire family, including their spouse and children under 22 years of age.
Obtaining this visa requires participation in a points-based system where various factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and more play a crucial role in the calculation. Applicants who manage to score enough points from the Canadian government will have the opportunity to migrate for work to Canada.
Iranians who migrate to Canada can earn between $3,000 to $4,000 per month by taking on a simple job, which is sufficient to cover their living expenses. Additionally, your spouse will also have the right to work, contributing to the household income.
It’s important to note that in Canada’s work migration programs, Iranians have neither any advantages nor disadvantages compared to citizens of other countries. Your application will be assessed like any other applicant’s, without consideration of race or place of birth, and no discrimination will occur.
However, due to the large Iranian community in Canada, if you succeed in obtaining a work visa, you will find a vibrant Iranian community there, making you feel less isolated.
Types of Work Visas in Canada
Work visas in Canada can generally be categorized into two main groups: permanent and temporary (work permits). Each of these types has various subcategories and specific types, which we will introduce in detail below:
Work Permit
A work permit, or temporary work authorization in Canada, grants you a temporary work visa that allows you to reside and work in the country for a limited time. During this period, you have the opportunity to improve your circumstances and potentially convert your visa to a permanent one.
The temporary work visa programs in Canada include:
- TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program): This work migration program to Canada, based on the LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), is designed for hiring foreign workers. Canadian employers use TFWP to fill their skilled labor shortages through international recruitment. To obtain this type of work visa, you must have an LMIA, which indicates that your work will positively impact the Canadian economy.
- IMP (International Mobility Program): This temporary work visa program, which does not require an LMIA, is designed for individuals who can positively impact the Canadian market. The IMP visa is specifically for highly skilled workers, allowing companies to hire international workers without the need to meet LMIA requirements or prove the positive impact of their workforce on the Canadian economy.
- ICT (Intra-Company Transfer Program): This work migration program to Canada is primarily for international companies that have branches in both Canada and Iran. Using the ICT program, they can transfer their managers or employees from the Iran branch to Canada. This short-term labor transfer program is not LMIA-based and does not require proof of the individual’s positive impact on the Canadian market. The only requirement is that the individual must have at least one year of work experience with the same employer in a similar role within the past three years. This visa is typically valid for 1 to 3 years, with the possibility of renewal for up to 7 years.
- OWP (Open Work Permit): This type of visa allows the individual to work freely in Canada without being restricted to a specific employer or job position. Those who obtain an OWP are free to search for a job and work in any position where they feel comfortable, similar to a Canadian citizen. This type of visa is often granted to the spouses and children (aged 18 to 22) of work migration applicants and is not LMIA-based.
- PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit): Individuals who have obtained a Canadian study permit receive a temporary work visa known as PGWP after graduating from university. This visa allows them to stay in Canada for 1 to 3 years and work in a full-time or part-time job. After securing employment, they can convert their temporary work visa into a permanent one and eventually apply for permanent residency after a few years. PGWP is an excellent opportunity for international students to find a good job and secure their residency in Canada.
- CAREGIVER (Home Caregiver Work Visa): Caregiving is one of the most in-demand professions in Canada, with a constant job market. Therefore, a special immigration program called CAREGIVER has been designed by the Canadian government, allowing families with children or elderly individuals in need of care to bring a foreign caregiver to Canada for a specific period. Those who migrate to Canada under this program will have a job from day one and can apply for permanent residency after working as a home caregiver for at least 2 years.
- Job Seeker Visa: Under the LMIA system, you can obtain a Job Seeker Visa in Canada by earning the necessary points and migrate to Canada to search for employment. This temporary visa can be valid for 6 months to 2 years, during which you will be responsible for covering all your living expenses. If you manage to find a good job within this time, you can convert your visa to a permanent one and extend your stay in the country.
Permanent Work Visa
Canada’s permanent work visas are primarily offered through the Express Entry program, but there are other types as well. Below is a detailed explanation of these options:
Express Entry Work Migration Program
- CEC (Canadian Experience Class): The Canadian Experience Class is one of the most popular subcategories of the Express Entry program, designed for individuals with at least 1 to 3 years of work experience in Canada. The jobs eligible for this visa must be classified as skilled occupations by the government. Providing proof of English or French language proficiency can increase your chances of obtaining this visa. This program is often designed for international students who have accumulated work experience in Canada during or after their studies. If you meet the necessary criteria, you can obtain this visa quickly and easily.
- FST (Federal Skilled Trades): Individuals with skills and work experience in technical, professional, and industrial jobs such as welding, electrical work, and similar occupations can obtain a permanent work visa in Canada through the FST stream of the Express Entry program. To qualify for this visa, you must have at least 2 years of continuous work experience in the same job within the last 5 years and have received a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- FSW (Federal Skilled Worker): The FSW is one of the most important streams of the Express Entry work migration program, designed to attract highly skilled and experienced workers. This immigration program aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in Canada. To obtain it, you must score at least 67 out of 100 points possible in the Express Entry program. Meeting criteria related to age, education, language proficiency, and significant work experience is essential for obtaining this visa.
- PNP (Provincial Nominee Program): This work migration program is specifically designed to meet the specific labor needs of Canadian provinces. Canada is governed provincially, and each year, provinces submit a list of their labor needs to the central government. The government then incorporates this list into the Express Entry program, determining available job opportunities and adjusting acceptance priorities. If you meet the requirements set by one of the provinces, you can receive a PNP visa and migrate to that province for work. However, the drawback of this work visa is that it does not allow you to live or work in other provinces of Canada.
- QSWP (Quebec Skilled Worker Program): The QSWP is a unique immigration program for the province of Quebec that grants permanent residency in this province to skilled international workers. This program has its own points-based system and is considered a special subcategory of Express Entry. Keep in mind that the common language in this province is French, so having language proficiency and certification in French can play a significant role in the acceptance of your work visa application.
- AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program): This visa is specifically designed to attract skilled international workers to the four provinces of Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador). Individuals considered skilled or semi-skilled can receive an AIP work visa and migrate to Canada by obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer in these regions. However, this visa is specific to these areas, and the individual will not be permitted to work or reside in other provinces for a certain period.
- Job Offer: Having a job offer from a Canadian employer significantly impacts obtaining a work visa in Canada. The job offer visa, currently offered under the Express Entry program, requires a valid Canadian employer to officially support you through a formal letter, taking responsibility for providing you with income and employment. Keep in mind that your job offer must be full-time and include details such as the exact position, salary, benefits, working conditions, and more. Individuals who receive a job offer have a much smoother path to immigrate to Canada.
Canada Startup Visa
This permanent visa program is specifically designed for foreign entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas (startups) and wish to implement them in Canada. Those who successfully obtain the Canada Startup Visa can immigrate to Canada with the financial support of a Canadian investor (which under certain conditions can be their own funds) and have the necessary time to establish their business.
During the validity of the Startup Visa, you are not permitted to work in other jobs, but your spouse will have the freedom to work. If you can make your startup profitable, there is the possibility of converting your work visa into permanent residency. Even if your business fails, you can change your visa to another type and still obtain permanent residency in Canada.
One of the biggest advantages of the Canada Startup Visa is that up to five team members (startup team) can obtain Canadian residency along with their families (spouse and children under 22 years old). Startup visas are usually issued for a duration of five years.
Entrepreneur Visa
You can also obtain a Canadian visa by starting or purchasing an active business in Canada. This program is focused on helping create new jobs in Canada, and to qualify, you must have the necessary capital. The Entrepreneur Visa can be considered both a work migration program and an investment immigration program.
Converting a Canadian Tourist Visa to a Work Visa
This was not possible in the past, but recently, the Canadian government has implemented a program that allows Iranians who obtain a tourist visa for Canada to search for a job during their stay. If they receive a job offer, they can convert their visa into a two-year work permit or even a permanent work visa.
However, this benefit is not exclusive to Iranians; citizens of other countries can also take advantage of it.
Canada Work Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Canadian work visa, you need to meet several key criteria, which include:
- Having at least 2 to 3 years of skilled work experience within the last five years in one of the NOC jobs at TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Being under the age of 40 (although exceptions may apply).
- Possessing an IELTS language certificate with a minimum score of 6 (though there are options for obtaining a work visa with a lower IELTS score).
- Holding a bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent technical qualification).
- Scoring at least 67 points in the Express Entry program.
- Having a valid job offer (required in certain work immigration programs).
Please note that these criteria are preferable, not mandatory. In other words, while meeting these conditions is not strictly necessary to obtain a Canadian work visa, they significantly enhance your chances by helping you earn the required points. Keep in mind that exceptions and special circumstances can always arise, but following the standard guidelines is typically more effective.
Steps to Obtain a Canadian Work Visa
Obtaining a Canadian work visa generally involves straightforward steps, though the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
In general, to get a Canadian work visa, you need to register on the Canadian Embassy website, submit the required documents, and pay the application fees. Your application will then be evaluated, and if you score at least 67 points out of 100 in the initial stage, you will move to the second stage of the Express Entry program.
In the second stage, your application is placed in a pool of candidates and re-evaluated. This time, the maximum possible score is 1200. Depending on the average scores of applications in that round, your work visa application will either be accepted or rejected. If the average scores are not very high, there is a chance that you may receive a work visa even with a relatively lower score.
The Canadian government selects candidates from the pool of work immigration applicants between 20 to 25 times a year. Therefore, if you are not successful in one round, do not lose hope. Those who obtain this visa receive a 3-year residency permit and are allowed to work.
However, if you are applying for a work visa through a job offer letter, you will need to undergo multiple negotiations and complete the necessary steps to obtain the job offer letter before submitting your application. This official letter can significantly enhance your score and chances of receiving a Canadian work visa.
Financial Proof for Canadian Work Immigration
For all Canadian work immigration programs, except for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you are required to provide proof of financial stability. Financial proof is a crucial document that demonstrates your internal dependencies and reassures Canadian immigration authorities that you will return after your visa expires.
In various work permit or Express Entry programs, each applicant must show a minimum of CAD 13,310 in financial proof. For each additional family member accompanying you, an extra CAD 3,586 must be added to the total financial proof.
Financial proof is typically provided through a bank deposit with a minimum duration of 6 months. Note that after receiving the visa, you can withdraw or use the funds in the account as needed.
Required Documents for Canadian Work Visa
To apply for a Canadian work visa, you must submit the required documents through the Canadian Embassy’s website. Note that the embassy will not inform you of any missing or incomplete documents but will only communicate the result of your application.
Many applicants are rejected due to incomplete documentation without being aware of it. Therefore, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer or agency when gathering the necessary documents for a Canadian work visa. Only after receiving their confirmation that your documents are complete should you submit them to the Canadian Embassy’s system.
Generally, the most important documents you need to provide for Canadian work immigration include:
- Original and a copy of your passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
- Original and a copy of your birth certificate with translation
- Original and translated copies of educational certificates
- Proof of financial stability
- Official English or French language proficiency certificate
- Valid documents showing your work experience (such as official contracts, pay slips, insurance, etc.)
- Documents related to criminal background check
- Medical health clearance documents (general check-up tests)
- Identification documents for yourself and accompanying family members
- Official job offer letter (if applicable)
- Documents related to scientific achievements and innovations (e.g., patents, if applicable)
Scoring System for Canadian Work Visa
To obtain a Canadian work visa, you need to score at least 67 out of 100 in the scoring system to proceed to the next evaluation stages.
In this system, various factors each carry their own specific points, and their total must reach 100 in the first stage. The tables below will detail how each of these factors is scored:
Another important factor in the scoring for a Canadian work visa is the level of proficiency in English or French. The maximum score you can achieve through your language skills in Canadian immigration programs is 28 points.
Applicants can receive up to 24 points for their first language, English, and if they also have proficiency in a second language at CLB 5 level, they can earn an additional 4 points. In other words, having excellent English skills can earn you up to 24 points, and if you also know French (or another language), you can increase your language score to 28 points.
Note that for scoring language proficiency for a Canadian work visa, you need a General IELTS score, not an Academic one.
Here is the language skill scoring table for obtaining a Canadian work visa:
Language CLB Score
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLB 9 or higher | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB 8 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| CLB 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Below CLB 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The CLB-based scoring system might be a bit confusing, so the table below provides the equivalent IELTS scores for better understanding:
| معادل CLB نمره آیلتس | ||||
| سطح CLB | نمره آیتلس
ریدینگ |
نمره آیتلس
رایتینگ |
نمره آیتلس
لیسنینگ |
نمره آیتلس
اسپیکینگ |
| 10 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 6 | 5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 |
Another factor that will significantly impact your total score is your educational qualifications. The table below shows the points awarded for each level of education for Canadian work immigration:
| Degree | Points |
|---|---|
| Doctorate | 25 |
| Master’s Degree | 23 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 21 |
| Two-Year College Diploma | 19 |
| One-Year College Diploma | 15 |
| High School Diploma | 5 |
Work experience is another factor that contributes to the points for a Canadian work visa. Interestingly, while having a good work history is essential, the scores for this factor are not as high as those for the previously mentioned criteria. The table below shows the points for different levels of work experience:
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are other elements that can contribute additional points to your application. The table below highlights the other factors that can be advantageous for your Canadian work visa:
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
| If the applicant’s spouse has a language proficiency of at least CLB 4 | 5 |
| Having completed education in Canada | 5 |
| Having the spouse’s education experience in Canada | 5 |
| Having work experience in Canada | 10 |
| Having the spouse’s work experience in Canada | 10 |
| Having a job offer in Canada from the spouse | 5 |
| Having close relatives in Canada (child, parents, grandparents) | 5 |
The total score you can receive from this stage is 100 points. If you manage to achieve at least 67 points, you will advance to the second stage, also known as the POOL (the pool of applicants for Canadian work immigration).
In the POOL scoring system for Canadian work immigration, points are classified up to a maximum of 1200. The following tables provide a detailed breakdown of the scoring system for the second stage of the work visa application evaluation:
| Factors | Points for Single Applicant | Points for Applicant with Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 110 | 100 |
| Education | 150 | 140 |
| Language Skills | 160 | 150 |
| Work Experience | 80 | 70 |
The maximum points you can receive from the individual factors section is 500 points.
Additionally, your spouse’s qualifications can separately add up to 40 points to your total score, effectively compensating for any deficiencies in the table above. The points that your spouse can contribute to the work immigration application include:
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
| Education | 10 |
| Language Skills | 20 |
| Work Experience in Canada | 10 |
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are many other factors that can affect your total score. The table below outlines additional points that can be earned:
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
| Language proficiency at CLB 7 and a Master’s degree | 50 |
| Work experience in Canada combined with a Master’s degree | 50 |
| Language proficiency at CLB 7 and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Foreign work experience | 50 |
| Individuals with business occupations who have good language skills and work experience | 50 |
| Having relatives (siblings) with permanent residence in Canada | 15 |
| Proficiency in French | 30 |
| Master’s degree from Canada | 30 |
| Job offer | 50 |
| Experience in high-level management positions | 200 |
| Invitation from Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 600 |
While the maximum score achievable in the second stage is 1200 points, individuals typically enter the application process with a minimum of 450 points. If the average scores of applicants are not very high, it is even possible to obtain a Canadian work visa with this score. However, it is advisable to aim for at least 650 points to increase your chances of application acceptance.
Note that different immigration programs may require a specific minimum score.
Cost of a Canadian Work Visa
Annually, around 200,000 skilled workers globally apply for a Canadian work visa. As such, it is not possible to process applications for free. You will need to pay a fee for processing your application to the Canadian embassy, which includes fingerprinting and identity verification costs.
According to 2024 statistics, applying for a Canadian work visa through a job offer will cost approximately CAD 515. For Express Entry programs, the total processing fee can reach up to CAD 1365.
It is natural that the cost increases with the number of accompanying family members.
The cost of a Canadian work visa is generally broken down as follows:
- Individual work permit application: CAD 155
- Group work permit application: CAD 465
- Open work permit for each individual: CAD 100
- Work status assessment for each individual: CAD 355
Age Requirements for a Canadian Work Visa
To qualify for a Canadian work visa, you must be at least 18 years old and no older than 46. However, individuals older than 46 may still obtain a work visa under specific conditions, while those under 18 cannot apply for a work visa and should pursue other pathways such as education.
Generally, the younger you are (between 18 and 35 years old), the more points you will receive in the age factor of the work visa programs, with a maximum of 12 points. Each additional year of age (up to 46 years) results in a reduction of one point. Therefore, individuals over 46 will not receive any points in this category but can compensate with other scores.
Canadian Work Visa Without Language Certification
In Canadian work immigration programs, having a valid IELTS General language certificate is generally required. The necessity of this requirement is so stringent that even with a strong job offer from Canada, you cannot obtain a visa without providing language proof.
Therefore, if you are considering working in Canada, it is strongly recommended to enhance your English or French language skills.
Note: In other immigration programs, such as investment programs, there may be conditions where a language certificate is not required. However, this does not apply to work visas. The minimum acceptable English language score for this visa is between 5.5 and 6.
Canadian Work Visa with a Technical Diploma
While having higher educational qualifications can significantly impact your Canadian work visa score, it is possible to obtain this visa with a technical diploma as well.
Individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada with a technical diploma must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience and 4 years of part-time work experience. They should also possess high skills and be proficient in English.
Interestingly, those with advanced technical qualifications and skills have a greater chance of being hired in the job market. Therefore, if they successfully complete the visa application process and achieve other necessary points, their chances of finding employment in Canada will be higher.
What Are the Conditions for Renewing a Canadian Work Visa?
Individuals who have obtained a Canadian work visa but have not yet achieved permanent residency can renew their work visas. To do so, you first need to assess your current situation to determine if you still meet the requirements for your previous visa. If not, you will need to apply for a different type of work visa.
For example, many people enter Canada with a job-search visa and find employment after a few months. However, if they do not manage to secure permanent residency, they may not meet the criteria for renewing the job-search visa. In such cases, they might apply for a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) visa due to their work experience in Canada.
Assuming you meet the conditions for visa renewal, follow these steps:
- Gather the required documents.
- Complete the visa renewal application form either on paper or through the immigration website.
- Submit your application and await the result.
How to Convert a Work Visa to Permanent Residency in Canada
The most common ways to convert a work visa to permanent residency in Canada are:
- Express Entry Program: Express Entry is primarily designed for granting permanent residency to skilled workers. Individuals who achieve sufficient points in this immigration system can receive an invitation from the Canadian government (or provincial governments) to apply for permanent residency.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Provincial immigration programs in Canada are another excellent method for obtaining an invitation and achieving permanent residency in the country.
- Canadian Experience Class: Those who have at least one to three years of continuous work experience in Canada and meet other criteria can apply for permanent residency under the Canadian Experience Class.
- Sponsorship: If you have relatives, a spouse, or a friend in Canada who holds permanent residency, they can act as a sponsor to convert your work visa into permanent residency.
Generally, individuals who enter Canada on a work visa and continue to live and work there for five years can apply for and obtain permanent residency.
Also read: Renting a House or Room for Newcomers in Canada
Understanding Work Conditions in Canada
Before applying for a Canadian work visa, it is helpful to understand the working conditions in the country.
- Work Hours: The standard workday in Canada is 8 hours, and any additional hours are paid at an overtime rate. Workers are entitled to a break of 30 to 60 minutes for lunch and rest. Full-time jobs typically require 40 hours of work per week.
- Wages: The minimum wage for a full-time job varies by province, ranging from CAD 11.32 to CAD 16 per hour. Employers are required to pay 1.5 times the normal rate for any work beyond 44 hours per week.
- Leave and Holidays: Every worker in Canada is entitled to two weeks of vacation per year. There are also 10 public holidays annually, although the number may vary slightly by province.
Salaries and Earnings in Canada
Annual income in Canada varies based on job position, the province of employment, and your skill level and abilities. On average, a basic position such as a cleaner starts at around CAD 27,000 per year. In managerial roles, this income can reach up to CAD 77,000, though there is no upper limit. For instance, doctors and business owners can earn up to CAD 300,000 annually or even more.
However, the average income in Canada is between CAD 40,000 and CAD 45,000 per year.
In-Demand Jobs in Canada for 2024
The top Canadian jobs for 2024 with higher chances of obtaining a work visa include:
- Nurses and Health Science Specialists
- Specialist Physicians
- Administrative Managers
- Construction Workers
- Sales Representatives
- Heavy Truck Drivers
- Executives
- Librarians
- Hotel Management Positions
- Mechanics
- Electricians
Final Thoughts
Working in Canada is one of the best ways to obtain a visa for this country. Canada has always relied heavily on skilled foreign labor and owes much of its progress to these individuals. As discussed in this article, the Canadian government offers various programs for granting different types of work visas to foreign workers.
If you meet the necessary requirements, a Canadian work visa could be the ideal option for immigrating to this country. It is not only granted quickly and easily but also provides the opportunity to find employment and take the first steps toward obtaining permanent residency from the outset.
