Canada Work Permit Visa from Dubai

You can apply for a Canada Work Permit Visa from Dubai, opening doors to professional opportunities in Canada. This visa allows skilled professionals and qualified workers based in Dubai to live and work in Canada legally. Beyond gaining Canadian work experience and competitive compensation, it can also serve as a pathway to long-term residency and career advancement.

Canada Work Permit Visa

A Canada Work Permit is an official authorization issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specified period. Work permits are essential for those seeking to join the Canadian workforce while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.

There are two main types of work permits:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: Grants permission to work for a designated employer in a specified role and location. The employer details, job title, and work duration are clearly defined.
• Open Work Permit: Allows the holder to work for any eligible employer across Canada. This is typically issued to spouses of certain permit holders, international graduates, or participants in specific programs.

Why a Visa is Required Alongside a Work Permit?

While a work permit authorizes employment in Canada, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is necessary to enter the country. The visa confirms that Canadian border authorities have approved your entry and stay for the duration of your work permit. In essence:

• Work Permit: Legal authorization to work in Canada.
• Visa/eTA: Legal authorization to enter and reside in Canada while holding the permit.

Together, they ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws and provide a seamless transition for professionals moving from Dubai to Canada.

Canada Work Permit Visa Requirements

A Canada Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work in Canada temporarily, either under an employer-specific permit or an open work permit. The eligibility and document requirements depend on the type of permit and whether the applicant applies from inside or outside Canada.

Canada Work Permit Eligibility

To qualify for a Canada Work Permit, an applicant must meet general eligibility conditions outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). They must:

• Prove they will leave Canada at the end of employment.
• Show they have enough funds to support themselves and their family during their stay and return home.
• Have no criminal record and submit a police clearance certificate if requested.
• Be in good health and undergo a medical examination if required.
• Not work for ineligible or restricted employers (those failing to comply with IRCC conditions or offering erotic services).
• Satisfy the officer that their purpose is temporary and comply with Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and Regulations (IRPR).

Applicants inside Canada may also be eligible if they already hold a valid study or work permit, are awaiting permanent residency, hold a temporary resident permit valid for at least 6 months, or are eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Canada Work Permit Document Requirements

Applicants must prepare and submit the following key documents depending on where they apply from:

• Valid passport or travel document.
• Digital passport-size photograph.
• Completed forms: IMM 1295 (Application for Work Permit Made Outside Canada), IMM 5645 (Family Information), IMM 5488 (Document Checklist), and Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable).
• Employer documents: Employment contract and LMIA or job offer number for LMIA-exempt categories.
• Police clearance certificate (if required).
• Medical exam results (if required).
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates for family members, if accompanying).
• Proof of financial support through bank statements, job offer, or sponsorship documents.
• Fee payment receipt showing proof of online payment to IRCC.

Applicants must upload these documents via their IRCC account following completion of the online application form.

How to Apply for Canada Work Permit?

Canada Work Permit application process is completed primarily online through the IRCC portal. Below is the updated step-by-step guide for applying for a Canada Work Permit, whether you are outside or inside Canada.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify that you meet the eligibility criteria. You must:

• Have a valid job offer or be eligible for an open work permit program.
• Prove that you’ll leave Canada once your permit expires.
• Not be criminally or medically inadmissible.
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family.
• Intend to work only for eligible employers listed by IRCC.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare key documents before starting the online form, including:

• Passport valid for the entire work period.
• Job offer letter or LMIA (if required).
• Completed IMM 1295 work permit form and IMM 5488 checklist.
• Proof of work experience or education (certificates/degrees).
• Digital photo meeting IRCC’s specifications.
• Police clearance and medical exam (if required).
• Proof of funds.
• Fee payment receipt for the work permit (CAD 155) and biometrics (CAD 85).

Step 3: Create an IRCC Online Account

• Go to the IRCC official website and create an account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner).
• Select “Apply to come to Canada.”
• Answer questions to get a personalized document checklist based on your situation (outside or inside Canada).

Step 4: Complete the Work Permit Application

• Fill out all digital forms in the portal truthfully.
• Upload all required documents from your checklist.
• Double-check all information before submission to avoid delays.
• Pay the work permit, biometrics, and open work permit holder fees (if applicable) online using a credit or debit card.

Step 5: Give Biometrics

• After submission, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in your IRCC account within 24 hours.
• Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and give your fingerprints and photo within 30 days.

Step 6: Wait for Application Processing

• IRCC will review your application and may request additional documents.
• Processing times vary by country; you can check current timelines on the IRCC “Check Processing Times” page.

Step 7: Receive Your Decision

• If approved, you’ll get a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.
• Present this letter to a border officer when entering Canada to receive your Work Permit document.

Step 8: Travel and Work in Canada

When you arrive:

• Present your passport, job offer letter, and POE letter.
• The officer will issue your physical Work Permit outlining employer, job location, and duration.

Processing Time for Canada Work Permit

As of October 2025, the processing time for Canada Work Permit applications varies by country and type of permit. According to the latest IRCC update, applications submitted outside Canada generally take 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the applicant’s location. 

Applicants inside Canada (for new or extension applications) face longer timelines, averaging around 200 days due to backlog and verification requirements. Under the Global Skills Strategy, eligible applicants in select occupations may receive a decision within 2 weeks.

Processing begins once a complete application and biometrics are received and ends when IRCC issues a decision letter.

Cost of Canada Work Permit Visa

As of 2025, the cost of a Canada Work Permit visa depends on the type of permit and the applicant’s situation. The standard processing fee for a work permit is CAD 155 per person, while those applying for an open work permit must pay an additional CAD 100 as the Open Work Permit Holder fee.

Applicants must also pay biometric fees of CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 per family applying together. If restoring worker status within Canada, an extra CAD 200 is charged, bringing the total to CAD 355.

In addition to government fees, other costs may include medical examination fees (IN, police clearance , and translation or notarization charges for non-English/French documents. 

All official payments are made online in CAD through the IRCC secure payment portal.