What Is a Canada Job Visa?
A Canada job visa is a work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorises a foreign national to work in Canada for a set period. Pakistanis commonly search for "Canada job visa" or "Canada work visa," but the legal document is a work permit, and in most cases you also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to physically enter the country.
A work permit usually states three things: who you can work for, where you can work, and for how long. Most permits are tied to a job, which is why a job offer from a Canadian employer is the starting point for the majority of Pakistani applicants. There is no permanent "job visa," but a work permit is one of the most common stepping stones to permanent residence through programs like Express Entry. For broader options across visit, study, and work routes, see our Canada visa from Pakistan guide.
Types of Canada Work Permits
Canada issues two main categories of work permit. Choosing the correct one is the single most important decision in your application.
| Permit type | Job offer needed? | LMIA usually needed? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer-specific (closed) | Yes | Often yes | Applicants with a confirmed Canadian job |
| Open work permit | No | No | Spouses of certain workers/students, graduates, special programs |
An employer-specific work permit ties you to one employer, one location, and one job. In most cases your employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC, confirming that hiring a foreign worker will not displace a qualified Canadian. The employer pays the LMIA fee — not you.
An open work permit lets you work for almost any compliant employer without a job offer or LMIA. It is not available to everyone — common eligible groups include spouses of certain skilled workers and students, and recent graduates under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Eligibility has narrowed under recent rule changes, so confirm current criteria with IRCC. Open work permit applicants pay an extra CAD $100 holder fee on top of the standard CAD $155.
Canada Work Permit Fees
Here is the current fee structure. Re-verify on the day of application via the official IRCC website, as fees can change.
| Fee | Amount (CAD) | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit (per person) | $155 | Applicant |
| Open Work Permit Holder fee | $100 (extra) | Applicant (open permits only) |
| Biometrics (per person) | $85 | Applicant |
| Biometrics (family maximum) | $170 | Applicant |
| LMIA processing | $1,000 | Employer |
| Employer compliance fee | $230 | Employer |
Processing time varies by permit type, your location, and application volume. There is no fixed promise for Pakistan — any agent guaranteeing an exact date should be treated with caution. Use IRCC's official processing-time tool for a current estimate, and review our Canada embassy fees page to plan your budget.
LMIA Jobs, Sponsorship & "Free Visa" Scams
An LMIA job is a role for which the Canadian employer has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment, allowing them to hire a foreign worker. "Visa sponsorship jobs" usually mean the same thing.
Important: there is no genuinely free government work visa.
The IRCC work permit fee always applies. "Free visa jobs in Canada" usually means the employer covers some costs (like the LMIA) — not that the visa is free. Anyone promising a guaranteed visa, a fake job offer, or asking you to pay the employer's LMIA fee is almost certainly running a scam. Verify every job offer, and confirm any consultant's licence with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) before paying anyone.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Weak ties to Pakistan — the officer is not convinced you will leave Canada.
- Insufficient or unexplained funds — sudden large deposits look suspicious.
- Inconsistent documents — forms, statements, and the job offer don't match.
- Doubtful job offer or LMIA — the role or employer can't be verified.
- Incomplete application — missing forms, photos, or fees.
- Misrepresentation — false information can trigger a multi-year ban.
Before you pay any fee or commit to an employer, confirm you actually qualify. Use our work permit eligibility calculator for a fast pre-assessment, or message our team for a profile review specific to your city and occupation.