Working in Canada

People come from around the world to work temporarily in Canada. Every year, thousands of Indians, Nepalese, and Bhutanese choose to work in Canada to build up their own skills while helping Canadian business deal with skills shortages.

In most cases, if you to work in Canada, you must get a work permit before coming to Canada. This can only be done once you have been offered a job in Canada and your prospective employer has demonstrated to a Human Resources and Social Development Centre (HRSDC) in the city where the job is located, that the employment opportunities of Canadian citizens and residents will not be adversely affected.

Once your job offer confirmation has been issued by HRSDC, you will then need to apply for a Work Permit from the visa office.

Applying

VFS

The Canadian High Commission uses the services of VFS Visa Application Centres in nine cities across India and in one city in Nepal to ease the application process for temporary visas - visitors, students, and workers as well as travel documents for permanent residents.

If an interview is required, these will be scheduled by VFS in advance at a time convenient to applicants so they will no longer stand in line outside the High Commission or Consulate General.

Note: VFS is responsible only for accepting applications and providing advice and guidance where necessary. All visa applications will continue to be assessed by visa officers at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi or at the Canadian Consulate General in Chandigarh.

In-person Applications

In-person applications are accepted at the High Commission, New Delhi, and Consulate General, Chandigarh, from 11 to 12 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Given this time frame, please note that only a limited number of persons can submit applications in person.

Processing times are identical as for those applications submitted through VFS.

Mailed Applications

Applications are also accepted by mail. Please see the Contact Us page of our website for our mailing address.

Applications submitted by mail take a minimum of two weeks from the time an application is received in our office to process.

Processing Times

Please note that processing times vary from case to case, often due to reasons beyond our control. Some cases will take longer than the times indicated above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information you need to start applying for a Temporary Work Permit.