Determine whether you will apply for a temporary work visa or a Canadian skilled worker visa. A Canadian skilled worker visa permits you to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident without the need for an employer or sponsor. Holders of this visa are able to seek employment and apply for jobs following the exact same process as a resident worker. Visit the Canadian government's Citizen and Immigration page (See Resources).
Research the requirements to apply for a work visa. The majority of positions require a written job offer from the employer, proof of a positive labor market opinion and a diploma or proof of work experience. Canadian skilled worker visas have additional educational, professional and language requirements. A medical exam or criminal background check may also be necessary.
Obtain the necessary visa application package from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website or from the nearest Canadian visa office in your home country (See Resources). Fill out all materials in the application package and gather together all necessary additional paperwork. Remember to fill out the entire application and submit all supplemental paperwork. Failure to do so can result in the delay or cancellation of your work visa application.
Gather the required personal identification, which consists of a valid passport or a valid travel document from the country you are applying from, and six photographs of you and any family members that will accompany you. If you have already secured employment in Canada, collect a copy of your job offer or your contract with your prospective Canadian employer.
Appear at your nearest Canadian visa office. While the application and paperwork can be submitted in person or through the mail, specific concerns may be more efficiently addressed via an in-person visit. Submit the application and paperwork, along with the correct application fee and any other necessary materials, to the visa office. The Canadian visa office will return incomplete applications, so make sure all the requirements are fulfilled before submitting your application.
