Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for people seeking better jobs, stable salaries, and a high quality of life. Every year, thousands of foreign workers apply for a work permit to live and work in Canada.
The country’s strong economy, high-paying job opportunities, and transparent immigration policies make it a preferred choice for skilled, semi-skilled, and even unskilled workers. Whether you are looking for temporary work or considering a long-term move, Canada offers various pathways to enter legally and start earning.
For foreigners, the Canadian work permit is often the first step toward building a career in the country. It grants legal authorization to work for a specific employer and period.
Advertisements
While some use it as a short-term opportunity to gain international experience, others use it as a bridge toward permanent residency. Understanding the requirements, processing time, and application process is crucial for a successful outcome.
Employers in Canada often need foreign workers to fill labor shortages in industries like agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and construction.
These industries frequently offer visa sponsorship for qualified applicants, making it possible to enter the country without navigating complex job search hurdles from abroad. However, the work permit process is regulated, meaning applicants must meet strict requirements.
High-paying roles, especially in skilled sectors, can pay salaries that far exceed what is possible in many countries. This is why Canadian immigration programs continue to attract workers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
For example, a qualified healthcare worker can expect salaries between CAD 60,000 and CAD 90,000 annually, while certain trade jobs can reach even higher earnings depending on demand.
The demand for temporary foreign workers is expected to rise in 2025 due to Canada’s aging population and expanding economy. This makes it the right time to explore the requirements and processes for obtaining a temporary work permit.
The rest of this guide will walk you through the possible migration routes, the quickest ways to enter, visa options, salary expectations, and a detailed explanation of how to apply for a Canadian temporary work permit.
Ways to Migrate to Canada
Migrating to Canada can be done through several legal pathways, each designed to accommodate different types of applicants. The choice depends on your qualifications, work experience, education, and the reason for relocating.
Some individuals enter Canada through skilled worker programs that reward applicants with relevant job experience and higher education, while others opt for temporary work permits sponsored by Canadian employers.
One common route is the Express Entry system, a points-based program for skilled workers. It is ideal for professionals in high-demand occupations such as engineering, healthcare, and IT.
The Canadian government uses this system to select candidates with the highest scores for permanent residency invitations. While this is a popular method, it can take several months or even years, depending on your profile and competition.
Another option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Canadian provinces and territories have their own immigration programs to meet local labor market needs.
If you have skills in demand in a particular province, you can apply directly to that province for nomination. This often leads to faster processing and, in many cases, comes with a work permit or permanent residency pathway.
For people who may not have high educational qualifications but are willing to work in sectors facing labor shortages, temporary foreign worker programs are often the best choice.
These allow you to work for a Canadian employer for a specific time, usually one to two years, with the possibility of renewal. Employers in agriculture, food processing, trucking, and hospitality frequently recruit internationally for these roles, often with visa sponsorship.
Family sponsorship is another path. If you have a spouse, common-law partner, or close relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they can sponsor you to live and work in the country.
Students also use education as a migration route. By studying in Canada on a student visa, you can work part-time during your studies and full-time during scheduled breaks. Many graduates then transition to permanent residency through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
For those seeking quick entry, temporary work permits remain one of the fastest options, especially if you already have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The process may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the type of permit and the employer’s readiness to provide necessary documents.
What is the Quickest Way to Migrate to Canada?
The speed at which you can migrate to Canada depends largely on the pathway you choose and your readiness with supporting documents. While permanent residency programs like Express Entry are appealing for long-term settlement, they often involve longer processing times due to high application volumes and competitive selection criteria.
For individuals seeking a faster route, securing a temporary work permit is often the most efficient way to enter Canada legally and start working.
A temporary work permit can be processed in as little as a few weeks if all documents are in order and your employer has completed the necessary steps, such as obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The LMIA is a document that confirms there is no Canadian citizen or permanent resident available to fill the job, making it possible for the employer to hire a foreign worker. Once an LMIA is approved, you can apply for your work permit, and if successful, you can move to Canada and begin working almost immediately.
Seasonal agricultural jobs, hospitality roles, and certain trade positions tend to have faster processing times due to urgent labor needs. In many cases, these positions come with accommodation and transportation assistance, further reducing the challenges of relocating.
Another fast route is through international agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which allows certain professionals to obtain work permits without the lengthy LMIA process.
Similarly, intra-company transfers for employees of multinational companies with Canadian branches can lead to rapid work permit approval.
Provincial Nominee Programs with dedicated streams for in-demand workers can also be quick if you meet the eligibility criteria. Some provinces prioritize applications for healthcare workers, truck drivers, and skilled tradespeople, reducing the wait time significantly.
While a temporary work permit may not grant permanent residency immediately, it allows you to gain Canadian work experience, which can later improve your chances of securing permanent status through programs like the Canadian Experience Class. For many applicants, starting with temporary status is the quickest and most practical solution.
How to Migrate to Canada as a Nigerian
Canada has become a top choice for Nigerians seeking better job opportunities, competitive salaries, and a safe living environment.
With a growing Nigerian community in major cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Winnipeg, newcomers often find it easier to adapt to Canadian life. Migrating from Nigeria to Canada requires careful planning, a legal entry pathway, and a clear understanding of the immigration requirements.
One of the most common ways Nigerians move to Canada is through skilled worker programs like Express Entry. This system assesses applicants based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
A high score increases the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. However, this process can take several months, and meeting the requirements may be challenging for some applicants without strong qualifications or English test scores.
For many Nigerians, temporary work permits are a more accessible option. If a Canadian employer is willing to hire you, they can sponsor your work permit application. Jobs in agriculture, trucking, hospitality, and construction are frequently open to foreign workers. These sectors often have urgent labor shortages, which means the recruitment process can be quicker.
Students from Nigeria also take the academic route to Canada by applying for a study permit. Studying in Canada not only provides access to high-quality education but also allows part-time work during the semester. After graduation, students can apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, which helps them transition into permanent residency.
Another migration path is through the Provincial Nominee Program. Some provinces actively recruit Nigerians who have the skills and experience they need.
For instance, Manitoba and Saskatchewan have targeted recruitment missions for healthcare professionals, IT specialists, and skilled tradespeople from Africa.
For those with relatives in Canada, family sponsorship is a strong option. A spouse, common-law partner, or parent with permanent residency or citizenship can submit a sponsorship application on your behalf. This often provides a more direct route into Canada, although processing times vary.
Regardless of the method chosen, Nigerians applying for Canadian migration must ensure all documents are accurate and authentic. This includes passports, educational certificates, job offer letters, and language test results.
Many applications are delayed or refused due to incomplete paperwork or false information, so accuracy is critical. With the right approach and preparation, Nigerians can successfully relocate to Canada and secure well-paying jobs that match their skills.
Can I Move to Canada without a Job?
It is possible to move to Canada without having a job offer, but the options are more limited compared to applicants who already have employment secured.
Canada’s immigration system rewards those who have job offers because it shows they can contribute immediately to the economy. However, several pathways exist for individuals without pre-arranged employment.
The Express Entry system for skilled workers does not require a job offer, although having one increases your points.
Candidates without job offers can still qualify if they have strong educational backgrounds, high English or French language test scores, and relevant work experience. This route can be competitive, so meeting the minimum points threshold is essential.
Some Provincial Nominee Programs also accept applicants without job offers, especially in categories targeting young graduates, entrepreneurs, or individuals with specific qualifications that match provincial needs.
For example, certain provinces invite international graduates of Canadian institutions to stay and work without requiring them to have immediate employment.
Another option is moving to Canada as an international student. A study permit allows you to work part-time while studying, and after graduation, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit to gain Canadian work experience. Over time, this can lead to permanent residency.
Entrepreneur programs also exist for people willing to start a business in Canada. These require proof of investment funds, a viable business plan, and sometimes prior business management experience. The Start-Up Visa Program is an example, offering a direct path to permanent residency for business-minded applicants.
Some individuals choose to enter Canada as visitors and then look for work while in the country, although this approach has limitations. Canadian law does not allow visitors to work without a valid permit, so you would need to secure a job and then change your visa status before starting employment.
While moving without a job is possible, it usually involves higher costs because you must support yourself until you find employment. It also requires strategic planning to ensure you meet visa and residency requirements.
For those determined to move without a job, pursuing education in Canada or targeting immigration programs designed for skilled workers and entrepreneurs can be the most practical routes.
Salary Expectations for Foreigners in Canada
Foreign workers in Canada enjoy competitive salaries that are often much higher than earnings in their home countries. The exact amount you can expect depends on your occupation, experience, location, and industry.
On average, foreign workers in Canada earn between CAD 30,000 and CAD 80,000 per year, with specialized roles exceeding CAD 100,000 annually.
In the healthcare sector, nurses and medical technicians can expect salaries between CAD 60,000 and CAD 90,000. Information technology professionals often earn even more, with software engineers making CAD 80,000 to CAD 110,000 depending on their skills and the employer.
Skilled trades like electricians, welders, and plumbers are also in high demand, with average salaries ranging from CAD 55,000 to CAD 85,000.
Agricultural workers, although typically earning less than those in professional fields, still benefit from fair wages compared to global standards.
Seasonal farm workers can earn CAD 14 to CAD 20 per hour, with many employers providing free or subsidized housing and meals. This reduces living expenses significantly and allows workers to save more of their income.
Foreign truck drivers in Canada earn an average of CAD 50,000 to CAD 70,000 annually, with some earning more through overtime and long-haul routes. The construction industry also offers high-paying jobs, particularly for those with trade certifications and relevant experience.
Location also plays a role in determining salaries. Jobs in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia often pay more than those in Manitoba or Nova Scotia, mainly due to higher living costs and stronger economies. However, workers in less expensive provinces can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle even with lower salaries.
It is important to note that Canada’s strong labor laws ensure fair pay and benefits for foreign workers. These may include paid vacation, health insurance, retirement contributions, and sometimes relocation assistance. Employers hiring through visa sponsorship programs are also required to meet wage standards set by the government.
Overall, Canada offers foreign workers a balanced combination of high salaries, strong worker protections, and a good quality of life. Whether you are in a professional field or working in an entry-level role, you can expect to earn a fair wage and have opportunities for career advancement.
Visa Types and Options for Foreigners in Canada
Canada offers a variety of visa options for foreigners, each designed to meet different needs and circumstances. Understanding these options is essential for choosing the right path to live and work in the country.
One of the most common visas for workers is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) visa. This is issued to applicants who have a job offer from a Canadian employer that has obtained a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA confirms that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
The International Mobility Program (IMP) provides work permits without requiring an LMIA in certain situations. This applies to individuals coming under international agreements, intra-company transfers, or those providing significant cultural or economic benefits to Canada.
For skilled workers seeking permanent residency, the Express Entry visa is the primary option. It is a points-based system that assesses candidates based on factors such as education, work experience, and language skills. Provincial Nominee Program visas are also available for applicants nominated by a Canadian province or territory.
Student visas are issued to individuals accepted into Canadian educational institutions. These allow part-time work during the school term and full-time work during scheduled breaks. After graduation, students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which often leads to permanent residency.
Family sponsorship visas are available for spouses, common-law partners, parents, and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This pathway allows family reunification and provides the sponsored individual with the right to live and work in Canada.
There are also visas for entrepreneurs and investors, such as the Start-Up Visa Program, which is designed for business-minded applicants with innovative ideas and sufficient investment capital.
Choosing the right visa depends on your qualifications, goals, and timeline. Each visa type has specific requirements, processing times, and benefits, so it is essential to research thoroughly before applying. Working with a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer can increase your chances of a successful application.
How to Get Temporary Work Permit in Canada
A temporary work permit is one of the most straightforward ways for foreigners to legally work in Canada. It is ideal for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Canadian employer and wish to work in the country for a fixed period.
The first step in obtaining a temporary work permit is securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Most employers will need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove they could not find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the role. Once the LMIA is approved, you can apply for your work permit.
The application process requires submitting various documents, including your passport, the LMIA, the job offer letter, and proof of qualifications or work experience. You may also need to provide biometric information and undergo a medical examination, depending on the type of work and your country of residence.
Processing times vary depending on the type of job, your nationality, and the workload at the visa office handling your application. In some cases, it can take just a few weeks, while others may take several months.
Some work permits are LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program, such as those issued for intra-company transferees or participants in trade agreements like CUSMA. These tend to have faster processing times because they bypass the LMIA stage.
Once approved, your work permit will outline the employer you can work for, the location, and the duration of your employment. It is important to note that you must comply with these conditions to maintain your legal status in Canada.
A temporary work permit can be a stepping stone toward permanent residency. Many foreign workers use their Canadian work experience to apply for permanent status through programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.
