Canada runs two systems side by side: temporary work permits for coming to work now, and permanent residence routes for settling long term. Many temporary permits are employer-supported, which means the practical starting point is the same as in the United States — a job offer from a Canadian employer comes first, and the immigration paperwork follows the offer.
This guide introduces the main Canadian work and immigration routes in general terms: work permits and the LMIA, Express Entry as the points-based permanent route, and the provincial programs. Category names and the broad shape of eligibility change slowly, but fees, processing times, points thresholds, and program criteria change often, so this guide points you to the official pages wherever a number matters. Always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada websites named in the Sources line before you make plans.
Key routes and visa types
Work permits, the LMIA, Express Entry, and provincial programs.
Employer-supported work permits. The most common way to start working in Canada is a work permit tied to a specific employer and job. A Canadian employer offers you the position, and in many cases the employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — the government’s assessment that hiring a foreign worker is justified, essentially a check that no qualified Canadian worker is available for the role. With a positive LMIA, the worker applies for the work permit itself. Because the employer initiates the LMIA, your first step is finding an employer willing to go through the process.
LMIA-exempt work permits. Not every work permit needs an LMIA. Exemptions exist in general terms under international trade agreements and for intra-company transferees, among other categories. These routes still require a job offer and still lead to an employer-specific work permit — they simply skip the LMIA step. Whether a role qualifies as exempt depends on the program rules in force, so check the official pages.
Express Entry — the points-based permanent route. Express Entry is the system Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence through its federal economic programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Candidates create an online profile and are scored on factors such as education, language ability in English or French, skilled work experience, and age; the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in regular draws. It is competitive and the selection criteria evolve, so treat the official pages as the only reliable source for current scoring and cut-offs.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Canada’s provinces and territories run their own nominee programs targeting their local labour needs — a nurse for one province, tech workers for another. A provincial nomination is a major route to permanent residence alongside Express Entry, and some streams are linked to Express Entry while others run independently. If you have a particular province in mind, its PNP pages are worth reading early.
How the routes fit together, in general. A common arc is: temporary work permit first (often LMIA-based), Canadian work experience second, then permanent residence through Express Entry or a PNP. Not everyone follows this path, but understanding that temporary and permanent routes connect helps you plan beyond the first job.
For current fees, processing times, LMIA rules, and Express Entry criteria, check the official pages — these change, and an old number can mislead. The Sources line below names the official starting point.
How AlfaCareers jobs connect
Find Canadian employers open to foreign workers.
Because most Canadian work routes start with a job offer, the job search is the immigration search. Look for employers who state they hire internationally or support work permits, and read the full job description before applying. On AlfaCareers you can:
- Browse Jobs in Canada — Canadian vacancies, including roles that mention visa sponsorship.
- Search all jobs — every live listing across all countries on AlfaCareers.
- Browse all visa guides — compare Canada’s routes with the USA and UK.
When you apply, be upfront about needing a work permit or LMIA support — it saves everyone time and helps willing employers find you faster.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is general guidance only and is not legal advice. Immigration rules change frequently — always confirm current requirements on the official government websites linked below, or consult a qualified immigration adviser.
Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada — canada.ca.