Canada Government offers for foreign national the opportunity to work in Canada, temporarily or permanently. If you are looking to migrate to Canada to live permanently, check out the Express Entry Program . In case you want to travel to Canada and work temporarily, check the details below:

Who is eligible to apply for Canada Temporary work permit?

According to the Canada government website, anyone can for the work permit before they enter Canada. however there might be visa office requirements that you need to meet depending on what country you are applying from.

General Eligibility Criteria for All Work Permit Applicants

While specific requirements may vary depending on your location at the time of application, all individuals applying for a Canadian work permit must meet the following general conditions:

• Demonstrate to an immigration officer that you will leave Canada upon the expiry of your work permit;
• Provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay, as well as to cover return travel expenses;
• Comply with Canadian laws and have no criminal record (a police clearance certificate may be requested);
• Pose no threat to the security of Canada;
• Be in good health and, if required, undergo a medical examination;
• Not intend to work for an employer designated as “ineligible” due to non-compliance with regulatory conditions;
• Not seek employment with businesses that regularly offer services such as s-t-r-i-p-t-e-a-s-e, e-r-o-t-i-c dancing, e-s-c-o-r-t services, or e-r-o-t-i-c massages;
• Submit any additional documentation requested by the officer to support your eligibility to enter and work in Canada.

Applying for a Canadian Work Permit from Outside Canada

When applying for a work permit from outside Canada, you must specify both your method of application and your current location. This information ensures you receive the correct application forms.

Priority Processing for Work Permit Applications

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is currently prioritizing work permit applications in specific sectors. If your occupation does not fall under one of the prioritized categories, your application will still be processed, although it may take longer than usual.

Who Qualifies for Priority Processing?

Priority is given to applicants whose roles are considered essential, including those who directly perform or support critical services in agriculture, agri-food, and healthcare.

How to Request Priority Processing

To receive priority consideration, follow these steps when completing your work permit application:

1. Obtain the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code used by your employer in the:
   • Offer of employment, or
   • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
2. Enter only the NOC number (not the title) in Box 4 under the section “Details of Intended Work in Canada” on your application form.

Important: As of November 16, 2022, the 2021 version of the NOC system is in use. Be sure to use NOC 2021 codes if applying on or after this date.

Eligible Occupations for Priority Processing

Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector (NOC 2021 Codes)

• Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)
• Meat Cutters and Fishmongers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 65202)
• Agricultural Service Contractors and Farm Supervisors (NOC 82030)
• Livestock Labourers (NOC 85100)
• Specialized Livestock Workers and Farm Machinery Operators (NOC 84120)
• Harvesting Labourers (NOC 85101)
• Nursery and Greenhouse Labourers (NOC 85103)
• Fish and Seafood Plant Workers (NOC 94142)
• Labourers in Food and Beverage Processing (NOC 95106)
• Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing (NOC 95107)
• Industrial Butchers and Meat Cutters, Poultry Preparers, and Related Workers (NOC 94141)

Healthcare Sector (NOC 2021 Codes)

• Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (NOC 31300)
• Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (NOC 31100)
• Specialists in Surgery (NOC 31101)
• Police Investigators and Other Investigative Occupations (NOC 41310)
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians (NOC 31102)
• Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
• Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NOC 31303)
• Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists (NOC 32103)
• Other Professional Occupations in Health Diagnosing and Treating (NOC 31209)
• Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
• Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
• Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations (NOC 33101)
• Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 32121)
• Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists (NOC 32123)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
• Paramedical Occupations (NOC 32102)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)

There are special conditions
– international experience canada program
– Students and recent graduates
– work permits for permanent residence applicants.

Check more details on Canada Government Website canada.ca