Save on H1B Fees: Canada’s Work Permit Options for PR

By Visa Jobs CanadaSeptember 24, 2025September 24, 2025Work Visas & LMIA NewsCanada work permit, Canadian immigration, H1B visa, visa sponsorship, work permits

Moving to Canada? You’re in for an adventure! As international job seekers consider their next steps, Canada is increasingly welcoming skilled workers from around the globe. With affordable work permits, faster processing, and clear pathways to permanent residency (PR), it’s a great place to chase your dreams.

Why Consider Canada for Work?

If you’ve been watching the news, you might have heard about the challenging costs tied to other countries, like the hefty fees for the U.S. H-1B visa. The good news is that Canada opens its doors wide with work permit applications often costing less than $500 CAD. Plus, there’s no lottery system holding you back!

Canada values talent and innovation, and if you’re a tech enthusiast, engineer, or skilled worker, your skills could be your ticket in. Over 500,000 newcomers join Canada each year, adding to the dynamic job market.

Exploring Work Permits vs. Permanent Residency

Your journey can start with two main options. You can either go for a temporary work permit or aim straight for permanent residency (PR). Work permits are usually valid for one to three years and can be renewed. They not only allow you to work but can also give you valuable Canadian experience, which counts towards your PR application later on.

For many, beginning with a work permit is a strategic move. It not only enhances your PR chances, but also allows your spouse to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP). This means they can look for jobs as well, making your family’s transition smoother.

Key Pathways to Work Permits

Let’s break it down. Canada has several routes for skilled workers. Here’s an outline of the most popular options:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This requires an approved LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from your employer, proving that your role won’t harm the job market. Typically, LMIA fees are around $1,000 CAD, and processing takes about 3-4 months.
Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) Work Permit: If you’re already with a multinational company, this path requires no LMIA, but you need at least one year in a specialized role. Initial permits can last up to three years, with extensions possible.
Express Entry: This is for those targeting PR directly. It’s a points-based system that ranks candidates. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for PR.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provinces seek skilled workers to fill specific gaps. It’s a great option if you have ties to a specific region.

Timeframes and Costs

Processing times and fees for work permits are generally more favourable than many countries. For example, while an application for a Canadian work permit typically costs under $500 CAD, the time from application to approval ranges from weeks to months based on your home country.

In Canada, you can expect a supportive ecosystem where networking can play a vital role. Consider connecting with Canadian recruiters online to explore opportunities and get an edge in the job market.

Understanding Admissibility

Before you dive in, make sure you meet basic admissibility requirements. This includes:

Financial self-sufficiency: You’ll need proof of funds to support yourself and any family members.
Medical clearance: A clean bill of health is mandatory.
Security and criminal checks: You must have no serious legal issues in your past.

All these steps can seem overwhelming, but they’re essential in ensuring a smooth transition.

If you’re looking for job opportunities in Canada that offer visa sponsorship, check out VisaJobsCanada.com. Every listing features employers keen on supporting international applicants. Your journey towards a fulfilling career in Canada begins here!