How to apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai?

Surya Rathee
[Published 12 Mar, 2025 | 05:53 PM]
About Author - 7 min read
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Planning to work abroad?

Canada, known for its breathtaking landscapes, high standard of living, and robust economy, is a prime destination for professionals looking to work abroad from Dubai. The country has a constant demand for skilled workers in sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, and education, offering fantastic opportunities for career growth.

Professionals from Dubai are increasingly choosing Canada for its competitive salaries, diverse job market, and well-established social security systems. The country's global industries, multicultural environment, and focus on work-life balance are drawing many to explore job opportunities there.

Here’s how you can apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai in 2025.

Apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai

Who is eligible for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai?

To be eligible to apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai, you must:

• Have no criminal history.
• Be in good health and complete a medical exam.
• Show you have enough funds to support your stay in Canada.
• Not engage in employment with an employer on the List of Ineligible Employers.
• Demonstrate intention to return to the home country at the end of your employment.

In-demand jobs in Canada for 2025

These are the top 15 in-demand jobs in Canada for immigrants in 2025.

Types of Canadian Work Permits from Dubai

There are two types of Canadian Work Permits from Dubai:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit: An Employer-Specific Work Permit in Canada allows foreign workers to work for one specific employer. This permit may include conditions like job location, duties, and duration. The employer must often obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that hiring a foreign worker won’t harm the Canadian job market. This permit is ideal for those with a confirmed job offer in Canada and who will work for that particular employer.

2. Open Work Permit: An Open Work Permit in Canada lets foreign nationals work for any employer without being tied to a specific job. This flexible permit doesn’t require an LMIA, simplifying the process. Open Work Permits are available to certain groups, including spouses of international students, recent graduates, and participants in specific immigration programs. It offers more freedom for individuals wishing to work and live in Canada.

How to apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai?

The process to apply for a Canada Work Permit from Dubai can be done in 4 easy steps.

STEP 1: Gather the required documents. Before you apply, make sure to collect all the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Two passport-sized photographs.
• Proof of employment in Canada, e.g. LMIA.
• Proof of education, e.g. Diploma or Degree.
• Proof of relevant work experience.
• Proof of sufficient funds, e.g. bank statements.
• Copies of marriage and children’s birth certificates for accompanying dependents.
• Family information form (IMM 5707).

You must provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or French. You may also need to provide additional documents depending on your case. Make sure all your documents are accurate and up-to-date.

STEP 2: Complete the application: Complete your work permit application form. Make sure you’re form is complete and accurate. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”. Do not do these for the name fields. Also, you must sign and date the application wherever necessary. If you’re having trouble, seek guidance from our ICCRC-registered Canada Immigration Consultants in Dubai.

STEP 3: Pay the fees: When applying for the permit, you will be asked to pay the following processing fee:

STEP 4: Submit the application: You can send your application to a Visa Application Center (VAC) in Dubai that serves your area - or apply online. Make sure to fill out the Document Checklist [IMM 5488] and the required documents - and include them with your application package.

After you apply

The processing time for a Canada Work Permit application from Dubai typically ranges between 12 to 28 weeks. The exact duration depends on factors such as the type of work permit, the visa office handling your application, and the completeness of your submitted documents.

If your application is approved, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue a letter of introduction. This letter confirms that you are authorized to work in Canada. You must carry this letter when traveling and present it at the Port of Entry (PoE). However, this letter is not your actual work permit. You will receive your official Canadian Work Permit upon arrival in Canada at the PoE.

Once the border services officer reviews your documents and confirms your eligibility to enter Canada, they will print and issue your official work permit. After successfully obtaining your work permit, you may also explore pathways to apply for Canada PR. Gaining work experience in Canada can significantly improve your chances of qualifying for a PR application, such as through the Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Read more:- Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027