Canada Work Permit (From Spain)
Spanish citizens wanting to come to Canada for work must obtain a work permit that fits the length of their stay and the work they will undertake.
To learn more about obtaining a work permit to Canada as a Spanish national, call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or contact us online.
Canada Work Permit Overview
Canada is an attractive destination for foreign workers thanks to its growing job market and economic opportunities, quality of life, inclusivity, and different work permits, enabling them to live and work in Canada and transition to more permanent work opportunities.
Work permits enable foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specific time and under set conditions. Depending on the type of work permit, these conditions can be restricted or more flexible.
Canada launched new work permit routes in 2025 to attract more skilled workers and meet labour market demands. This offers additional opportunities for workers and entrepreneurs from Spain and eables them to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Page Contents
- Canada Work Permit Overview
- Types of Work Permits offered in Canada
- Eligibility Requirements for Canada Work Permit Applicants
- Eligibility Requirements for Work Permit Application from Spain
- Essential Supporting Documents for Work Permit Applications from Spain
- How to Apply for a Canada Work Permit from Spain?
- After Submitting Your Canada Work Permit Application
- Understanding Spain-Canada Relations in Work Permits
- Possible Complications in the Process of Obtaining a Work Permit for Canada
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Work Permits offered in Canada
Canada offers two primary types of Canadian work permits: Employer-Specific and Open Work Permit. Each type offers various immigration routes for different purposes.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
The Employer-Specific Work Permit (Permiso de Trabajo Específico del Empleador), also known as the Closed Work Permit, allows foreign nationals, including Spaniards, to visit Canada temporarily and work for a specific employer with some restrictions.
This work permit is granted for a specific duration, usually the same as the duration of the validity of the employment contract. It enables the holder to work only for that single employer in Canada. Therefore, workers must apply for a different work permit to change jobs.
Some of the key programs under the Employer-Specific Work Permit include:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (El Programa de Trabajadores Temporales Extranjeros) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill jobs when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable. The key characteristic of TFWP is the requirement for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Caregiver
The Caregiver Work Permit is an Employer-Specific Permit that allows the caregiver to work only for a specific employer. Spanish nationals who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for the Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Global Talent Stream (Programa de Inmigración Global Talent Stream) was designed to help employers hire highly skilled foreign workers quickly.
This immigration program is specifically for innovative Canadian firms referred to Service Canada by a designated referral partner, requiring specialised temporary foreign workers (TFWs) to grow.
Intra-Company Transfer
The Government of Canada offers Intra-Company Transfer, allowing multinational companies to transfer highly skilled foreign nationals to transfer from companies outside Canada and work temporarily in the Canadian branch of that company. Employers do not have to provide the Labour Market Impact Assessment.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Experience Mobility Program (Programa de Movilidad de Experiencia Internacional) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a Work Permit Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Francophone Mobility Work Permit
This program is part of the International Mobility Program and does not require an LMIA. It was introduced for French-speaking foreign nationals to allow them to live and work in Canada in one of the nine Canadian provinces or three territories outside of Quebec. This program aims to promote Canada’s bilingual and multicultural heritage.
H-1B Visa Holder Work Permit
This route is a non-immigrant work visa for foreign nationals, including Spaniards, living in the US with a valid H-1B Specialty Occupations Visa. It allows highly-skilled workers to work in Canada if they obtain a job offer and meet the eligibility criteria. This route is currently on pause.
Overnight Camp Counsellor
This program is part of International Experience Canada (IEC); however, it is an Employer-Specific Work Permit that allows young people to temporarily work in Canada as overnight camp counsellors.
Open Work Permit
Open Work Permits allow foreign nationals to work for any employer in Canada without restrictions, and applicants are not required to hold a specific job offer.
Open Work Permit routes include:
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Permit (El Permiso de Postgrado) grants permission to work for any employer in Canada. It is issued to international students who graduate from a Canadian program of study.
Spanish citizens can apply for a PGWP if they have completed a full-time program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that lasted at least 8 months and resulted in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers
The Vulnerable Workers Program is a temporary Open Work Permit for foreign workers already in Canada who are being abused or are at risk of being abused in their jobs while they are on an Employer-Specific Work Permit.
This permit allows workers to leave their abusive employer and work for a different employer in Canada.
Open Work Permit for Foreign Workers with a Support Letter from a Province or Territory
This Open Work Permit route was updated in 2024 and is tied to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Candidates can apply for it under a temporary public policy if they are foreign workers in Alberta, Manitoba, or Yukon and have been issued an open work permit support letter by a participating province or territory confirming their eligibility under the PNP Program.
Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada (SOWP)
Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada (Patrocinio Conyugal Desde el Interior de Canadá) is for spouses or common-law partners of certain temporary residents in Canada. It allows the spouse or partner to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
International Experience Canada (IEC) (Experiencia Internacional Canadá) is a set of different programs that allow young people from participating countries (including Spain) to come to Canada to live and work temporarily without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows foreign nationals to continue working in Canada and extend their status while waiting for their decision on their Permanent Residency application (Solicitud de Residencia Permanente).
To be eligible, you must submit a permanent residency application and already hold a valid work permit.
Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
The Spouse Accompanying an International Student or Worker is the spouse or common-law partner of an international student or foreign worker in Canada.
Eligible candidates may join their partner in Canada and study, work, or just visit. The spouse or partner of an international student or worker with a valid work permit may be eligible for a Spouse Open Work Permit (SOWP).
If you still need to determine the right type of work visa for you, consider contacting one of our immigration advisers.
Total Law can help you decide on the most suitable type of work permit and assess your eligibility to make the process less complicated and stress-free. To learn more, speak to one of our advisers by calling +1 844 290 6312 or online.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada Work Permit Applicants
To apply for a Canada Work Permit, you must ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your planned stay or when your work permit expires
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to show that you can cover the cost of your stay and return home and support yourself and any of your dependent family members during your stay in Canada
- Show proof of no criminal record
- Be in good health and have a medical exam (if required)
- Have no intention to work for an employer marked as ‘ineligible’ on the list of employers who were found non-compliant with the conditions provided by the Government of Canada
- Not plan to work for an employer that offers escort or erotic services
Eligibility Requirements for Work Permit Application from Spain
When applying for Work Permit from outside of Canada, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer – it should include the position, salary, and job duties
- If applicable, you may be required a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident cannot fill
- Medical examination certificate – you may be required to provide a medical certificate (certificado de examen médico) if you intend to work in healthcare, for example. This is to ensure you don’t pose a health risk
- Have a valid passport or other travel documents. Please note that if you plan to travel by air, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if you are from a visa-exempt country, such as Spain
Essential Supporting Documents for Work Permit Applications from Spain
To apply for a Work Permit to Canada from Spain, you will be required to provide the following document to support your application and show your eligibility:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of six months beyond your intended stay. You must include copies of any previous Canadian visas or permits if applicable
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Proof of funds – You must have sufficient money to support yourself and any family members accompanying you during your stay in Canada. The amount of money you will be required to demonstrate depends on factors such as the duration of your stay or whether you are bringing your dependents. You can provide bank statements, payslips, or proof of employment to prove that you have enough financial resources
- Your current resume that outlines your skills, work history and qualifications
- Proof of qualifications – any licences or certificates relevant to the job you intend to do
- A job offer letter (oferta de trabajo) is required for work permits that require a job offer. It must detail the position, job duties, salary, and terms of employment
- If needed, an invitation letter from a Canadian employer
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if needed
- If applicable, proof of relationship—If you’re applying as a spouse or partner of a temporary worker or student, you might be required to provide documents proving your relationship, such as a marriage certificate or proof of cohabitation
- Medical exam certificate, if required
- Proof of language proficiency, if required – certificate of passing a test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) that meets the required minimum score
- Completed and signed application forms:
- Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada – IMM 1295
- Family Information Form – IMM 5645
- Payment receipts for any fees related to the work permit application
How to Apply for a Canada Work Permit from Spain?
Once you have determined your eligibility and identified which type of work permit you can apply for, you can gather the required supporting documents and complete the adequate application forms (IMM 1295 and IMM 5645).
To apply for a Canada Work Permit, you must create an account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and complete the application.
You can apply on paper only if you have a disability preventing you from applying online, you hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons, or you are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.
The work permit cost is CA$155. If you are required to provide biometric information, you must pay an additional fee of CA$85.
Applying for a Canada Work Permit from Spain is a complex and often overwhelming process, with many applicants facing challenges that can impede their progress.
Total Law immigration advisers can help you avoid those challenges and ensure you navigate the process stress-free.
To discuss your case, speak to one of our advisers by calling +1 844 290 6312.
After Submitting Your Canada Work Permit Application
After you upload all your documents and submit your online application, you may receive a request to provide your biometric information. In this case, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Spain to have a photograph and fingerprints taken. There is a Canada Visa Application Centre in Madrid, Spain.
The processing times for Canadian work permits vary depending on the type of work permit and whether you are required to provide further documents or information. Additionally, missing information and incomplete applications can cause delays in processing. Thus, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Understanding Spain-Canada Relations in Work Permits
The relationship between Spain and Canada is important in Spanish citizens’ work permit processes. Spain and Canada maintain a positive relationship through shared values and economic ties.
However, the two countries extend this relationship to immigration policies and work permits that allow the movement and transfer of employees between them.
Thanks to the bilateral agreements, Spain and Canada have promoted economic and labour cooperation. Meanwhile, Mobility Programs encourage the exchange of talents.
Additionally, study and work opportunities create strong ties between the two countries, allowing many Spanish students to further their education in Canada and providing them with opportunities for work experience in Canada by applying for immigration programs such as the Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP).
This strong relationship between the two countries positively impacts the process of applying for a Canada work permit and a Canada Work Visa for Spanish citizens, who can easily apply via the Visa Application Centre in Madrid.
Possible Complications in the Process of Obtaining a Work Permit for Canada
Obtaining a work permit to Canada can be a complex and stressful process. Several complications may arise, causing delays in processing or hindering the application and preventing applicants from coming to Canada.
Some of the most common complications that may occur when you apply for a work permit include:
- Failing to submit the required documents or providing incomplete or incorrect information
- Employers who are required to obtain an LMIA may face complications when demonstrating that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market
- If an applicant is required to undergo a medical exam and fails it, the application can be rejected
- If employers are unfamiliar with the work permit application process, they may not provide the necessary support or documentation for the applicant to complete the application successfully, which can lead to complications
- Insufficient language proficiency
It is important to seek advice from immigration lawyers to avoid complications when applying for a work permit. Total Law has helped many Spanish nationals obtain work permits and visas with minimum difficulties.
To find out how we can help you, call +1 844 290 6312 and speak to one of our advisers.
How Can Total Law Help?
Navigating the work permit application process can be complex. Various challenges can arise during the process, leading to delays and rejections.
Total Law can help you by assessing your eligibility and determining the right type of work permit for your needs. Our friendly advisers guide applicants through the application process, ensuring they gather all the necessary documents and complete their application to the highest standards to minimise delays and rejections.
To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call Total Law at +1 844 290 6312 or chat with one of our advisers online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spanish citizens need a work permit to live and work in Canada legally unless they are visiting Canada short-term under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) as business visitors or if they are:
- Military personnel
- Foreign representatives
- Family members of foreign representatives
Yes, Spanish citizens can extend their stay in Canada for work purposes if they apply for an extension of their work permit or change its conditions at least 30 days before their current work permit expires.
Spanish citizens who hold a Visitor Visa in Canada are not allowed to work for a Canadian employer or engage in any paid employment unless they come as business visitors or volunteers.
