Which Canadian work visas are available for Bangladeshi citizens?

Content

I’m a 30-year-old IT professional from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, 6 years of experience as a software developer (specializing in Java and Python), and an IELTS score of 7.0. I’ve been working for a local tech firm and want to advance my career in Canada. My wife is also a qualified nurse interested in opportunities there. Which Canadian work visas or work permits are available specifically for Bangladeshi citizens like us? Please include details on eligibility requirements, popular programs like Express Entry, LMIA-based permits, Intra-Company Transfers, or any provincial nominee options, processing times, costs, and tips for Bangladeshis applying from outside Canada.

Canadian Work Permits Available to Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladeshi citizens, as third-country nationals requiring a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada, can apply for various Canadian work permits (Temporary Foreign Worker status) from outside Canada, typically through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal. Applications are processed via the Canadian Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where biometrics and document submission occur. Processing times vary (2-12+ months depending on stream and backlog; check IRCC’s website for current estimates). Fees include CAD 155 per work permit application, CAD 100 Open Work Permit Holder fee (if applicable), CAD 85 biometrics (per family max CAD 170), and potential employer LMIA fees (CAD 1,000 employer fee for most TFWP streams).

Canada offers work permits under two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) (requires Labour Market Impact Assessment – LMIA) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) (LMIA-exempt). Additionally, Open Work Permits allow work for any employer. Eligibility is based on factors like job offer, skills, language proficiency (often CLB 5+ in English/French), education, work experience, proof of ties to Bangladesh, and police certificates. Bangladeshis must demonstrate non-duress intent to return home.

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – Employer-Specific Work Permits (LMIA Required)

Employers must obtain a positive LMIA proving no Canadian available for the job. Valid for job-specific employer/location (changing jobs requires new LMIA/permit).

  • High-Wage Stream: For skilled jobs (median wage or higher in province). Duration: Up to 2 years (renewable). Caps apply in low-unemployment areas. Median wages: e.g., NOC TEER 0-3 jobs like engineers (CAD 40+/hr).

  • Low-Wage Stream: Entry-level jobs (below median wage). Limited to 20% of workforce; housing/transport provided. Duration: 1 year max first time, 2 years renewal. Housing supplement if wages <10/hr.

  • Global Talent Stream (GTS): Fast-track (10-day LMIA). For IT/tech/digital (Category A: eligible occupations like software developers NOC 21232) or innovative firms (Category B). Wage: CAD 40k/year min (Category A). Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable).

  • Agri-Food Pilot: For food processing/agriculture. Permanent residence pathway. Experience: 1 year in NOC 9536/94124/etc.

  • Caregiver Programs (Home Child Care Provider Pilot, Home Support Worker Pilot): For childcare/elder care. Requires 1 year post-secondary in relevant field + 24 months experience. Wage: CAD 17.55/hr min (Quebec varies). Leads to PR.

2. International Mobility Program (IMP) – Employer-Specific Work Permits (LMIA-Exempt)

No LMIA needed; faster processing.

  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT): For multinational employees transferring to Canadian branch. Executives/managers/specialized knowledge. Duration: 1-3 years (managers up to 7 years total).

  • Significant Benefit (C10): Jobs benefiting Canada (e.g., unique expertise, R&D). Assessed case-by-case; e.g., intra-corporate, self-employed in cultural fields.

  • International Agreements:
    | Agreement | Eligibility | Details |
    |———–|————-|———|
    | CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) | Professionals/intra-company in USMCA Chapter 16 | NOC lists: engineers, scientists. Duration: 1-3 years. |
    | CETA (EU-Canada) | Professionals/services in Annex 16-E | IT consultants, engineers. |
    | CPTPP/KORUS | Similar to CUSMA for Pacific/Asian partners | Limited applicability for Bangladeshis unless via employer. |

  • Public Policies: Temporary relief (e.g., Francophone Mobility for French-speakers outside Quebec; up to 2 years).

  • Academic Exchanges/Research: Post-docs, visiting professors.

3. Open Work Permits (OWP) – Work for Any Employer

Not tied to specific job/employer; allows job changes.

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): For Bangladeshis completing eligible Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) programs (8+ months). Duration: Matches program length (up to 3 years). Apply within 180 days of graduation. No job offer needed; CLB 7+ language for undergrad/PhD in some cases.

  • Spousal/Common-Law Open Work Permit: Spouses of:
    | Principal Applicant | Eligibility |
    |———————|————-|
    | Full-time students (DLI, master’s/doctoral/PhD) | Program 16+ months. |
    | TFWP/IMP workers | NOC TEER 0,1 (full-time, 16+ months remaining). |
    | PR applicants (paper-based) | Certain classes like FSW. |
    Duration matches principal’s status.

  • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP): For expiring permit holders with PR application in process (e.g., Express Entry, PNP). Apply 30-90 days before expiry.

  • Vulnerable Workers OWP: If facing abuse with employer (no job offer needed).

  • Others: Refugees, humanitarian reasons.

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Permits

Many PNPs offer employer-specific work permits leading to PR nomination:

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Atlantic provinces; job offer in level 0,A,B.
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): 11 communities; 1 year continuous work experience.
  • Quebec-specific: CAQ + work permit for Quebec jobs.

Application Process for Bangladeshis

  1. Secure Job Offer/LMIA (if required) from Canadian employer.
  2. Gather Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months beyond stay), photos, proof of funds (CAD 2,500+ single), ties to Bangladesh (property/family), medical/police certificates, offer letter.
  3. Apply Online: IRCC portal (create GCKey/UCI). Select Dhaka VAC.
  4. Biometrics: Book at VFS Global Dhaka (48 hours appointment).
  5. TRV Included: Work permits include entry visa.
  6. Port of Entry (POE): Final approval possible at border (bring docs).

Key Considerations for Bangladeshis

  • High Refusal Risk: Strong return intent proof critical (high refusal rates from Bangladesh ~40-50%; emphasize family/job/property).
  • Language: IELTS/TEF/CELPIP/PTE required for many (e.g., CLB 5-7).
  • Funds: Show CAD 13,757 (single) for first 3 months if no job offer.
  • Quebec: Needs Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ) first.
  • Extensions/Renewals: Apply 30 days before expiry; implied status allows work during processing.
  • Pathways to PR: Work experience counts for Express Entry (CEC/FSW), PNPs, Start-Up Visa.
  • Current Updates (as of 2024): LMIA caps tightened; 10% reduction in TFWP approvals; focus on housing impacts. Check IRCC for pilots (e.g., 2024 Recognition of Permanent Residence for Caregivers).

For latest details, visit IRCC Work Permits or consult a RCIC. Success rates improve with skilled occupations (NOC TEER 0-3).

Published: November 25, 2025