Most Indian workers enter Canada via employer-specific work permits backed by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The employer advertises the role domestically, proves no qualified Canadian is available, and applies for LMIA approval from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Once approved, the worker applies for a work permit. Processing takes 2–5 months combined. Sectors with Global Talent Stream (GTS) LMIA get expedited 2-week processing — critical for IT companies hiring Indian software engineers.
International graduates of eligible Canadian institutions receive an open PGWP for up to 3 years (matching program length). This is the most popular route for Indian IT and engineering graduates and directly feeds Express Entry pools. No LMIA required — you can work for any employer across Canada.
| Sector | NOC Codes | Avg Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Development | 21232, 21230 | 95,000–130,000 |
| Registered Nursing | 31301 | 75,000–95,000 |
| Civil Engineering | 21300 | 80,000–105,000 |
| Data/Cloud Architecture | 21211 | 110,000–145,000 |
Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are the top destinations for Indian tech professionals. Quebec has its own immigration system requiring French language proficiency for most work categories.
India is eligible for the Student Direct Stream (SDS), which targets 20-day processing. Requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall (no band below 6.0), upfront GIC deposit of CAD 10,000 at a participating Canadian bank, first-year tuition paid in full, and a valid letter of acceptance from a DLI. The SDS approval rate is significantly higher than the regular stream.
Study permit holders can work up to 24 hours/week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus work is unlimited. Co-op and internship programs tied to curricula allow additional paid work through co-op work permits. After graduation, the PGWP provides an open work permit of up to 3 years, making Canada one of the most attractive study destinations for Indians seeking permanent residence pathways.
Express Entry manages three federal programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP). Candidates are ranked by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Recent draws for all-program rounds have required CRS scores of 470–500. Category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, French) can have lower cutoffs of 430–460. Indian applicants typically benefit most from Canadian Experience Class draws after accumulating 1+ year of Canadian skilled work experience.
Each province runs its own streams. Key options for Indians:
The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) covers Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland. Employers in these provinces designate job offers which allow direct PR pathways without Express Entry pool competition. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot communities also offer employer-supported PR for those willing to settle outside major metros. These are excellent alternatives for Indian applicants with lower CRS scores.
Indian citizens who hold a valid US visa or have previously held a Canadian visa may apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a full visitor visa. The eTA costs just CAD 7, is linked electronically to your passport, and is typically approved within minutes to a few hours. It is valid for 5 years or until passport expiry. Most Indian travelers flying into Canada check their eligibility for eTA before assuming they need a full visa.
Indian passport holders without a valid US visa must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Applications are submitted online via the IRCC portal or at a VFS Global Canada center in India. Key requirements:
The border officer determines actual entry duration, typically up to 6 months. Visitors can request extensions from within Canada via IRCC's online portal before their authorized stay expires. Canada does not stamp passports on entry — your authorized stay is recorded electronically. Overstaying has serious consequences for future immigration applications, including Express Entry.