In view of this, Canada continues to be a top favorite for highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs from all possible walks of life. Most work visas, however, would need an original job offer or contract with an employer before they can be applied for; however, applying for a Canada work visa without an employer in 2025 can still be achieved through various avenues.
Open Work Permits
Such permits allow an individual to take employment from Canadian employers without securing a job offer before obtaining the permit. Open work permits are typically available under certain programs:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): It is only for those who completed a specific course in a designated institution in Canada.
- Open Work Permit for spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers or international students in Canada.
- International Experience Canada (IEC): It is an open program for youth of countries with bilateral agreements with Canada.
Global Talent Stream
Global Talent Stream (GTS), which conditions an applicant to the expeditious processing of work permits for expatriates, particularly skilled workers. Generally, an employer will submit the application to process for and on behalf of the worker; nonetheless, some streams allow certain self-employed professionals or contractors working in eligible industries to apply through this stream independently.
Venture Capital Program
The Start-Up Visa Program is best for the person who is a startup and wants to establish a business in Canada. Much unlike a conventional job offer, the applicant should:
- Obtain support from a designated venture capital fund, a group of angel investors, or business incubators.
- Pass the language proficiency requirements
- Show adequate settlement funds.
This will give the residents permanent residency status that allows them to live and work in Canada.
For Self Employed
The Self-Employed Program is often desirable for someone who has been engaged at a level with a lot of experience in some of the fields of culture or sports and has the intention to make a contribution to the cultural or sports landscape of the country. It requires among others, a demonstration of relevant experience, skills, and intention of being self-employed in Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
In addition, some provinces also have immigration streams not based on offers of employment. They are listed below:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Human Capital Priorities Stream.
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): International Skilled Worker Category.
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream.
These programs usually relate to specific skill and work experience requirements linked to the labor market conditions prevailing in the province.
Express Entry System
This is an application management system in the same category as the other three economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
The Express Entry system does not require a job offer, but it does boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Interestingly, high-scoring applicants without a job offer can still receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency from time to time.
Steps To Apply For A Work Visa Without An Employer
- Find Out Eligibility: Determine the scholarship pertinent to your qualifications and aspirations.
- Prepare Your Documents: Document proof of expertise, education, and financial means.
- Submit Your Application: Apply to the preferred program via the IRCC portal.
- Attend an Interview: Some programs might require candidates to attend interviews or do further checks.
