info@canada-immigration.global
Official website of Canadian immigration Global
The most Dependable (45+ years experience) Canada Immigration firm with Highest Success.
Work in Canada: Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process
A work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to engage in employment while inside of Canada. Each year, Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers around the world.
Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process
Who is Eligible to Work in Canada?
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada, except for certain exemptions.
To apply for a work permit, most candidates require a Canadian job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Exceptions include recent graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutes (DLIs) and spouses of individuals already in Canada on work or study permits.
Candidates applying for a work permit must also:
- Demonstrate intent to leave Canada upon permit expiration.
- Show they have adequate funds to support themselves and their family in Canada and for their return.
- Not have criminal or medical inadmissibility issues.
- Intend to work with an eligible employer.
- Provide necessary documents proving eligibility for entry into Canada.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):
– Temporary Foreign
– Worker Program (TFWP)
– Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
– Global Talent Stream
LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer
– International Mobility
– Program (IMP)
– NAFTA Work Permits
– CETA Work Permits
– Intra-Company Transfers
Open Work Permits (no job offer or LMIA required):
– Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
– Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
– International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
– Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
– Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
How to Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies based on the type of permit sought. For instance, international students in Canada often receive authorization to work part-time with their study permit.
Most closed work permit applications mandate a valid Canadian job offer supported by an LMIA. Even for LMIA-exempt or work-permit-exempt individuals, specific documentation is crucial for entry into Canada. There are two main pathways for Canadian work permits: closed (restricted) and open work permits.
How to Obtain a Canadian Work Permit
The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit varies based on the type of permit sought. For instance, international students in Canada often receive authorization to work part-time with their study permit.
Most closed work permit applications mandate a valid Canadian job offer supported by an LMIA. Even for LMIA-exempt or work-permit-exempt individuals, specific documentation is crucial for entry into Canada. There are two main pathways for Canadian work permits: closed (restricted) and open work permits.
Am I Eligible to Apply for a Work Permit with a Canadian Job Offer?
Having a Canadian job offer doesn’t automatically qualify you for a work permit. The job offer must meet specific criteria, such as being supported by a positive LMIA or being exempt from requiring an LMIA. Quebec has its procedures for assessing job offers.
What Can I Do on a Canadian Work Permit?
Your physical work permit outlines the specific conditions of your authorization, including work type, location, employer, and duration. Work permit holders are not permanent residents and must leave Canada upon permit expiry.
While working in Canada, if you aim to stay permanently, complete our free assessment form for a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration prospects.
Including Family Members on Your Work Permit Application
If you’re applying for a Canadian work permit supported by an employer, your spouse and dependent children may join you in Canada. School-aged children can attend Canadian educational institutions without needing a separate study permit. Additionally, your spouse or partner might qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
Cost of a Canadian Work Permit
The processing fee for a closed work permit is $155 CAD per person, whereas an open work permit costs $255 CAD per person. Additional fees apply for restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists.
Applying for a Canadian Work Permit
The process for applying for a Canadian work permit varies depending on the type of permit you need. Start by determining the best work permit for your situation. If you need assistance with your application, reach out to us to schedule a consultation with one of our team members.
Required Documents for a Canadian Work Permit
The documents needed for a Canadian work permit application depend on the type of permit. Applicants may need to provide:
– Completed application forms
– Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
– Family members’ proof of status (if applicable)
– Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
– Written job offer (if applicable)
– CV/ résumé
– Marriage certificate (if applicable)
– Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
– Proof of meeting job requirements
– Valid passport copy
– Copy of education credentials
– Medical exam results (if required)
– Evidence of financial means
– Proof of payment for government fees
– Recent passport-sized photos
Biometrics for Canadian Work Permits
Currently, IRCC exempts applicants applying for a work permit from within Canada from providing biometrics. Candidates applying from outside Canada must provide biometrics upon receiving a biometrics instruction letter.
Police Clearances for Canadian Work Permits
Visa officers may request police clearance certificates depending on the applicant’s country of residence history. This document must be included in the initial submission if required.
Medical Examination for Canadian Work Permit
Foreign nationals applying to work in Canada may need to undergo a medical examination based on their intended length of stay, residency history, and job type.
If your intended work period in Canada is less than 6 months, a medical exam is usually not required, except for specific cases such as roles involving close contact with people or agricultural work in certain countries.
For work periods exceeding 6 months, you must undergo a medical exam if:
– You have resided in or visited countries listed on Canada’s designated medical exam page for 6 months or longer.
– Your job involves close contact with individuals listed in the aforementioned page.
Medical exams must be conducted by a panel physician designated by IRCC. Locate a panel physician near you through IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician webpage.
Applicants have the option to complete an upfront medical exam by contacting a panel physician directly before submitting their work permit application. Failure to provide medical exam results with your initial application prompts IRCC to issue instructions on completing the exam within a specified deadline.
Photo Requirements for Canadian Work Permits
Applicants for a Canadian work permit must include a passport-sized photo that adheres to IRCC’s specifications with their application.
Processing Time for Work Permit Applications
The processing duration for a Canadian work permit application hinges on the type of permit and the applicant’s country of residence. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months.
Processing Time for LMIA Applications
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in Canada come in two types: regular and simplified (available only in Quebec). Regular LMIA processing times vary significantly among applicants, typically taking a minimum of five months for a response. Employers eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream may benefit from expedited LMIA processing. Simplified LMIA applications for Quebec are generally processed within two to three months.
Success Rate of Work Permit/LMIA Applications
The approval rate for work permit and LMIA applications cannot be generalized, as each case undergoes individual assessment. Meeting LMIA requirements should lead to approval, but outcomes rely on the discretion of reviewing officers.
Checking the Status of Your Work Permit Application
For online work permit applications, check your status via your online account. If you submitted a paper application, link it to an online IRCC account to monitor progress.
Common Reasons for Work Permit Application Refusal
Experiencing a rejection of your work permit application can be disheartening. Several factors may contribute to a refusal. If you’re unsure about the reasons behind your rejection, requesting GCMS notes can provide clarity and help address any concerns raised by the immigration officer. Here are some frequent grounds for work permit refusals:
– Insufficient evidence that you can effectively perform the duties outlined in your job offer.
– Lack of convincing proof of your intention to return to your home country after your authorized stay in Canada.
– Failure to meet the specific eligibility criteria required for the work permit you applied for.
Including Your Spouse and Dependents on Your Work Permit Application
If you’re applying for a closed Canadian work permit, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
Your spouse needs to apply for their own work permit, typically through an online application process.
Activating Your Work Permit
The method of activating your work permit depends on your location and application method.
Activating Your Work Permit after Applying from Within Canada:
Upon approval of your work permit application from within Canada, you’ll receive an approval letter from IRCC. For online applications, the approval letter will be accessible in your online account. If you applied via paper, the letter will be sent to your mailing address. Your physical work permit, already activated, will subsequently arrive by mail, allowing you to commence work in Canada.
Activating Your Work Permit after Applying from Outside Canada:
After approval of your application from outside Canada, you’ll receive instructions on obtaining your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry (POE). For online applicants, instructions will be available in your online account. Paper applicants will receive instructions by mail at their provided address.
Activating Your Work Permit at the Port of Entry:
Certain applicants may apply for a work permit directly at the Canadian border. Eligible applicants must bring documents confirming their eligibility. If approved, the officer may issue the work permit immediately at the border, allowing immediate use.
Finding Employment in Canada
Embarking on a job search in Canada can seem daunting, but numerous resources are available to assist applicants in securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. Utilize Universal Adviser’s job hunt resources, including:
– Canadian Resume Guide
– Social Media Presence Guide
Certain Canadian job positions may necessitate familiarity with the National Occupation Classification Code (NOC Code), a standard used to classify all Canadian employment types. Universal Adviser provides a tool to help individuals determine their NOC Code efficiently.
Advantages of Employment in Canada
Working in Canada offers numerous benefits. The country’s stringent labor laws ensure workplaces maintain high safety standards, with employers obligated to adhere to regulations ensuring employee well-being. Additionally, Canadian wages are competitive, and foreign nationals must receive salaries equivalent to their Canadian counterparts by law.
Moreover, certain Canadian work permits permit the spouse and children of workers to accompany them to Canada. Another significant advantage is that gaining Canadian work experience enhances eligibility for various Canadian permanent residency programs. These programs, which value Canadian work experience to varying extents, include:
– Express Entry
– Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
– Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
– Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
– Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
– Quebec Immigration Programs
– Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
Extending Your Work Permit
Typically, eligible temporary foreign workers seeking to extend their work permits must apply online. It’s advisable to initiate the extension process at least 30 days before the current permit’s expiry date. While this timeframe is recommended, technically, applicants can apply for an extension up until the last day of validity.
Locating Your Work Permit Number
Your work permit number is located in the top right corner of the permit and starts with the letter “U”.
Working in Canada without a Work Permit
Foreign nationals generally need a work permit to work in Canada, with some exceptions.
Obtaining a Canadian Work Permit without a Job Offer
Typically, foreign nationals interested in working in Canada require a written job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. However, some circumstances allow foreign workers to apply for an open work permit without a job offer, enabling them to work for any employer in Canada.
Age Limit for Canadian Work Permits
Foreign workers must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Canadian work permit. There is no maximum age limit unless applying under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Applying for Canadian Health Insurance While on a Work Permit
Healthcare in Canada is managed by each province and territory, each operating its own insurance plan. Some provinces allow work permit holders to apply for provincial health insurance coverage, often requiring residents to be physically present for a specified number of days before eligibility.
Difference between a Canadian Work Permit and Visa
A Canadian work permit authorizes foreign nationals to work in Canada, while a visa is a travel document used to enter the country. A temporary resident visa (TRV), a physical sticker in the passport, permits entry into Canada or transit through Canadian airports. To re-enter Canada after leaving, a valid visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required in addition to a work permit.
IELTS Requirement for Canadian Work Permits
Validity Period of Canadian Work Permits
Canadian work permits are typically valid for 1-2 years, subject to exceptions. Generally, a work permit will not exceed the passport validity or the duration specified in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or job offer. The permit duration may vary depending on the program under which the application is submitted.
Need for a Canadian Work Permit to Enter Canada
To re-enter Canada after traveling abroad, a valid work permit and travel document are required. While a work permit allows work within Canada, it does not permit entry. Entry into Canada necessitates a temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in conjunction with a valid passport.
Employer Sponsorship for Work in Canada
Canadian employers do not “sponsor” foreign workers but can facilitate their employment by obtaining an LMIA or submitting an electronic job offer (in LMIA-exempt categories). Any Canadian employer wishing to hire foreign workers must secure an LMIA or electronic job offer (A number) to apply for a Canadian work permit.
