A work permit in Canada is an official document that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specific period of time. It is not a permanent immigration status but rather a temporary authorization to work in the country. Work permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are subject to certain eligibility criteria.
There are different types of work permits in Canada, including:
This type of permit is tied to a specific job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer usually needs to obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.
It permits you to work for any employer in Canada, without a specific job offer. This type of permit is often granted to individuals in specific situations, such as international students who have graduated from a Canadian institution or spouses or common-law partners of certain Canadian residents.
If you are planning to visit Canada for business purposes such as business meetings, professional activities, intra-company transfers, trading, or investment, and you fall under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), your employer does not need to obtain a labour market impact assessment (LMIA) prior to your arrival in Canada.
Individuals currently residing in the US under a valid H-1B Specialty Occupations visa are eligible to participate in this program.
Through this approach, you have the opportunity to obtain an open work permit that is valid for three years.
You are eligible if you are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status and are a citizen of Ukraine or a family member of a Ukrainian citizen.
This program allows young people from countries with bilateral agreements with Canada to obtain a work permit to gain work experience in Canada. The program has different categories, such as Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op, each with its own eligibility criteria.
Caregivers, such as those working as nannies or caregivers for individuals with medical needs, may apply for a work permit through specific caregiver programs.
The Francophone Mobility Work Permit simplifies the process for Canadian employers to hire you, eliminating the need for a labour market impact assessment, given that you fulfil specific criteria and are willing to reside and work outside the province of Quebec.
This program allows agricultural workers from certain countries to work in Canada temporarily to help with planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops.
If you are a recent graduate from Hong Kong, you might qualify to request an open work permit through a temporary public policy designed for Hong Kong residents. The open work permit you could obtain is applicable for a duration of up to three years.
If you find yourself experiencing abuse or the potential for abuse at employment in Canada, you can obtain an open work permit designed for vulnerable workers.
You have to follow the basic eligibility criteria for most of the work permit types:
To be eligible for a Canada work permit, you typically need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must include details such as job title, duties, wages, working conditions, and the duration of employment. It should also demonstrate that the position couldn’t be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
In some cases, you may need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This assessment is conducted under Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) in order to determine whether hiring a foreign worker would have a positive or negative impact on the Canadian labour market. Certain LMIA exemptions may apply based on international agreements or specific categories.
Applicants for a Canada work permit must undergo medical examinations to ensure they meet the country’s health standards. Similarly, individuals must not pose a security risk to Canada. This involves providing police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for a certain period, as requested by the immigration authorities.
To support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds. This helps ensure you won’t be in need of social assistance and can cover your expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential needs.
Here are the three steps involved in the work permit application process:
The process begins with the Canadian employer applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The employer needs to provide information about the job, including its nature, duration, salary, benefits, and efforts made to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position.
Once the employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreigners can proceed to apply for a work permit. Then you have to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The application typically includes forms, supporting documents (such as a copy of the LMIA, job offer letter, and other required documents), and payment of the processing fee. Depending on the situation, the foreign worker might need to complete a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates as well.
After reviewing the application, IRCC will make a decision regarding the work permit. If approved, the foreign worker will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction and a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), if required. The foreign worker will need to show these documents to the immigration officer upon arrival in Canada. At the port of entry, the officer will determine the final admissibility and may issue the actual work permit, allowing the foreign worker to legally work in Canada.
We offer comprehensive Canada work permit consulting services to ensure a successful transition for individuals aiming to work in Canada. Our expert consultants provide a range of essential support throughout the entire process.
Our services encompass personalized counselling and guidance according to your specific needs, ensuring you are well informed about the intricacies of the work permit application process. We meticulously handle all aspects of application processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with Canadian immigration regulations.
Our Pre-landing services extend to aiding in your preparations for arrival. We offer assistance in areas such as accommodation arrangements, travel planning, and understanding the Canadian work culture, ensuring you are well-prepared for your new professional journey.
Additionally, our post-landing services focus on helping you settle comfortably into your new environment. We provide guidance on matters like obtaining necessary documentation, finding local resources, and integrating into Canadian society seamlessly
With our dedicated Canada work visa consultant support, you can navigate the complexities of the Canadian work permit process confidently.
