A work permit is a legal document issued by the Government of Canada that permits a foreign national to work in Canada for a specified period of time. Every year, Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers from all over the world. The process and requirements for obtaining a work permit in Canada can vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as your nationality, the type of work you intend to do, and whether you have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Many international citizens looking for jobs choose Canada as their preferred location. Canada is most of the most multicultural country in the world. Canada has a strong Economic and one the highest standard of living among the G20 Nations. Canada has great offer market with plenty of opportunities and living in Canada is affordable.
Types of Canadian work permits
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada for a specific Canadian employer, a specific period and the location where you can work (if applicable). Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, you must get a copy of your employment contract from your employer. Also your employer must give you one of the following;
- a copy of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
- an offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers)
- Open Work Permit: An open work permit lets you to work for any employer in Canada, except the employer is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages. However, not everyone is eligible for an open work permit; eligibility depends on various factors, including your situation and the type of work you plan to do. An open work permit allows your family member work for any employer in Canada.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: International students who have completed a program of study at an eligible Canadian institution may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit, which allows them to work in Canada after graduation.
Canadian Work Permit Eligibility for all applicants
To be eligible for a work permit, you typically need to meet certain requirements, including but not limited to the following:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Proof that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- A clean criminal record (a police clearance certificate may be required).
- A medical exam, if deemed necessary.
- The ability to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents while in Canada.
What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?
To apply for a Canadian work permit, you will need to provide several documents and meet specific requirements. The documents required vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for. Applicants may need to provide the following documents as part of their work permit application:
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
- Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
- Written offer of employment (if applicable)
- CV/ résumé
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Proof that you meet the job requirements
- Valid copy of your passport
- Copy of education credential
- Medical exam results (if requested)
- Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Travel Itinerary
How do I apply for a work permit?
Applying for a work permit can vary depending on your specific situation, including your country of residence and the country where you want to work. The application process for a work permit usually involves the following steps:
- a. Obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- b. Determine the type of work permit you need.
- c. Complete the required application forms and gather necessary documents.
- d. Pay the application fees.
- e. Submit your application online or at a visa application center.
- f. Attend a biometrics appointment if required.
- g. Attend an interview or medical examination if requested.
- h. Wait for the application to be processed.
- i. Receive the work permit if approved.
Can my Work Permit Be Extended
In some cases, you may be able to extend your work permit if your job or situation in Canada changes. The extension process will have its requirements.
Canadian Work Permit Processing Time
Processing times for work permit applications can vary depending on the type of permit and the number of applications being processed. It’s essential to check the most up-to-date processing times on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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