July 24th, 2023 at 03:01 am
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada
People from all over the world come to Canada to work for a short time. Working in Canada has many benefits, such as the chance to be part of a global workforce, make more money, and see how people live in Canada. Getting work experience in Canada also makes it easier for you to qualify for permanent residence (PR) programs offered by the Canadian government, especially the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry program.
Most foreigners who want to work in Canada need a work permit. In this guide, we answer some of the most common questions about how to get a work permit in Canada, such as whether you need one, what kinds of work permits Canada has, who is eligible, and how to apply.
If I want to work in Canada, do I need a work permit?
If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll probably need a work permit to be able to work in Canada. Some jobs don’t require a work permit, but only if you only need to be in Canada for a short time. These jobs include foreign athletes or coaches, actors, civil aviation inspectors, business visitors, and short-term researchers. Check the government website to see if you need a work permit before you start looking for a job in Canada.
International students with a study permit in Canada may be able to work part-time without a separate work permit if their study permit lets them. Study permits, on the other hand, usually limit how many hours you can work per week and whether you can work on or off campus.
Canada’s different types of work permits
You can come to Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) if you have a work permit. People from outside of Canada who want to work in Canada can get one of two types of work permits. These are:
1. Open work permits
With an open work permit, you can work for any eligible Canadian employer for a set amount of time. With an open work permit, you can work for almost any company in Canada or switch jobs while you are there. But you can’t work for a company on the government’s list of companies that can’t hire you. On your open work permit, it will also say if you can’t work in certain fields.
To get an open work permit in Canada, you do NOT need a job offer. But open work permits are only given in certain circumstances, like:
- If you are an international student who graduated from a recognized school in Canada and are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), here’s what you need to do.
- If you’ve applied for permanent residency in Canada or are a member of a person’s dependent family who has, you’ll need to fill out a form.
- If you are married to or living with a foreign skilled worker or international student in Canada, you may be eligible for a visa.
- If you are an international student who can’t pay for your program, you may be able to get help.
- If you are a refugee, a refugee claimant, a protected person, or a family member of one of these people,
- Those who have a temporary resident permit
2. Employer-specific work permits
A “closed work permit” lets you work in Canada for one employer. A Canadian employer must offer you a job to get a work permit.
An employer-specific work permit specifies your employer, job location, and other employment details in Canada. With a work permit from one employer, you can’t change jobs.
Employers must perform a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring you, depending on the industry. An LMIA confirms that no Canadians or permanent residents can do this job and that they must hire a Temporary Foreign Worker.
Before starting a new job, you must apply for a new work permit if you have a closed one.
Eligibility criteria for a work permit in Canada
To get a work permit in Canada, you have to meet certain rules set by the government. You must:
- Prove that you will leave Canada when your work permit runs out. Prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your family while you are in Canada.
- Don’t have a criminal record and follow the law in Canada.
- Be in good health and, if asked, get a medical exam before you arrive.
- Not work for an employer who is not eligible or for a company that offers striptease, erotic dance, erotic massages, or escort services.
- Provide all essential documents to prove you can enter Canada
- Whether you are applying for a work permit from inside or outside of Canada, you must also meet other requirements.
How to get a work permit from inside Canada
In some cases, you might be able to apply for a work permit while you are already in Canada. You must meet at least one of the following requirements to be eligible:
- Have a valid work or study visa
- Get a work permit after graduation while your study permit is still good.
- Be in Canada while you wait for a decision on your PR application.
- Be married to, living with, or the child of someone who has a valid study or work permit.
- Have a temporary resident permit that is good for at least six months
- Be a citizen of the United States or Mexico who is eligible for a work permit in Canada under the CUSMA or NAFTA agreements
- Be recognized as a refugee, a person who is safe, or a person who wants to be a refugee.
How to get a work permit if you live outside of Canada
In addition to the above requirements, depending on where you are from, you may also need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or a visitor visa to enter Canada. Don’t forget that a work permit is NOT a visa. Before you make plans to go to Canada, find out if you need a visa.
Do I need a job offer to get a work permit in Canada?
Depending on the type of work permit you want, you may or may not need a job offer. For an employer-specific work permit in Canada, foreigners need a job offer. For an open work permit, however, you don’t need a job offer.
Work Permit Application Process
The process of applying for a work permit depends on how and where you apply. If you live outside of Canada and want to get a work permit, you can either fill out a paper form or apply online, but it’s easier and faster to do it online. Those who want to move to Canada must apply online.
Step 1: Gather important documents
Use the Document Checklist (IMM 5488) to gather supporting documents for a work permit from outside Canada. Know what documents you need for your area. You may need to show proof of your identity, a job in Canada, a good education, past work experience, and enough money.
If you want to apply from within Canada, you should read the instructions to find out what documents you need.
Step 2: Fill out the form for your work permit.
Carefully read the instructions and fill out the application and other forms. If you apply from outside Canada, you’ll need to fill out the Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295), the document checklist, information about your family, and, if needed, a representative.
If you apply online, you’ll need to make an IRCC account and fill out the forms digitally. You can download and print the necessary forms for paper-based applications, which are only allowed if you are applying from outside of Canada.
Step 3: Pay the fee
Figure out how much you have to pay based on the type of work permit you want and whether or not you have to give your biometrics. You can pay online with a debit or credit card and a valid email address. Don’t forget to copy your receipt and include it with your application.
Step 4: Submit the application
If you apply online, you can send your application straight to the IRCC through your account. If you choose to fill out a paper application, you will need to send it, along with your receipt of payment, to a Visa Application Center (VAC) in your area.
People who don’t need a visitor visa to come to Canada may also be able to apply for a work permit at their port of entry. Even if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you still need to meet all the other requirements to get a work permit.
Step 5: Wait for your application to be processed.
After you send in your application, you need to go to a local Visa Application Centre (VAC) (or Application Support Centre, if you’re applying from the U.S.) to give your biometrics. The IRCC will then make sure that your application is complete and that you are eligible for a work permit.
At this point, you might be asked to send more information to back up your application, meet with Canadian immigration officials in your country for an interview, or take a medical test.
What happens once my Canadian work permit is approved?
Once your application for a work permit in Canada is approved, you’ll get a letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is also called a port of entry letter of introduction. This letter is NOT your work permit, but you will need to show it to Canadian border officials when you enter the country. When you arrive in Canada, you can only get your official work permit at the port of entry.
What will be on my work permit for Canada?
Your work permit will tell you how long you can work in Canada. It also tells you when to leave the country and if your job is restricted.
The employer, job location, and job description will be on employer-specific work permits. Work permit rules must be followed by law.
Work permits require your name, date of birth, citizenship, and travel documents.
How long can I work in Canada with a valid work permit?
A work permit doesn’t let you work in Canada forever. Instead, it lets you work there for a set amount of time. Most of the time, the following will determine how long your work permit is good for:
- The time duration listed in your LMIA
- The expected length of time you’ll be working in an LMIA-exempt job
- Maximum time to apply under a program or agreement. For a PGWP, your work permit is limited to three years and depends on your study program.
- The expiration date of your passport, since your work permit won’t be good after that date.
If you still meet the requirements of your work permit and have a good reason related to your job to stay in Canada after your work permit expires, you may be able to get it extended. This may not be possible for all work permits, though.
Cost for a Canadian work permit
The fee to apply for a work permit in Canada is $155 CAD per person. A biometrics fee of $85 CAD must also be paid for each person. If you want an open work permit, you must also pay an Open Work Permit Holder fee of $100 CAD.
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