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Canada Work Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Canada is a top spot for those looking to work abroad. Working there can lead to a chance for permanent residence.¹ Each year, it grants around 500,000 work permits to people worldwide.

A work permit lets someone from another country work in Canada. It's key for both short-term jobs and long-term immigration plans. Knowing how to apply and what you need is important for your job and immigration dreams.

Key Takeaways

• Canada is a prime destination for foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities.
• Canada issues about half a million work permits to temporary foreign workers each year.
• A work permit is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada.
• Eligibility requirements for a Canada work visa include proving you will leave Canada when your permit expires, having sufficient financial resources, and passing a medical exam.
• The application process and required documents vary depending on whether you apply from outside or inside Canada, or at a port of entry.

Introduction to Canada Work Visas

Most foreign nationals looking to work in Canada will need a work permit.² There are mainly two kinds: the employer-specific work permits and open work permits. An employer-specific permit lets you work under certain terms. These include who your employer is, how long you can work, and where.² To get this permit, you first need a job offer with specific details and a special authorization called a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment number.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) helps Canadian businesses hire from overseas to fill job gaps. It has streams for high and low-skilled jobs, the Seasonal Agricultural Worker and the Live-In Caregiver Programs.² Sometimes, if you're the spouse or common-law partner of someone with a work permit, you can get an open work permit. This special permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.²

Every year, Canada grants about 500,000 work permits to people around the globe.¹ The cost for a Canadian closed work permit is $155 CAD. An open work permit is a bit more, at $255 CAD.¹

Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Work Visa

Getting a Canada work visa means you must meet special rules.³ These rules change based on where you apply: from outside Canada, inside Canada, or at a border crossing. To get a work permit, there are important conditions to follow.

Requirements for Applying Outside Canada

To apply from another country, show you'll leave Canada when your permit ends.³ You must prove you have enough money for you and your family during your stay and to go back home.³ Also, a medical exam checks you are in good health.³

Requirements for Applying Inside Canada

Inside Canada, you have different rules to follow.⁴ You need job experience in certain categories (NOC TEER) like NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.⁴ This experience should be from the last 10 years, in Canada or abroad. It should be at least a year of continuous work or 1,560 hours (30 hours per week).⁴ You also need to prove you are good at English or French by taking a language test.⁴

Requirements for Applying at a Port of Entry

If you apply at the border, there are specific things to consider.³ Not all work applicants can work in certain jobs like striptease or escort services.³ Some special groups, like students or refugee families, have different rules.³

No matter where you apply, having a clean record and being safe is crucial.³ Also, follow any extra rules the officer tells you. Make sure to check all the requirements and steps for a smooth process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ch9tpOqfsQ

Types of Canada Work Permits

Working in Canada offers two main paths: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. Knowing how these work permits differ is key when you're looking to work in the country. Each has its own rules and benefits.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

With an employer-specific work permit, you can only work for one employer in Canada. This is laid out in your permit, which states where you'll work and for how long.⁵ Before you apply, the company must give you a job contract and the necessary work approval, like a LMIA or a job offer number.

Open Work Permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada. It offers more freedom compared to a specific permit. Many people get open permits. For example, they're given to spouses of people with specific permits and to some immigration program participants, like those in IEC.⁵

Choosing the right work permit is crucial for your work and immigration plans in Canada. Whether you need a specific one or an open one, knowing the details is vital. This will guide you to make a smart choice and increase your job options in Canada.

Canada Work Visa Application Process

The application process for a Canada work visa depends on the type of work permit you want.¹ You'll typically need to fill out forms, show your Canadian status if you have one, provide your job offer or labor impact assessment, show your passport, and submit other documents the visa officer might require.

Required Documents

The documents you need for a Canada work visa change based on your job permit and your situation. Important papers usually include filled-out forms, a valid passport copy, proof of your skills and work past, your job offer or labor assessment, and documents the visa officer asks for.

Biometrics

Applicants outside Canada need to give biometrics when requested.¹ This means they have to provide fingerprints and a photo at a set place.

Police Clearances

If you’re applying for a work permit, you might need a police clearance if you lived in any country for more than six months after turning 18.¹ This is to show you don’t have a criminal record that stops you from coming to Canada.

Medical Examination

People planning to work in Canada less than six months might not need a health check, except for certain cases.¹ But those who will work longer or in specific jobs might have to take a medical test to meet health standards.

Be sure to check all the details for your visa application. Collecting the right documents ensures your application goes smoothly.⁶

Accompanying Family Members

Are you applying for a work visa in Canada? You might get the chance to bring your family too.⁷ This includes your spouse and kids. They can join you without extra student permits. Plus, your spouse can work for anyone in Canada with an open work permit.⁷

If your family is already in Canada because you have a work permit, they might get an open permit too. This allows work anywhere in Canada (except some places).⁷ Spouses of students are also eligible for this.⁷ But, those coming with students might need a visitor or student visa.⁷

Parents of minor students without a guardian can get a visitor record for child care.⁷ Always seek advice from immigration experts for the best help.⁷

Family members can apply for a work permit together with you, either online or when entering Canada.⁸ They can also apply on their own or later.⁸ But, they must wait for you to get your work permit first if they want an open one.⁸

Applying online as a group is an option for families.⁸ If you arrive together, make sure everyone’s work permit eligibility is clear.⁸ Family members have a chance to apply after you do, even if they could apply together at first.⁸

Even after you extend your work permit, your family can still join you to work.⁸ For post-graduation work permits, they must meet certain criteria.⁸ But, if they apply before you get your PGWP decision, they must wait for your result too.⁸

When discussing family and work permits, many asked if they should say "Yes" or "No" to the question about being accompanied in Canada.⁹ If the family isn't coming together with the main applicant, they were advised to say "No".⁹ The question relates to those who plan to arrive together.⁹

Working in Canada with a Visa

Once you get your Canada work visa, you can start working there. You must follow the rules of your work permit. This might include working for a certain boss, at a specific place, or for a set time.¹

Finding Employment

Canada is a top choice for lots of people looking for work. Starting your career in Canada is great if you want to move there for good.¹⁰ Many temporary work programs are available. These include the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and the International Experience Canada. They let you work in Canada for a while.¹⁰

Benefits of Working in Canada

Working in Canada on a temporary basis could lead to becoming a permanent resident.¹⁰ If your skills match the job and you meet other requirements, you can apply to stay longer through programs like the Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.¹⁰ Also, family of work permit holders can get their own permits for working or studying in Canada.²

Wanting a short-term job or aiming for long-term stay? The Canada work visa can help with your career and immigration dreams.¹

Extending Your Canada Work Visa

If your Canada work visa is almost up and you want to keep working in Canada, you might be able to extend it. The steps to do this vary with your permit type and your own situation.¹¹ You must apply and give all needed documents before your permit runs out.

The cost to extend a work permit in Canada is usually 155 CAD. Open work permit holders might need to pay an extra 100 CAD.¹¹ Most of the time, you can extend your permit more than once.¹¹ But it's important to act quickly, even if your permit has expired, to avoid any status issues.

For work permit extensions in Canada, the fee is typically 155 CAD. Open work permit holders pay an extra 100 CAD.¹¹ Your ability to extend your work permit in Canada depends on meeting the rules.¹¹ Certain permits need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), but not all, such as open permits.

¹² You need to make sure your application gets in before your permit ends to stay legal in Canada.¹² The deadline changes if you apply online or by mail. For online, use Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), but mail applications use the date they are received.

¹² Going online means you don't pay for shipping, plus you can upload needed documents fast and check your status online.¹² You can use prepaid cards from certain brands for your online application. But, check their rules first.¹² Some job fields, like healthcare, or certain groups, like refugees, have special steps for applying to extend work permits in Canada.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency

Working in Canada with a work visa is a great step towards staying permanently. You might qualify based on your job and your skills. Look into programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. They can help you apply for permanent residence.¹³ The Express Entry system gives points for your Canadian work experience, skills, and even a job offer.

To move from a work permit to permanent residence, there are different paths. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one. It lets you apply for PR status in about a year if you've worked skillfully in Canada for a year.¹³ The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) takes longer, about 12 to 18 months. You need a qualification from a Canadian school for this.¹³ Through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), applicants nominated can apply within a year and a half of their nomination.¹³

For those in Quebec, to apply through the Quebec Experience Class (QEC), you need two years of work there and know some French.¹³ Temporary streams like the Essential Worker and Healthcare Worker programs were set up during COVID-19. They help people in these jobs get permanent residency. It's usually not possible to go from a visitor visa to PR directly. But changing from visitor to work visa might work if you get a job in Canada.¹³ If you're on a W-1 visa, you also have paths to become a permanent resident.

It's key to look into your choices early and start the PR application process while you're still working in Canada. This can use your work experience to help secure your permanent residency.

Canada Work Visa Fees and Processing Times

When you want to apply for a canada work visa, keep in mind the fees and how long it takes. For a specific job in Canada, it costs $155 CAD. But if it's an open work permit, you pay $255 CAD.¹ There are extra costs for things like renewing a permit or when many artists apply together.

Getting your canada work permit can take various times. Things like the job type, your skills, and the number of applicants matter.¹ You will need to show many papers. These include your filled-in forms, your status proof, a job offer, CV, and money proof for your stay in Canada.

Remember that fees and times for canada work visas can be updated. It's wise to look at the Government of Canada's site for the newest info.¹⁴ Knowing the costs and waiting times helps you plan well for your canada work permit request.

Work Permit Type	Processing Fee
Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit	$155 CAD per person
Open Work Permit	$255 CAD per person

A specific job's Canada permit is $155 CAD, while it is $255 CAD for an open permit.¹ There are more costs for some situations, like renewing or when artists apply together.

Conclusion

Canada has work visa programs that help people from other countries work there. You can get a work visa by knowing what you need, how to apply, and the kinds of work permits available.¹⁵ This is useful if you want a short-term job or to stay in Canada longer. It helps achieve your work and immigration dreams.

In the cases of Singh v Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), Ekpenyong v Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), and Momi v. Canada (Minister of Citizenship & Immigration), some things were noted. Things like following the law, travel history, and having a stable job should be seen as good for your case.¹⁶ Also, the court's decision in Thavaratnam v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration) said that just mentioning weak family ties isn't enough. You need to explain more if you say you'll leave Canada.¹⁶

Because Canada added visa rules for Mexicans again¹⁷ and has more people asking for asylum, especially in Quebec¹⁷, it's more important to understand the work visa process. Talking to experts like those at Stepwise Immigration can help a lot.¹⁵ They can guide you through the legal stuff, making it easier to get a work permit and join Canada's growing workforce.

FAQ

What is a Canada work visa?

A Canada work visa, known as a work permit, lets a foreigner work in Canada. It's a key for those wanting to work and stay in Canada. This visa can also help lead to becoming a permanent resident.

What are the main types of Canada work permits?

There are mainly two Canada work permits. The first kind ties you to work for a certain employer. The other, an open work permit, lets you work for any employer in Canada.

What are the eligibility requirements for a Canada work visa?

For a Canada work visa, you must show that you'll leave when it ends. You need to prove you can support yourself and any family. You must have a clean record and be in good health. Also, you can't work for certain employers and must show whatever documents the officer asks for.

What is the application process for a Canada work visa?

The process changes based on the work permit type. Usually, you must fill out forms and provide job information or a labor market report. You also need a passport, and other documents that the officer might want.

Can my family members accompany me to Canada on a work visa?

If you have an employer-supported permit, your family can come too. Your children can go to school in Canada without a special permit. Your spouse also gets a work permit to work for any employer.

Can I extend my Canada work visa?

To keep working in Canada, you can try to extend your permit before it runs out. The steps you must take depend on your current permit and your specific situation.

Can a Canada work visa lead to permanent residency?

Yes, a temporary work visa in Canada can lead to becoming a permanent resident. Your work experience and qualifications will be important. You might qualify for permanent residency programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.

What are the fees for a Canada work visa?

Your fees depend on the permit type. A closed permit costs $155 CAD. For an open permit, it's $255 CAD. There could be more fees if you need a group permit or if you're a performing artist.

Source Links

1. https://www.canadim.com/work/
2. https://www.immigration.ca/canada-work-visa/
3. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/eligibility.html
4. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html
5. https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/results-by-topic.asp?top=17
6. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/apply.html
7. https://www.canadim.com/blog/bringing-family-to-canada/
8. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/open-work-permit-spouses-dependent-children/when.html
9. https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/clarification-about-are-you-accompanying-a-family-member-that-has-status-in-canada-or-has-recent.589273/
10. https://www.cicic.ca/939/determine_your_eligibility_to_work_in_canada.canada
11. https://chaudharylaw.com/how-to-extend-work-permit-in-canada/
12. https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/extend/apply.html
13. https://www.canadim.com/blog/move-from-temporary-worker-to-permanent-resident/
14. https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
15. https://stepwiseimmigrations.com/work-visa-consultants-to-settle-in-canada/
16. https://meurrensonimmigration.com/factors-in-determining-whether-a-temporary-worker-will-voluntarily-leave-canada/
17. https://directpathcanada.com/changes-in-canadian-visa-policy-impact-on-mexican-citizens/3/