Work in Canada – Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process

Work in Canada: Canadian Work Permit & Visa Process

Canadian Work Permit: what are the requirements for Getting a Canadian work permit. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to do to get a Canadian work permit and visa:

1. Know Your Job Code:
   • Find out the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for your job to see if you qualify.
2. Employer Gets LMIA (if needed):
   • Your employer might need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove your job offer won’t affect the Canadian job market.
3. Get a Job Offer:
   • Your employer must give you a detailed job offer with your job title, description, salary, and other important information.
4. Apply for Work Permit:
   • With your job offer and possibly an LMIA, apply for a Canadian work permit. You can do this from inside or outside Canada, depending on your situation.
5. Provide Required Documents:
   • Submit your passport, qualifications proof, language test results (if needed), and any other documents they ask for.
6. Have a Medical Checkup and Give Biometrics:
   • See an approved doctor for a medical checkup and provide your fingerprints and a photo.
7. Get Your Work Permit:
   • If your application is approved, you’ll get a Canadian work permit with details about your job conditions and restrictions.

Requirements for a Canadian Visa Process

1. Check Visa Requirements:
   • Find out if you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) along with your work permit to enter Canada.
2. Collect Documents:
   • Get your valid passport, proof of financial resources, and any other papers needed for the visa application ready.
3. Apply for Visa:
   • Submit your visa application (TRV or eTA) online through the Government of Canada’s website or at a visa office.
4. Pay Fees:
   • Pay the necessary visa application fees. The cost of the fees depends on the type of visa you’re applying for.
5. Submit to a Biometrics:
   • Go to your biometrics appointment to give your fingerprints and a photo.
6. Wait for Decision:
   • Wait as your visa application is being processed. If approved, you’ll get a visa sticker on your passport.

Canadian Work Permit VS Canadian Work Visa

These are the key differences between a Canadian work permit and a Canadian work visa:

1. Purpose:
   • With a Canadian work permit, you can legally work in Canada.
   • A Canadian work visa (TRV) allows you to enter and stay in Canada.
2. Requirement:
   • Some people will need a work permit to work in Canada.
   • A visa (TRV) is needed along with the work permit to enter Canada.
3. Validity:
   • Work permits are valid for 1-2 years.
   • Visas (TRV) are valid for a shorter time, depending on the program.
4. Portability:
   • Work permits are for specific jobs and employers.
   • An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada except a few.
   • Visas (TRV) don’t restrict your employment, but work permits do.
5. Permanent Residence:
   • Having a work permit doesn’t automatically get you permanent residence in Canada. – Permanent residents of Canada can work in the country without needing a work permit.

So, a work permit permits you to work in Canada, while a visa allows you to enter the country. Think of it this way: the work permit allows you to have a job, and the visa allows you to physically enter Canada to take up that job. In most cases, you’ll need both a work permit and a visa to work legally in Canada.

The different types of Canadian visas available

The visa type you will need depends on the purpose of your visit, is it for tourism, business, study, work, or permanent immigration to Canada. The different types of Canadian visas available are:

1. Temporary Visas:
   • Visitor Visa (Single Entry or Multiple Entry)
   • Business Visitor Visa (B-1)
   • Diplomatic Visa (D-1)
   • Facilitation Visa (F-1)
   • Permit Holder Visa (P-1)
   • Student Visa (Study Permit – S-1, SX-1)
   • Work Visa (Work Permit – W-1, WX-1)
2. Permanent Resident Visas:
   • Immigrant Visa (IM-1)
   • Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
3. Other Visas:
   • Courtesy Visa (C-1)
   • Official Visa (O-1)
   • Presence at Appeal Visa (RA-1, RX-1)
   • Parents and Grandparents Super Visa (PG-1)

Cost of Applying for a Canadian Work Permit

The cost of a work permit application in Canada depends on the type of permit and how you submit your application. Here’s a basic overview from IRCC:

• Open Work Permit: $150 CAD online or $185 CAD on paper
• Employer-Specific Work Permit: $150 CAD online or $185 CAD on paper, plus extra fees for the LMIA process

What is the Processing Times for Canadian work Visa and Permit?

The time it takes to process your work permit or visa application depends on what your circumstance is and how busy IRCC is. Be prepared to wait for a short period of time and put this part when making your plans. You can find the current processing times information on the IRCC website.

Do I Need a Visa After Getting a Work Permit?

Not always, but in most cases, yes. And this depends on your nationality and how long you want to stay in Canada. IRCC is a helpful tool that will help you determine if you need a visa.

Additional Considerations:

• Professional Licensing: If you are in certain professions, you will need additional licensing or certification to work in Canada. Research the specific requirements for your chosen field.

Conclusion

Working in Canada can be dream fulfilling. You just have to know how to get a work permit and visa, the different types of permits, and any extra licenses you might need which will help you prepare well. The key to getting your work permit and visa approved is careful planning, meeting the requirements, and having a good application. This allows you to pursue your career goals in Canada. Just make sure to read the rules, gather all the documents you need, and follow the application process carefully.