Canada Work Visa & Permit Process
Canada work visa, Working in Canada is an attractive option for many skilled foreign workers from all over the world. Each year, close to 2,200,000 foreign skilled workers come to work in Canada on Temporary Canadian Work Permits. There is no reason why this cannot be you too. In order to work in Canada on a temporary basis, foreign skilled workers must have a temporary offer of employment from a Canadian employer and be granted a Temporary Foreign Worker Permit by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. If you or a family member is applying for a PR card, you can also apply via an ‘Open Work permit, and if you are American or Mexican, you can fast track the working visa process via the NAFTA agreement.
There are four basic steps to getting a temporary Canadian Work Visa:
- Employer applies for labor market opinion (if necessary)
- Employer extends temporary job offer to foreign workers
- Foreign skilled worker applies for work permit
- Work permit is issued
Step 1 Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) formerly LMOs
Before applying for a temporary Canadian Work Visa, in most cases, you need to qualify for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIAs) previously called an LMO from Service Canada. A temporary tourist visa will not provide eligibility to work within Canada.
Who does not need to apply for an LMIA?
As in the case of the old LMOs, Canadian employers can recruit some TFWs without an LMIA. The following are categories where temporary work permits are LMIA exempt:
- Skilled Workers covered under the NAFTA agreement;
- Intra-Company Transferees;
- International Experience Canada participants (also known as Working Holiday Permit holders);
- Post-Graduate temporary work permit holders;
- Bridging Open Work Permit holders; and
- Participants in private academic exchanges such as postdoctoral fellows and visiting professors.
- Programs such as those above have now been reclassified as ‘International Mobility Programs.’
New! - 'Open Work Permits' for PR Applicants
As of December 15, 2012, Canadian Citizenship and Immigration service announced that they would be allowing permanent resident applicants to obtain work permits while they are awaiting the finalization of their application. This will allow permanent resident applicants to now work while they are awaiting the answer on their application!
Who is eligible for the Bridging Work Permit?
- Federal Skilled Worker Applicants
- Canadian Experience Class Applicants
- Federal Skilled Trades Program Applicants
- Provincial Nominees
Canadian Family Visas
There are alternative ways to make sure that family members that wish to be together can migrate together. Some family members such as spouses and/or dependent children can be included during the initial Канада work visa application for new immigrants to Canada. Other family members such as grandparents must be sponsored by Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Working in Canada While on a Student Visa
Since June 2014, those who are holding Canadian Study Permits who meet the eligibility criteria are allowed to work on or off the campus without the need for a separate work permit. The eligibility criteria to be able to work up to 20 hours a week are:
- Must have a valid Canadian Study Permit
- Must be a full-time student
- Must be studying at an authorized designed organization in Canada. These organizations include Canadian universities, community colleges, college d’enseignement general et professionnel (CEGEP), publicly funded trade or technical school, or a private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees.
- Must be studying at a post-secondary level in Canada, or;
- Must be studying towards a secondary level vocational qualifications, or a post-secondary level qualification in Quebec
- Must be studying on a program that awards a degree, diploma or certificate
- Must be studying on a program that lasts for at least 6 months
Have an immigration question. Fill out our FREE immigration evaluation, and we will get back to you within 24 hours.
Top 4 FAQs about Canadian Working Permits
Question 1: Do all foreigners require a Canada Work Visa?
No. Certain persons are EXEMPT or do not require Canada Work Visas, such as:
- Foreign Diplomats
- Military Personnel
- Clergy
- Performing Artists (under certain circumstances)
- Athletes
- Artists
- Ship or Truck Personnel
- Designated Foreign Buyers and Sellers
Note: Other exemptions are found in the Canadian Immigration Regulations.
Question 2: If I work in Canada on a work permit, can I get permanent resident status?
Possibly yes. If you work in Canada for one or more years under a valid work permit, you may be eligible for permanent residence under the Канадський досвід роботи or another category depending on your job classification and your language proficiency.
Question 3: Can I apply for a temporary work permit and a Canada immigration visa?
Yes, you can. You may apply for a temporary work permit on its own or in combination with an application for a Canada immigration visa.
Question 4: How long will it take to get my work permit?
Work permits that are applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry can be issued the same day (which is rare). Most Canadian work permit applications are filed outside of Canada and are released within a matter of days or weeks, depending on whether or not a medical examination is required and the workload at the particular visa office to which you applied.
Skilled Worker Applications - Canada work visa
Skilled Worker Applications: A path for Permanent Residence in Canada
If you are a skilled worker, you may be able to qualify for Immigration to Canada. A Skilled Worker application is one of the main paths for immigration to Canada. Canada accepts thousands of Skilled Worker Applications each year. However, the process is not easy and is very time consuming. Applying for Canadian Permanent residence requires knowledge of the requirements, procedures, Canadian Embassies as well as how to respond to inquiries from Canada immigration during the application process. Contact our immigration office for a comprehensive assessment of your Skilled Worker Application.
Applying for Canadian immigration as a Skilled Worker
The Skilled Worker Category is for individuals who immigrate to Canada on the basis of their own personal credentials. To qualify for this category, applicants are assessed on a number of different “factors” about their personal circumstances and are awarded “points” for each factor. How many points do you need to qualify? The answer is 67.
How can we help with your Skilled Worker Application?
Like all immigration applications, getting it right the first time is essential. Our firm makes sure that your Skilled Worker Application is prepared properly which means "all" the documentation and information necessary is assembled and organized for review by the Visa officer. We also prepare a detailed legal submission letter explaining why you are a qualified candidate for Canadian immigration. Finally, we make sure your application is submitted to the correct Visa office. Once your application is submitted we also monitor it as its being processed. We are there for you every step of the way!
Do you need help with your Skilled Worker Application? Email us at info@uscispassportsvisa.com
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