A work permit grants foreign nationals the right to work temporarily in Canada. With over 100 distinct options available, foreign workers have many pathways to consider. These are categorized into two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).
The primary difference between these two programs is that the TFWP necessitates a labour market test, specifically the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Understanding Canada’s work permit options can be overwhelming, but Immigration to Canada is here to simplify the process for you. With over 45 years of experience, our premier Canadian immigration law firm is well-equipped to assist you. Schedule a free telephone consultation with our work permit lawyers by completing our contact form.
Canada boasts a fantastic work environment. Its robust economy, expanding industries, attractive salaries, and strong workplace rights make Canada a magnet for foreign workers. Additionally, with extensive growth and an aging population, there are over 1 million job vacancies across the nation!
If you’re a foreign national aspiring to work in Canada, securing a Canada work permit is essential. Numerous aspects need consideration when applying for Canadian work permits. On this page, we’ve outlined crucial elements of the Canadian work permit process and the steps you need to take to live and work in Canada.
If you’re planning to live and work in Canada and are not currently affiliated with the country, you’ll need a work permit. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are exempt from this requirement. However, numerous types of work permits are available, and identifying the right one for your situation is crucial before starting your Canadian adventure. The following factors will affect which type of work permit you may need:
Let’s explore the various types of work permits and their categories. All Canadian work permits fall into two main groups:
Open Work Permit
An Open Work Permit allows you to work for any employer throughout Canada for a specific duration. This means you don’t have to secure a new work permit if you decide to change jobs.
This type of work permit is often available under specific programs like the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Program or the International Mobility Program. These initiatives enable young people from designated countries to gain valuable international experience by working and traveling in Canada.
Detailed below are the two main categories of work permits you need to consider based on your situation.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you obtain the correct work permit for your needs, enabling a smooth transition to your new work life in Canada.
This permit allows you to live and work in Canada for a designated employer for the duration of your employment. If you lose your job, you might need to return to your home country. Below is a breakdown of some specific work programs that fall under this category:
Under the TFWP, foreign workers are issued employer-specific or closed work permits. This means they can only work for the employer listed in their permit application.
The Post-Graduate Work Permit is aimed at international graduates from Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) who wish to stay in Canada and work after completing their studies.
The Global Talent Stream allows innovative Canadian companies listed on the GTS Occupations list to hire highly specialized foreign workers in certain fields without requiring a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
The International Mobility Program supports Canada’s broader economic and cultural interests by enabling employers to hire foreign workers without an LMIA.
Beyond these, there are numerous types of work permits each designed for unique situations. For a comprehensive list of various Canadian work visas, you can refer to our detailed guide.
If you’re uncertain which permit best suits your situation, consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is highly recommended. An RCIC can assess your qualifications, assist you in choosing the most suitable pathway to Canada, and guide you through the entire application process.
Canada is renowned for its high minimum wage and the enhanced purchasing power granted to its employees, often exceeding those found in many other developed countries. Data from SalaryExpert.com indicates that the average annual salary in Canada is $66,483. However, these earnings can vary significantly from one region to another, depending on prevalent industries and living expenses, which inherently impact wages. Below, you’ll find the average salaries segmented by Canadian provinces:
To better understand the financial comfort these salaries can provide, please visit our page dedicated to the cost of living in Canada.
To apply for a work permit in Canada, having a concrete job offer from an eligible Canadian employer listed by the Government of Canada is essential. The optimal way to find jobs in Canada is through online job search platforms. Many top Canadian job sites not only list available jobs but also provide information about potential salaries. Here are some of the most notable job sites in Canada:
To understand why these platforms are considered some of the top job search sites in Canada and how they can assist you in your quest to work in the country, consider reviewing those resources. The Canada Job Bank is particularly noteworthy as it is a government-run platform, ensuring that all job postings are from recognized Canadian employers. For an in-depth guide on how to search for and secure a Canadian job offer, check out this detailed page.
To secure a work permit in Canada, both the applicant and the employer must meet specific eligibility requirements. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to know and do to ensure your eligibility.
Applicant’s Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Canadian work permit, you must meet the following conditions:
Employer’s Eligibility Criteria
Your prospective Canadian employer is required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This crucial document confirms that the employer is unable to find suitable local candidates, necessitating the hiring of foreign workers to support Canada’s job market.
Additionally, your employer must be listed among Canada’s eligible employers, a registry accessible through the Government of Canada’s official website.
Securing a Canadian work permit is a multi-step process that starts after you receive a job offer and verify your eligibility. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the application procedure:
Step 1 – Collect Required Documents
To demonstrate your eligibility, gather the necessary documentation, including:
Other Important Documents: These may be required for specific work permit streams or requested after you submit your application. Proactively gathering these can expedite the process:
Step 2 – Complete Forms and Prepare Your Answers
After gathering your documents, fill out the following necessary forms:
Step 3 – Create an Online Account
Next, set up an online account on the Government of Canada’s website to submit your forms and documents. While you have the option to apply via paper at a visa office, this can significantly increase processing times.
Step 4 – Obtain a Personal Checklist
After uploading all necessary documents and providing requested information, you will receive a personalized checklist outlining the specific tasks required to complete your application. Ensure all criteria are met to avoid delays.
Step 5 – Pay Processing Fees
Upon completing your application, pay the associated fees. These fees typically include:
Step 6 – Submit Your Application
Finally, submit your completed application and fees. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your submission for completeness and eligibility. Incomplete applications may result in delays or being returned for resubmission.
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of introduction. Please note, this letter does not guarantee entry into Canada; the decision rests with the Canadian port of entry officer.
For more information on obtaining a Canadian work permit, visit Immigration to Canada’s official resources or consult with a licensed immigration professional.
Canadian employers who aim to hire a foreign worker must first secure authorization from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), known as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employers need to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. This is typically achieved by advertising the job across various platforms to show that there were no suitable Canadian candidates. The LMIA process is stringent and comprehensive, involving meticulous attention to detail, as it undergoes extensive government scrutiny.
Two federal departments in Canada are involved in the issuance of work permits. If a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is needed, the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) department reviews the LMIA application and decides whether to approve or decline it. Upon LMIA approval, you can then apply for a work permit through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department. If an LMIA is not required, you can directly submit your work permit application to IRCC. A work permit grants you the legal authority to work temporarily in Canada.
To apply for a work permit, there are general requirements that every applicant must meet, along with specific requirements depending on the work permit category they are applying for. For instance, if you are applying for a work permit that requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you must provide the following documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC):
Broadly, all applicants must show that they will leave Canada when their work permit expires, have adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Canada, pose no threat to public health and safety, and will not work for ineligible employers or in restricted occupations.
The processing time for obtaining a work permit in Canada varies based on several factors, including the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, the specific work permit stream, and the applicant's current country of residence. For an estimate of processing times, you can use the immigration processing time tool available on the CanadaVisa website.
If your work permit is about to expire or if you need to change the conditions of your current work permit, you must submit a new application at least 30 days before the expiration date. Note that you cannot extend your work permit beyond the validity of your passport.
An open work permit allows a foreign worker to be employed by any employer in Canada. It does not require the foreign national to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer before applying to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the permit. In contrast, a closed work permit restricts the foreign worker to employment with a specific employer who has obtained a positive LMIA and provided a job offer. If the worker wishes to change employers, they must apply to change the conditions of their work permit to maintain legal employment status in Canada.
The Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available to international students who have completed an eligible program of at least 8 months of full-time studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The PGWP allows these students to gain professional work experience, which can help them become eligible for Canadian immigration programs. Applicants who meet the PGWP's eligibility criteria can submit their application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the studies completed, with a maximum period of 3 years. Typically, a PGWP can only be obtained once. Once the PGWP expires, individuals must either obtain Canadian permanent resident status, secure another temporary permit, or leave the country.
Your spouse or common-law partner can apply for a work permit if they meet the eligibility criteria for either an LMIA-required or LMIA-exempt work permit. A notable option available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents is the Spousal Open Work Permit.
The Spousal Open Work Permit allows eligible individuals living in Canada to acquire a temporary work permit while their spousal sponsorship application is under review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit permits the sponsored individual to work for any employer in Canada.
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