If you wish to work in Canada, you will need a work visa. IRCC issues around half a million work permits annually.
You must demonstrate enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada, as well as demonstrate that you do not pose a security threat to Canada. You may need either a medical exam or police clearance certificate depending on where you come from.
Post-graduation work permit
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a type of work visa that enables international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience after graduating from an eligible study program in Canada. These permits are issued to graduates of designated learning institutions (DLI) and valid for the same duration as their studies, up to a maximum period of three years.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit that does not require a job offer or specific employer. It enables international students to find employment in any sector of the economy and province or territory of Canada. Furthermore, this permit serves as an important step towards becoming permanent residents through Express Entry and SINP programs, since it gives graduates skilled work experience relevant to their career objectives in Canada.
Applying for a PGWP is simple; you can do so online or submit an application paper form to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The processing time for a PGWP depends on your country of origin, the type of application submitted, its completion status and how easily your information can be verified.
To be eligible for the Postgraduate Work Study Programme (PGWP), you must have successfully completed an academic program that lasted at least eight months and resulted in a degree, diploma or certificate. Furthermore, you must apply within 90 days after receiving written confirmation from your academic institution that you have successfully completed studies.
If you are uncertain of your plans after graduation, speaking to an International Student Advisor can help decide when it is best to apply for a PGWP. You may also ask your Career Services advisor for tips on honing your job search skills after UCalgary.
Your PGWP will remain valid for the same duration as your study program, giving you flexibility to move around and find a job that fits within your lifestyle. Furthermore, applying for a permanent work permit could give you even longer-term residency in Canada.
A PGWP is an invaluable way to expand your network and gain valuable work experience that could serve as the first step on the road to becoming a permanent resident in Canada. Furthermore, with your PGWP, you may even qualify for the Canadian Experience Class - one of the most popular pathways towards citizenship here in Canada.
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit is a type of visa that permits foreign nationals to work for one particular employer. Employers often utilize this visa when seeking temporary foreign workers to fill positions that Canadians cannot fill.
To be eligible for an employer-specific work permit in Canada, one must first have a job offer from an organization willing to hire them. Furthermore, they must show proof that they hold a valid passport that will last throughout the duration of their offer.
The process of obtaining an employer-specific work permit can take months. After receiving a favorable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), individuals can begin the application process for their employer-specific work permit.
Anyone seeking an employer-specific work permit should become familiar with the requirements associated with such a visa. This includes whether they must take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or another English or French test, and which documents are needed in order to prove their language abilities.
An employer-specific work permit also requires a letter from an ESDC representative stating that the applicant meets all necessary criteria. This letter should be obtained prior to submitting your application so it can be included as part of the documentation.
ESDC is responsible for reviewing and approving employer-specific work permits, which can take up to five months. If approved, foreign nationals can begin working immediately for their new employer.
However, before a work permit can be issued, the employer must submit an LMIA to ESDC and provide a copy of it to any foreign national applying for their employer-specific work permit. Furthermore, they must pay an applicable compliance fee.
The government is exploring a third type of employer-specific work permit, which would enable foreign nationals to transition from job to job without needing a new permit. This type of permit is currently being examined in both primary agriculture and low wage streams.
Temporary work permit
Canadian immigration law offers a range of work permits to foreign workers who wish to legally work in Canada for an agreed-upon period. Generally speaking, these permits require either a job offer from an established Canadian employer and its support, along with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
However, there are exceptions to the general rule that a work permit is mandatory for all temporary foreign workers entering Canada. These include:
Candidates applying for a Canadian work permit from outside the country can submit their application either electronically or on paper; the latter is recommended to avoid delays during processing. Once your application is accepted, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to obtain your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry. This letter can be viewed online through your IRCC account or sent directly to your mailing address depending on the type of visa you applied for.
When applying for a work permit at the border, you will need to bring documents proving your eligibility to enter Canada and a valid passport. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family while in Canada.
Non-French and/or English speaking applicants may need to provide proof of their language abilities. This could involve taking a written test or other type of testing.
In addition to a work permit, most foreign workers require either a valid visa or electronic travel authorization (ETA). With either of these documents you can enter Canada and stay for up to six months as a temporary resident.
Applying for a work permit requires the assistance of an immigration lawyer. This process can be complex, so it is best to enlist the help of an experienced professional for guidance.
The Cohen Immigration Law Firm has over four and a half decades of experience assisting clients with the immigration process and is an expert at obtaining temporary and permanent work permits for foreign workers. Get in touch today to discover how we can assist you with your immigration needs!
The temporary work visa is ideal for temporary workers, foreign graduates from Canadian universities and businessmen requiring to work in Canada. It serves as an invaluable stepping stone on their path towards permanent residence in Canada.
Permanent work permit
Canada is a popular destination for foreign workers due to its high-quality work and competitive salary. There are plenty of job openings in sectors like service industry, natural resources, and manufacturing as well. If you're interested in working here, there are various visas and work permits you can utilize to get here.
The first type is a temporary work visa, valid for several years. After it expires, you'll either need to renew it or return home. Alternatively, you can apply for permanent work permits within the same country.
Temporary work visas are the most common visa type foreign workers use to work in Canada. If you plan on staying here long-term, however, a permanent work permit must be applied for.
To obtain a permanent work permit in Canada, an employer must make you an offer and accompany it with a labour market impact assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This LMIA must demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position at hand.
To apply for work in Canada, you must submit your application and supporting documents to the Consular Officers. They will assess your documents and decide whether or not they will let you into the country. If they accept it, a medical examination and interview are required in order to establish your eligibility.
Once approved for a work permit by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can take your work permit to any Canadian consulate to apply for a visa.
In Canada, two types of permanent work permits exist: open work permit and employer-specific permit. An open work permit enables you to work for any Canadian employer except those that fail to adhere to labor laws or offer services like escorting services, erotic massage or exotic dancing.
Employers in Canada must pay a compliance fee to the Canadian government before they can hire workers from abroad. Furthermore, employers must demonstrate that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are qualified for the position through an LMIA from ESDC; this provides the government with a complete picture of who will be coming here and how they'll contribute to our economy.