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Canada Work Visa: Everything You Need to Know

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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