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A work permit is a legal document that enables a foreign national to work while present in Canada. About 500,000 temporary foreign workers receive work permits from Canada each year from all over the world.
Canada is a top choice for many foreign nationals looking for career possibilities. Working there is a significant first step for individuals looking to immigrate permanently to Canada. This article will provide information on how to Get a Work Permit in Canada.
How to get a work permit in Canada
Depending on the kind of work permit a person is looking for, the procedure for getting one in Canada varies considerably. For instance, as part of their study permit authorization, international students in Canada frequently receive automatic permission to work part-time.
For most secure work permit applications, a foreign applicant must have a formal job offer from a Canadian business and a labor market impact assessment (LMIA). Individuals exempt from the LMIA or not required to obtain a work visa should be aware of the special paperwork they must prepare to guarantee they are admitted to Canada. A closed (limited) work permit and an open work permit are the two main ways to get a work permit in Canada.
A foreign national with a closed work permit must continue to work for the same employer at the exact location unless their work permit is changed because closed work permits are linked to specific employers.
The paperwork or documents needed to apply for a work visa in Canada
Specific documentation may be needed depending on the type of work permit you seek.
These documents may need to be submitted with the application for a work permit:
Filled out application forms
- Evidence of residency in Canada (if needed)
- A family member’s status documentation (if needed)
- Employment Impact Analysis (if needed)
- A written employment offer (if needed)
- CV or résumé
- Marriage license (if requested)
- The Certificate of Acceptance from Quebec (CAQ) (if needed)
- Evidence that you can perform the work as required
- A current copy of your passport
- A copy of your diploma
- The results of your medical examination (if requested)
- A recent passport-sized photo
- Proof of payment of all required government fees and sufficient financial resources to stay in Canada and return to one’s native nation.
Read Also: The 5 Highest Paying Job Sectors in Canada
The Requirements for Applying for Canada Visa in 2022
Types of work permits or licenses for Canadians
A Canadian work visa can be obtained in a variety of ways. Some work permits call for an employer’s job offer to be from Canada, others need that the employer produces a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and still, others demand that the applicant have some link to Canada (previous education, spousal sponsorship, etc.)
How can I make my work permit active?
Depending on where you apply from and how you apply, there are different ways to activate your work permit.
activating your work permit following a Canadian application
You will get an approval letter from IRCC if your application is accepted after you submit a work permit application from within Canada. The approval letter will appear in your account if you submit your application online. The letter would be delivered to your mailing address if you applied on paper. Your physical work permit will be mailed to you after you have received your approval letter. You can use the permission to work in Canada because it will be activated when it arrives.
Activating your work permit following an international application
You will receive a letter with details on obtaining your actual work permit at the Canadian port of entry if your application is granted after you submit it from outside Canada (POE). The instruction letter would appear on your online account if you submitted your application online. The letter would be mailed to your mailing address if you submitted a paper application.
after applying to the port of entry, activating your work permit
Some applicants may be qualified at the Canadian border to get a work permit. You must provide proof of eligibility if you are applying for a work visa at the border. If accepted, the border patrol agent may print the work permit immediately. This work permit is immediately usable.
The grounds for rejecting a work permit application
Refusal of a work permit can be devastating. A work visa may be rejected for a variety of reasons. If the reason your application was rejected needs to be clarified, requesting GCMS notes may help. If you decide to resubmit, this will allow you to address the officer’s concerns. Here are a few typical explanations for a work permit denial:
- You do not meet the requirements for the work visa you applied for
- The officer was not sure that you could do your intended work satisfactorily
- The officer was not confident that you would return to your home country after your permitted stay in Canada.
Biometrics for work permits or visas in Canada
There is a temporary rule in effect by IRCC that exempts anyone who applies for work permits from within Canada. Candidates outside of Canada must still submit biometrics after receiving a letter with instructions.
On their dedicated page, the Canadian government provides step-by-step instructions on how to provide your biometrics.
Conclusion
With a few exceptions, most foreign nationals need permission to work in Canada.
Most applicants will need a Canadian job offer and a labor market impact assessment (LMIA) to apply for a work permit. With some limitations, foreign employees may apply for a work permit without an LMIA or a job offer. A recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone currently possessing a work or study permit in Canada is two examples of this.
Candidates must also satisfy the following criteria to be qualified to apply for a work permit:
(1) Show that they intend to depart once their work authorization expires
(2) Show that they have enough funds to take care of themselves and their family in Canada and to return home
(3) Are not barred from entering Canada due to a criminal conviction or a medical condition
(4) Plan to work for an eligible employer and
(5) Can provide any documents that may be required to prove their eligibility for a Canada visa
How long does it take to process my application for a work permit?
The type of work permit requested, and the applicant’s current country of residence affect how quickly a work permit application will be processed. The processing process can range from a few weeks to many months.
How can I include my spouse and dependents in my application for a work permit?
Your spouse can be qualified for an open work permit if you have a closed Canadian work permit.
If your partner qualifies, they must apply for their work permit. They must typically submit an online application for this permit.
When will my LMIA application be processed?
Applications for a standard LMIA and a simplified LMIA are the two different sorts of LMIAs. Only in the Canadian province of Quebec is the LMIA streamlined and accessible. Processing periods for the normal LMIA vary substantially from application to application and are determined case-by-case basis. A conventional LMIA application typically requires a minimum of five months for a response.
Employers can be eligible for accelerated LMIA processing if they meet Canada’s Global Talent Stream requirements. The streamlined LMIA completed for employment in Quebec is typically processed in two to three months.