How to get a work permit in Canada

 

If you are from a foreign country and hope to work in Canada, a Work Permit enables you to do so. We’ll take a quick look at how to get a work permit in Canada. There are cases where you can work without a permit or job offer; we will also consider those situations.

How to get a work permit in Canada

As was the case of the year before it and the other, close to 200,000 skilled foreign workers migrated to Canada on Temporary Canadian Work Permits; this could be you next year! Working in Canada remains an attractive option for numerous skilled workers worldwide.

There are four steps to obtaining a temporary Canadian Work Visa:

Step 1: The employer applies for labor market opinion.

In most cases, before you qualify for a temporal Canadian Visa, you need to qualify for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which is an assessment offered by Service Canada. This was previously known as the LMO. One of the key differences between the LMIA and the LMO is that the LMIA has become much more detailed, and employers are required to complete a transition plan.

They must also keep a more detailed record during the foreign worker’s stay in Canada. There are also a few restrictions placed on the Low wage LMIAs that are not present on the High wage positions.

It is also important to note that under the LMIA, there is an exempt category, and they include;

  • Skilled workers who are covered under the NAFTA agreement;
  • Intra-Company Transferees;
  • International Experience Canada participants;
  • Post-Graduate temporary work permit holders;
  • Bridging Open Work Permit holders; and
  • Participants in private academic exchanges such as postdoctoral fellows and visiting professors.

Step 2: Employer Extends a Temporary Job Offer

At this stage, the employer must send a job offer letter and a copy of the LMIA to the skilled foreign worker.

The job offer letter must include the following:

  • The name and address of the employer
  • Job position title
  • The job description
  • Details about start and end dates
  • Specifics about the salary
  • Requirements for the temporary position.

The Canadian Immigration department must confirm the job offer and the attached LMIA. Citizen and Immigration Canada will grant the company employment authorization for its future employees, enabling them to work in Canada. At the grant of the LMIA to the company, the Canadian employer proceeds to offer the skilled foreign worker a temporary job.

Step 3: The Foreign Skilled Worker Applies for a Work Permit

The skilled foreign worker is now in possession of their LMIA and ‘Job Offer Letter.’ At this point, the skilled foreign worker can go on ahead and apply for a Canadian Temporary Work Permit.

In most cases, the foreign worker applying for a temporary foreign worker permit must be interviewed by a visa officer. At the satisfaction and report of the visa officer, who notes that the foreign worker’s employment will not be adverse to the employment pool in Canada and that such foreign worker is qualified for the position being offered, a Canadian Work Permit is issued to the foreign worker.

Step 4. Get Issued a Canadian Temporary Work Permit

Upon the skilled foreign worker’s arrival in Canada, they are issued a Canadian Temporary Work Permit by an officer with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The foreign worker’s country of citizenship will also determine whether or not a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required to enter Canada.

How to apply for a Canada Work Permit by Occupation

A foreign worker who wishes to migrate to Canada may take advantage of certain occupations. They include Professionals in IT, Managers, Chefs, and even Live-in-caretakers.

What are the Requirements to get a Work Permit in Canada?

A foreign worker who falls into the category of occupations listed above and more must also meet the following requirements;

  • Such a skilled foreign worker is currently in Canada
  • They possess an excellent temporary Work Permit, set to expire within four months.
  • They have received a favorable decision on their permanent resident application.
  • They have completed the application for an Open Work Permit.
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