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Work Permit

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Work Permit

 

A work permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada. Approximately 500,000 work permits are issued to temporary foreign workers each year. Canada is a popular choice for those looking for employment opportunities and working in Canada can be a stepping stone to permanent immigration.

 

 

Canadian Work Permit Eligibility and Requirements

Why Seeking Professional Immigration Help is Important when Applying for a Work Permit

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Canadian Work Permit Eligibility

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to be able to work in Canada, although there are some exceptions. To apply for a work permit, most people need a job offer in Canada supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, some people may be able to apply for a work permit without an LMIA or a job offer, such as recent graduates from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone with a Canadian work or study permit.

In addition to these requirements, candidates for a work permit must also:

  • Show that they plan to leave Canada once their work authorization expires
  • Have enough money to support themselves and their family in Canada and to return home
  • Not be inadmissible to Canada for criminal or medical reasons
  • Have a job offer from an eligible employer
  • Provide any required documents to prove their eligibility to enter Canada

Types of Canadian Work Permits

There are several types of Canadian work permits available to foreign nationals. Some of these require a job offer from a Canadian employer, others require an employer to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and others require a connection to Canada such as previous education or spousal sponsorship. The following are the main categories of work permits:

  • Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):
    • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
    • Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
    • Global Talent Stream

 

  • LMIA-Exempt but requiring a job offer or employment contract:
    • International Mobility Program (IMP)
    • NAFTA Work Permits
    • CETA Work Permits
    • Intra-Company Transfers

 

  • Open Work Permits (no job offers or LMIA required):
    • Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
    • Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
    • International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
    • Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
    • Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker

Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

 The process for obtaining a Canadian work permit depends on the type of work permit being applied for. For example, international students studying in Canada may be allowed to work part-time as part of their study permit.

Most work permit applications require a foreign national to have a job offer from a Canadian employer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Even those who are exempt from the LMIA requirement or do not need a work permit should be aware of the specific documents they need to prepare in order to be granted entry to Canada. There are two main categories of work permits: closed (restricted) work permits and open work permits.

Closed work permits are tied to specific employers, which means that a foreign national with a closed work permit must continue working for the same employer at the same location unless they change their work permit.

Your physical work permit lists the specific restrictions on your authorization to work in Canada. These restrictions depend on the type of work permit you are eligible for and may include the type of work you can do, where and for whom you can work, and how long you can work in Canada. All work permit holders are prohibited from working at a business where there is a risk of sexual exploitation of some workers.

Work permit holders are not permanent residents of Canada and must leave the country by the end of their authorized stay. However, if you are working in Canada and wish to stay permanently, you can fill out a free assessment form to receive an evaluation of your immigration options. If you are applying for an employer-supported work permit, your spouse and dependent children may be able to join you in Canada.

If your children are school-aged and in Canada, they can attend Canadian schools without needing a separate study permit. Your spouse or partner may also be eligible to apply for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada. The processing fee for a closed work permit is CAD 155 per person, or CAD 255 per person for an open work permit. If you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists, additional fees may apply. The application process varies depending on the type of work permit you need. The first step is to determine which work permit is right for you. If you need help with the application process, you can contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.

Required Documents to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

The documents required for a Canadian work permit depend on the type of work permit you are applying for. You may need to provide the following documents as part of your work permit application:

  • Completed application forms
  • Proof of your status in Canada (if applicable)
  • Proof of your family members’ status in Canada (if applicable)
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
  • Written offer of employment (if applicable)
  • CV/resume
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
  • Proof that you meet the job requirements
  • A valid copy of your passport
  • A copy of your education credentials
  • Results of a medical exam (if requested)
  • Evidence of your financial means to stay in Canada and return to your home country
  • Proof of payment for applicable government fees
  • Recent passport-sized photos

 

IELTS Score to Apply for a Canadian Work Permit

It is not necessarily required to have an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score to apply for a Canadian work permit. However, some employers or visa categories may require proof of English language proficiency as part of the application process. It is a good idea to check with the specific employer or visa category you are interested in to see if an IELTS score is required. In general, it is advisable to have a strong command of English if you are seeking to work in Canada, as it is the primary language of business in the country.

Canadian Work Permit Validation

Canadian work permits are typically valid for a period of 1-2 years, with some exceptions. The length of a work permit may be shorter or longer depending on the specific program or employer. A visa officer will usually not issue a work permit for longer than the validity of an applicant’s passport or the duration of the applicant’s job offer. In some cases, the work permit may be valid for the same length of time as the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if one was required.

Activate your Work Permit

To activate your work permit, you will need to follow different steps depending on where you applied from and how you applied.

If you applied from within Canada:

  • If your application is approved, you will receive an approval letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you applied online, the letter will appear in your account. If you applied on paper, the letter will be mailed to you.
  • After receiving the approval letter, your physical work permit will be mailed to you. It will already be activated, and you can use it to work in Canada.

 

If you applied from outside Canada:

  • If your application is approved, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to obtain your physical work permit at the Canadian port of entry (POE). If you applied online, the instructions will appear in your account. If you applied on paper, the instructions will be mailed to you.
  • Follow the instructions to obtain your physical work permit at the POE.

 

If you are applying for a work permit at the port of entry:

  • Bring documents that support your eligibility for a work permit.
  • If approved, the officer may print your work permit at the border. It can be used immediately.

Work Permit Extension

If you are currently in Canada on a work permit and wish to extend your stay, you will need to apply for a work permit extension before your current permit expires. You will need to provide evidence that you are still eligible for a work permit, such as a valid job offer or proof of employment. You will also need to provide information about your current employer and the terms of your employment.

To apply for a work permit extension, you can use the online application system or submit a paper application. You will need to pay a processing fee and provide any required documents. It is important to apply well in advance of the expiration date of your current work permit to avoid any disruptions to your work or stay in Canada.

If your work permit extension is approved, you will receive a new work permit that allows you to continue working in Canada. If your extension is refused, you will need to stop working and leave Canada by the expiration date of your current work permit.

Why a work permit application may be refused

There are several reasons why a work permit application may be refused. Some common reasons for refusal include:

  1. The officer was not convinced that you possess the necessary skills or qualifications to perform the intended work.
  2. The officer was not convinced that you will return to your home country at the end of your authorized stay in Canada.
  3. You do not meet the eligibility criteria for the work permit you applied for.
  4. The officer was not satisfied with the documentation provided to support your application, such as proof of employment or financial stability.
  5. There were concerns about your immigration status or criminal record.
  6. There were concerns about the genuineness of your job offer or the authenticity of the supporting documents.
  7. The officer was not satisfied with the information provided about the employer or the working conditions.

If you are unsure why your work permit application was refused, you may be able to obtain more information by requesting access to your file through GCMS notes. This may help you understand the reasons for the refusal and address any concerns if you decide to reapply.

Bring your Family Members to Canada

If you have a work permit in Canada and want to bring your family with you, there are a few options available to you. Depending on your circumstances, your family members may be able to apply for a visitor visa, a study or work permit.

To bring your spouse or common-law partner to Canada, they can apply for a spousal or common-law partner open work permit. This type of work permit allows your spouse or common-law partner to work in Canada while you are working here on a valid work permit. Alternatively, they can apply for a visitor visa if they do not plan to work in Canada.

To bring your dependent children to Canada, they can apply for a study permit if they will be attending school in Canada. If your children are 18 years of age or older, they can also apply for a work permit if they want to work in Canada.

Bridging Open Work Permit

A bridging open work permit (BOWP) allows an individual to continue working while they wait for the outcome of their permanent residence application. It is a temporary work permit that bridges the gap between the expiration of an individual’s current work permit and the decision on their permanent residence application.

Who is eligible to apply for BOWP?

The Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows you to continue working while you wait for the outcome of your permanent residence application. To be eligible for a BOWP, you must currently reside in Canada (outside of Quebec) and have a valid or expired work permit that allows you to maintain your status as a worker. You must also be the principal applicant on your permanent residence application, have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check, and have received an acknowledgement of receipt letter from the government. Keep in mind that you are only eligible to apply for a BOWP once you have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check.

Who is eligible for Bridge Open Work Permit if applied for the Provincial Nominee Program ( not through Express Entry)?

In order to qualify for a BOWP, the following criteria must be met:

  • Be residing in Canada (outside of Quebec) at the time of application and intend to continue living there
  • Possess a valid work permit, have an expired work permit but have maintained worker status, be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit
  • Be the primary applicant for your permanent residence application and have received approval in principle
  • Not have any employment restrictions as a condition of your nomination. Note that you may leave Canada while your application is being processed, but if your work permit expires, you cannot work until your new application is approved.

Who is eligible for Bridge Open Work Permit if applied for the Provincial Nominee Program via Express Entry?

In order to qualify for a BOWP, the following criteria must be met:

  • Residing in Canada (outside of Quebec) at the time of application and intend to continue living there
  • Possess a valid work permit, have an expired work permit but have maintained worker status, be eligible to restore status and obtain a work permit
  • Be the primary applicant for your permanent residence application
  • Not have any employment restrictions as a condition of your nomination
  • Have submitted a complete application for permanent residence and passed the completeness check
  • Possessing the acknowledgement of receipt letter that will be sent to your account after we receive your application Note: Submitting a profile to the Express Entry pool is not the same as applying for permanent residence. Make sure to understand the process of Express Entry.

Contact Vizard

If you are seeking employment in Canada and need assistance with finding a job offer and then applying for a work permit, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts have experience in providing such services and would be happy to guide you through the process. We understand that finding a job offer and obtaining a work permit can be a complex process, and we are here to help ensure that you are successful in both. Contact us today and let us assist you in finding a job offer and applying for the necessary work permit to start your new job in Canada.

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