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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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:
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:
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:
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 you applied from outside Canada:
If you are applying for a work permit at the port of entry:
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:
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:
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:
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.
