A work permit is any legal document that allows an immigrant or foreign national to hold any employment while in Canada.
Without a work permit, it’s illegal to work in Canada else you will find it difficult to be retained in any establishment.
Canada is a land filled with so many opportunities, coupled with its growth economically, it has become a dream travel location for so many who seek greener pastures outside their country.
Working in Canada is one of the easiest and fastest ways of migrating to Canada on a permanent basis.
Working in Canada is a very attractive option for foreign workers as it offers higher pay, advanced health facilities, and lots of job opportunities.
The question; how to apply for a Canadian work permit is so much asked that this article is dedicated to answering all the questions you may have about applying for Canada’s work permit.
Who Is Eligible To Apply?
Foreign nationals always require a work permit except a few which include but are not limited to clergy, athlete, military personnel, foreign government official, news reporter, etc.
There are two types of work permits issued in Canada
- Employer-specific work permits: This requires the candidate to work for only one specific employer and that the applicant will have an offer of employment before applying. How long a candidate can work and the location of a candidate’s work is also included. The employer is expected to give the applicant a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment( LMIA )or an offer of employment number which will be used during application.
- Open-work permits: This kind of permit allows the candidate to work for any employer in Canada except those tagged as illegal or offer erotic dances or sex-related businesses. This type of permit is offered in specific conditions.
General Requirements: No matter where you are applying from
- You will have to prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- Financial Capability- show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada.
- No criminal record – prove that you can obey laws in the country(police clearance may be needed).
- Medical report to show you are in good health.
- Provide the officer with any relevant document they may ask for before you enter Canada.
How To Apply For Canada Work Permit
There are four basic steps needed in getting Canadian work permit( work visa), the first two is focused on the employer and in the third stage, the applicant can now apply for a work permit.
Step 1
The employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment and is expected to get a positive reply to go ahead.
A positive LMIA certifies that a foreigner is needed to do a certain job as no Canadian is available to do the work.
Step 2
Here the employer extends a temporary job offer to the job applicant who must have been interviewed and suitable for the job.
The employer sends a copy of the positive LMIA alongside a detailed job offer letter to the foreign skilled applicant or worker.
The CIC requires companies to prepare formal employment contract/job offer letter which must include;
- The job title for the position
- Job description
- Requirements for the temporary position
- Details about start and end dates
- Specifics about the salary
- The name and address of the employer
Canada Service Agency certifies that the job offer is legit and the LMIA is granted, the Canadian employer can extend a temporary job offer to the foreign skilled worker. With this the employer has satisfied his part of duty, it’s then left for the applicant to continue the process till a work permit is given.
Step 3
With the LMIA and job offer letter available, you can now apply for a work permit. In some cases, you may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer. If the visa officer is satisfied that you qualify for the position and that the employment will not adversely affect employment in Canada for Canadians, a work permit is issued.
Step 4
A Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will issue the Canadian Temporary Work Permit at the point of entry when the skilled foreign worker arrives in Canada. Depending on the foreign worker’s country of origin, there may be a need to also get a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before entering Canada.
You deserve all the good things and wonderful opportunities available in Canada and that’s why we took the time to give you the best approach to applying for a Canada work permit we are confident with this knowledge you will definitely get your work permit approved.
