CANADA WORK VISAS

A work permit is an official authorization that allows a foreign national to work within Canada. Working in Canada can serve as a valuable initial step for individuals aiming to immigrate to the country on a permanent basis.

• What are the different types of Canadian work permits?
• If I receive a job offer from a Canadian employer, does that make me eligible to apply for a work permit?
• What are the conditions of a Canadian work permit?
• Can my family be included in my work permit application?
• What is the expected processing time for a work permit application?
• What is the processing time for an LMIA application?
• What is the success rate for work permit/LMIA applications?
• What are the common reasons for work permit refusals?
• How can I include my spouse and dependents in my work permit application?
• How do I activate my work permit?
• What are the benefits of working in Canada?
• How can I extend my work permit?
• Is IELTS required for a Canadian work permit application?
• How can our lawyers assist with my work permit application?

1. Work Permits Requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)
• Global Talent Stream

2. Work Permits Exempt from LMIA but Requiring a Job Offer or Employment Contract:

• International Mobility Program (IMP)
• NAFTA Work Permits
• CETA Work Permits
• Intra-Company Transfers

3. Open Work Permits (No Job Offer or LMIA Required):

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• Spousal Sponsorship from Inside Canada
• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
• Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker

Your work permit specifies the restrictions associated with your authorization, which are determined by the type of permit you hold. These conditions may include limitations on the type of work, the employer, the location, and the duration of your stay in Canada.

Work permit holders are not permanent residents and must leave Canada when their permit expires. If you wish to explore options for permanent residency while working in Canada, please contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your immigration possibilities.

If you are applying for an employer-supported work permit, your spouse and dependent children may be eligible to accompany you to Canada. School-aged children can attend Canadian schools without needing a separate study permit. Additionally, your spouse or partner may qualify for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

The duration for processing a work permit application varies based on the type of permit and the applicant’s country of residence. Generally, processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.

Processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications vary based on the type of LMIA. A regular LMIA typically takes at least five months to process, with times varying by case. The simplified LMIA, available only in Quebec, usually takes about two to three months. Employers eligible for Canada’s Global Talent Stream may benefit from expedited processing.

Success rates for work permit and LMIA applications cannot be specified, as each application is evaluated individually. Meeting the requirements generally supports approval, but decisions are at the discretion of individual officers.

For a closed Canadian work permit, your spouse may qualify for an open work permit. If eligible, your spouse must apply for their own work permit, usually online.

The activation process depends on where and how you applied:

• Applying from Within Canada: Upon approval, you’ll receive an approval letter from IRCC.  Your physical work permit, which arrives activated, will follow by mail.

• Applying from Outside Canada: If approved, you will get a letter with instructions on how to collect your work permit at a Canadian port of entry (POE).
  

• Applying at the Port of Entry: If you apply at the border, bring supporting documents. If approved, the officer can issue and activate your work permit immediately.

Working in Canada offers several advantages:

• Safety and Regulation: Canadian labor laws ensure high workplace safety standards and require employers to adhere to regulations that protect employees’ well-being.
• Competitive Wages: Foreign nationals must be offered wages equivalent to Canadian workers.
• Family Accompaniment: Some work permits allow spouses and children to join workers in Canada.
• Pathway to Permanent Residency: Canadian work experience can enhance eligibility for various permanent residency programs, including:
  • Express Entry
  • Quebec Immigration Programs
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

To extend your work permit, you typically need to apply online. It is advisable to submit your application at least 30 days before your current permit expires, though you have until the permit’s expiry date to apply. Contact us to find out if you qualify for an extension.

Canada does not mandate IELTS or other language tests for work permit applicants. However, if the job requires specific language skills and the applicant is from a non-English or non-French-speaking country, proof of language proficiency may be needed.

The application process varies depending on the type of work permit you require. The initial step is to identify the most suitable work permit for your situation. Our lawyers can help you determine the appropriate permit and guide you through the application process. Please contact us to schedule a consultation with a member of our team.