You need a Canada work permit and visa if you plan to work in Canada. A work permit permits you to take a job in Canada if you are from another country. Foreign nationals typically require a work permit and a job offer before beginning work in Canada, although, in some cases, foreign nationals can work without a work permit. A work permit is not the same as a visa, and you will also need a visitor visa to enter Canada.
Work permits allow qualified business owners, students, caregivers, and temporary workers to seek legal residence in Canada for the purpose of employment. Most people need this document before moving to the country to start working. In certain limited circumstances, an individual may work in Canada without being in possession of a work permit. For example, a study permit holder may work in Canada for up to 20 hours per week.
You must apply for the correct type of work permit depending on your reason for coming to Canada which can include:
Specific requirements apply depending on where you are when you apply for a work permit. However, regardless of whether you apply from inside Canada, outside Canada, or at a port of entry, all work permit applicants must meet the following general eligibility requirements:
General requirements also exist governing what work permit applicants cannot do. Applicants cannot present a danger to Canada’s security. Applicants cannot obtain a work permit for an employer listed with ineligible status or work for an employer that offers erotic dance or massages, escort services, or exotic dancing regularly.
Requirements vary depending on where you apply for your work permit. The Canadian government allows anyone to apply for a work permit before entering Canada. You must check visa office requirements that pertain to the country or territory from which you are applying.
However, only certain applicants are eligible to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. You can apply for a work permit from inside the country if:
While the Canadian government encourages most applicants to apply for a work permit before travelling to Canada, some applicants can apply for a work permit when entering the country. You are only eligible to apply for a work permit at a port of entry, a POE, if:
Canada’s immigration department recently added a new feature to facilitate proof of applied status for people renewing their work permits in Canada. If you apply to extend your status using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada portal, you will automatically receive an acknowledgement of receipt letter from the immigration department. This letter will confirm that you are allowed to continue to work, stating a specific date up to which you can work. You can attach the letter to your expired work permit as proof of legal status in Canada and show that you have permission to work.
Receiving the letter allows you to prove your ability to continue to work within the same terms and conditions as your original work permit. However, you must apply before your current work permit expires to take advantage of this benefit. Additionally, this benefit is available only for as long as you remain physically in Canada for the applied status period.
Often, obtaining a work permit begins after an applicant has received a job offer in Canada. After the applicant has obtained a job offer, the Chaudhary Law Office can help in the temporary work permit application process. We are here to answer your questions about all immigration matters and guide you as you apply for a work permit. Contact us today.
Explore common questions and answers to learn more about our services and what to expect.
Canada offers two types of work permits: an employer-specific work permit and an open work permit. An employer-specific work permit applies to foreign nationals who have received a job offer from a specific employer. Your employer must complete specific steps and give you either an offer of employer number, or a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment. If you receive an employer-specific work permit, you will be able to work in the country according to the name of the specific employer, time period, and location listed on your work permit.
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer, as long as the employer is not listed as ineligible because it has not complied with the Canadian government’s conditions. You also cannot work for an employer that regularly offers exotic dance or massages, escort services, or striptease. Only certain people are eligible for an open work permit.
The length of time you can work as a temporary worker depends on the job offer you received, the length of validity of your passport, and the length of time listed in your Labour Market Impact Assessment (if your employer needed to obtain one to hire you).
You need to have a study permit if you wish to study in Canada and cannot study for more than six months with only an open work permit. However, you may apply for a study permit while in Canada before your work permit expires.
In most cases, applications are processed in about four to six weeks to get a Canadian work permit. When you need a medical appointment, however, the Canada work permit processing time may take an additional three months to be approved by the nation.
