Canada
Is a Work Permit Required in Canada?
In Canada, a work permit is crucial for foreign nationals due to the country’s immigration policies and labor market needs. One of the primary reasons for this requirement is to protect employment opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Canada has a well-developed system to manage its labor market, ensuring that local workers are given priority for job openings. By requiring work permits, the government ensures that foreign workers are hired only for positions where there is a genuine shortage of qualified local candidates, thereby safeguarding job opportunities for Canadians.
Another significant reason for the work permit requirement in Canada is to support the country’s economic growth and sector-specific needs. In 2024, Canada continues to prioritize foreign workers in high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, agriculture, and construction. The work permit system allows the government to attract skilled foreign professionals to fill these critical gaps, enhancing productivity and innovation.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is also a fundamental aspect of Canada’s work permit system. The government uses the work permit process to ensure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that meet Canadian labor laws. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social benefits such as healthcare and pensions.
Number of Expats:
300,000
Expats Job Websites:
Popular Industries for Expats:
Healthcare, Life Sciences, Transport, Utilities, Technology, Construction
Types of Canadian Work Visas Available
A Canada work visa is required by almost anyone wishing to work in Canada. Canada has mainly two types of work permits:
A Canada work visa is required by almost anyone wishing to work in Canada. Canada has mainly two types of work permits:
The two types of Canadian Work Visas are as follows:-
Employer-Specific Work Permit
As the name suggests, this type of work permit is appropriate for foreign nationals who will work for one employer only. This naturally means that the permit holder must follow the conditions set in their Canada work visa when working in the country. The permit usually also contains information about the employer, the location of work, and the duration of employment.
Open Work Permit
This type of work permit is more flexible as it allows its holder to apply and work for any employer. However, this permit isn’t appropriate for all and is usually issued to individuals who have suffered abuse as recognized by the scope of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program of Canada.
Canada issues work permits for various kinds of workers, temporary, permanent, or business owners. As a result, Canada work permit requirements change from case to case depending upon the type of worker and the work permit required.
Requirements for a Canadian Work Permit
Before applying for a permanent work permit in Canada, you must first work on a temporary work permit for a few years. Only after completing one or more years with this permit will you be eligible to apply for a permanent work permit in Canada. Then, you can apply for a permanent Canada work visa through the online Express Entry system.
Under the permanent Canadian work permit category, there are three skilled worker immigration programs. These programs are listed below:-
- Federal Skilled Worker,
- Federal Skilled Trades, and,
- Canadian Experience Class
The requirements needed for each of these programs are varied. But there are essential requirements for how to apply for a Canadian work visa through Express Entry. The applications typically need to have the following:-
- Passport or travel document
- Education credential assessment report
- Language test results
- Written letter confirming job offer from a Canadian employer
- Provincial nomination (if the employee has one)
- Police certificate
- Medical exam
- Proof of funds for your stay
The Federal Skilled Worker Program follows a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to test applicants’ English or French language skills, education, experience, age, adaptability, and arranged work. The applicants require a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to qualify for the Canada work visa.
Canadian Work Permit Application Process
First, you have to apply for a temporary work visa in Canada to be eligible for a permanent work permit. The basic steps to file a temporary Canada work visa application are as follows:
- Applying for labor market opinion: Before you can apply for a work permit, make sure that your employer has qualified for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), previously known as an LMO. This step must be completed by your employer beforehand.
- Obtaining a temporary job offer: You have to obtain a photocopy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed job offer letter from your employer. This letter is a formal employment contract stating important information about your job, including job title, description, salary, etc.
- Applying for a work permit: Only after completing these steps can you apply for a Canadian temporary work permit with the required documents. In addition, you may have to meet with an officer who will determine if your employment negatively affects jobs for Canadians. Finally, only after qualification will you get a Canadian work visa.
- Obtaining a work permit: After working in Canada with a temporary work permit, you can apply for a permanent work permit where you will be judged based on your job classification and language proficiency.
Timeframe for Work Permit Application
The Canadian work permit processing time varies depending on when you completed your application and the office at which you are applying. On average, it takes between 1-27 weeks to process a Canadian Work Visa.
Canadian Work Permit Fees
All Canada work visa applicants have to pay an application fee. The work permit fee consists of two kinds of fees – the application fee and the biometric fee.
The table below will help you understand what fee you have to pay for Canada work visa application:
You can choose to pay the work permit fees online as well as at the Visa Application Centre.
This is How Multiplier Can Help With a Canadian Work Permit
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The Canada work visa application process involves complicated steps. Partner with Multiplier to shed the load off processing the application and work permits. Our experts will guide you through each step in obtaining a Canadian work permit right from the beginning and keep you updated on all developments.
