A Complete Guide to Canada Work Permit Visa Process

Work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker through Canadian Work Permit. A complete guide to Canada Work Permit visa options and application process.

Canada attracts foreign workers and entrepreneurs because of its diverse and bustling economy. Non-Canadians who wish to work in the country legally will require a work permit to do so. A foreigner may be eligible for the various Canada Work Permit Visa options if they meet specific requirements. This guide will describe each type of work visa and its requirements.

What is a Canadian Work Permit?

A Canadian Work Permit is a unique document issued to specific non-Canadian individuals. Possessing a work permit allows you to work in Canada until the expiration date specified on the document. There are two types of Canadian work permits:

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Canadian Work Visa Types and Requirements

The Canadian Work Permit Visa allows temporary foreign workers, foreign students, entrepreneurs, and others to work in Canada. There are two types of Canadian work permits, LMIA-Based Work Permits and LMIA-Exempt Work Permits.  These are operated under two distinct Canadian work permit programs, the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program and International Mobility Program (IMP).

LMIA Work Permit

LMIA Work Permit is issued to individuals after their future employer has completed a Labour Market Impact Assessment. This assessment demonstrates a need to bring this foreign worker to Canada and that a Canadian could not fill the role.

What is LMIA?

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a requirement for Canadian employers who wish to hire foreign workers. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDA) added this to ensure that foreign workers coming to Canada would positively contribute to its economy and culture. Learn more about LMIA Requirements here.

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What is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) lets Canadian employers temporarily hire foreign skilled workers to meet labour market demands in Canada. There are different types of Labour Market Impact Assessment LMIA work permits under the TFWP.

Global Talent Stream (GTS) – The Global Talent Stream comes under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). It is for employers looking to hire highly-skilled foreign workers for a position in-demand occupations under the GTS. Also, the e employers may be referred to the designated partners to hire skilled workers with specialized knowledge.

Facilitated LMIA (Quebec)

It is similar to Federal Government’s LMIA but designed explicitly for Quebec province. It allows employers to apply for LMIAs without showing evidence of efforts made to recruit a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job.

LMIA Work-Exempt Permit

LMIA-Exempt Work Permit – issued without requiring an LMIA to be completed. Individuals will need a valid job offer to apply for this work permit.

What is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers temporarily hire foreign skilled workers without a positive LMIA Requirement. Some of the popular LMIA-Exempt Work Permits under the IMP are:

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How to Obtain a Canadian Work Permit Visa?

Depending on the kind of work permit a person is looking for, the procedure for getting it varies considerably. For instance, as part of their study permit authorization, international students in Canada receive automatic permission to work part-time. For most LMIA Work Permit applications, a foreign applicant must have a formal job offer from a Canadian business accompanied by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Individuals exempt from the LMIA or not required to obtain a Canadian work visa should be aware of the special paperwork they must prepare to guarantee they are admitted to Canada. An Employer-specific work permit and an open work permit are the two main ways to obtain a Canada work permit visa.

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Benefits of Canadian Work Permit

Foreign skilled workers enjoy the following benefits while staying in Canada on a Work Permit Visa.

  • Opportunity to Settle in Canada Permanently
  • Live in a Safe Environment with Family
  • High Standard of Living
  • Get a Spousal Open Work Permit
  • Competitive Wages, Equal Labour Laws for Everyone
  • Plenty of Employment and Business Opportunites
  • Easy Work Permit to PR Immigration Routes
Benefits of Canada Work Permit Visa

Canadian Work Permit Visa Fees

  • LMIA-Based Work Permit Application Fee: 155 CAD/person
  • Open Work Permit: 255 CAD/person
  • Post-Graduate Work Permit Fee: 155 CAD + 100 CAD (Open Work Permit fee)
  • Spousal Open Work Permit Fee: 155 CAD + 100 CAD (Open Work Permit fee)

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

The Canadian work permit processing time varies based on multiple factors, including the place from where you are applying and the type of work permit, open or employer-specific. If we ignore the recent changes in the processing times due to Covid-19, most applications take between 1-14 weeks to process. The best way to check the latest work permit processing times changes is to check it online here.

Canadian Work Permit to PR (WP2PR)

Many foreign skilled workers transition from Canadian Work Permit to PR by getting skilled work experience. You may apply for Express Entry programs or any other economic immigration program based on the work experience you gained throughout your Canadian work permit duration. Some of the WP2PR programs you may consider after acquiring at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada are:

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Step-By-Step Canada Work Permit Visa Process

Here is the step-by-step process for Canada Work Permit Visa:

Step 1: Be eligible to work in Canada

To be eligible to work in Canada, you must satisfy one or more conditions mentioned below:

  • Obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Complete your studies in Canada
  • Apply for an open work permit as a Spouse or common-law partner of a permanent resident, temporary foreign worker or international student
  • Obtain a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) valid for six months or more
  • Apply while waiting for your permanent residence application decision
  • Apply as a Refugee Claimant
  • Under the Intra-Company Transfer

Apart from that, you must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Being in good physical and mental health
  • Having no record of criminal activity
  • Having enough funds to live in Canada with your family
  • Not being dangerous to Canadian security
  • Not planning to work for an employer in the field of sexual services
  • Not planning to work for an employer ineligible to hire foreign workers

The company you will work for must have an LMIA

  • Once you’ve secured employment, the business must request a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Government of Canada.
  • The government issues an LMIA, which the business can use as authorization to hire temporary foreign employees.
  • You must apply for the position and provide proof that the employer is not displacing Canadian citizens or legal permanent residents by offering you the position.
  • They must demonstrate that hiring foreign labour is necessary because there are no willing, available, or qualified Canadians for that post.
  • You must have the LMIA after they get it before you can apply for a work permit in Canada.

Step 2: Gather Documents

To complete your online application for a Canada work permit visa, you must provide:

  • Completed application forms
  • Passport (valid for more than 6 months after your planned entry date into Canada)
  • A photocopy of your passport and all its pages.
  • 2 photos
  • The LMIA document (if applicable)
  • Proof of status in Canada
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment
  • A written offer of employment
  • Updated CV or résumé
  • Marriage certificate
  • Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ)
  • Demonstrate their intent to leave once the work permit expires
  • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada and to return home
  • Education diplomas and certificates
  • Complete the medical examination
  • Plan to work with an eligible employer

Step 3: Start Your Canadian Work Permit Application Online

  • Create an account here
  • Log in and Start your Canadian Work Permit Application.
  • Upload your scanned documents
  • Fill in the information, including:
    • personal details
    • employer details
    • passport details and more

Step 4: Paying Application Fees

  • You can use a credit or debit card to make payments
  • Work permit Application fee: 155 CAD
  • Open work permit: 155 CAD + 100 CAD (Addional Fee)
  • The Biometrics Fee: 85 CAD

Step 5: Complete Your Biometrics

Biometrics includes fingerprints and a digital photo for identification. In this step, you make an appointment with an approved Canada Work Permit Visa Application Center to submit your biometrics.

Step 6: Medical Examination

It is necessary to have a medical examination if you plan to stay for more than six months in Canada. Panel Physicians are medical doctors authorized to conduct your immigration medical evaluations.

Step 7: Move to Canada

After that, a visa officer will approve your TRV, and finally, you can fly to Canada and show your Canadian work permit visa at the airport to enter the country.

How ELAAR can help you?

If you want to apply for a work permit, you will require expert guidance to avoid any rejections. It becomes necessary as there are several types of work permits with specific requirements. ELAAR has a team of Canadian work permit experts with significant experience. We will ensure a hassle-free work visa process for you. Get in touch with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants now.

FAQs: Canada Work Permit Visa

Here are some frequently asked questions about Canadian Work Permit Visa.

Who is the perfect candidate for the Canadian work permit?

There is no single type of ideal candidate for a Canadian Work Permit. You may be eligible in multiple work permit categories if you are highly educated and work in an occupation that would benefit Canadians.

How long will it typically take to process a work permit in Canada?

IRCC may take anywhere from 1 to 9 months to process a work permit. Prospective workers are advised to apply for their work permit as soon as possible.

What is the general processing fee for the Canadian work permit?

The work permit processing fee is currently $CAD 155.

How long does a Canada work visa last?

There is no standard duration for the validity of a Canada work visa. Some are set to expire within 6 months of being issued. Others may be valid for multiple years.

Is proof of funds required for a Canadian work permit?

You may be required to provide proof of funds for certain types of work permits.

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Do you need any help with your Canada work visa?

Applicants who require assistance with their Canada work visa or Canada work permit application should get in touch with Elaar immigration. Our immigration experts can help you decide which type of work visa is best for you. They can then assist you with optimizing your application.

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