Work permit
How to Get a Canadian Work Permit
In most cases foreign skilled workers need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer and apply for a work permit after meeting the eligibility criteria before entering the country.
Overview
A work permit or work visa is a legal document permitting overseas candidates to seek employment in Canada for a specific period of time. Individuals can apply for the work permit once they have a Canadian job offer in hand supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in majority cases, though there are some exceptions.
To be eligible to apply for the work permit, applicants need to demonstrate their eligibility to take up the job offer, submit necessary documents and prove they possess sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents.
LMIA
Canada work permit process
You can work off campus with a valid study permit for an employer regardless of the institution you are registered with.
Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, if necessary
The Canadian government has two categories of work permits. A work permit either needs a labour market test or is exempt from requiring it. In some cases, the labour market test is required to demonstrate that the issuance of a work permit to a foreign national will not have a negative impact on the employment and wages of workers in Canada.
Charitable workers
Foreign nationals involved in certain types of charitable work do not require an LMIA to enter the labour market although they will need a work permit. Charitable workers need a work permit because the nature of work they undertake meets the definition of work: they are participating in the labour market and are being paid a wage.
When is an LMIA not required?
Foreign workers who need a work permit, but do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment, include:
- Post-doctoral fellows,
- Research award recipients,
- Eminent individuals, for example leaders in various fields,
- Guest lecturers,
- Visiting professors,
- Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico appointed as professors under the university, college and seminary levels of the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA), and
- Citizens of Chile appointed as professors under the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA).
Employer extends Temporary Job Offer
Once the LMIA is granted, the Canadian employer can provide a temporary job offer to the foreign worker. The employer must send a copy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed job offer letter to the foreign worker. The validity of a temporary work permit in Canada is for a minimum of 6 months to 1 year depending on the contract of employment; it can be extended to a maximum of 4 years to 7 years depending on the type of work permit.
Foreign Worker applies for Work Permit
The foreign worker may need a work permit to work legally in Canada. The work permit is specific to the employer making the job offer and specific to the position.
In most cases, the worker must apply for a work permit from outside of Canada at a visa office serving their country of nationality or legal residence. Some workers, such as those from the US or Europe, can apply for the work permit at a Canadian port of entry, if they have the necessary documentation.
Work Permit is issued
The Canada Temporary Work Permit will be issued at the point of entry when the foreign worker arrives in Canada by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer.
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