You can work for pay and support yourself in Canada if you have a work permit from Canada. Under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TWFP) or the International Mobility Program, Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) typically issues a work permit for Canada (IMP).
Types of Canada Work Permit
They’re two type of work permits in Canada;
- Openwork permit and
- Employer-specific work permit
Open Work Permit
The holder of an open work visa may choose any employer, with the exception of the following circumstances.
- If the employer is listed among the list of ineligible employers that failed to measure up to the conditions
- If the employer offers erotic dance, striptease, erotic massage, or escort services.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
As the name suggests, you are only allowed to work for this one employer with this kind of work permit. Based on the restrictions listed on your work permit, this kind of work permit enables you to work in Canada.
This includes the employer’s name, how long you can work, and sometimes the location where you can work.
When turning in your application for this type of work permit, the employer must give you an offer of employment number or a copy of LMIA to add to your application.
Who needs a Canadian Work Permit?
Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. The Canadian Government will allow a foreign worker to work for the period of time in which the work permit is valid.
There are, however, some work situations where a work permit is not required. Examples of such situations include
- Working on campus as an international student
- Business visitors
- Clergy
- Athletes
- Aviation inspector
- Military personnel
- Emergency service provider
- Public speakers
- Referees or other similar officials
- Some categories of farmworkers
- Convention organizers
- News reporter and media team
- Performing artistes
- Foreign government officers
How long is Canada Work Permit Valid for?
The typical duration of a Canadian work permit is 12 to 24 months. However, a Canadian visa officer may alter the work permit’s validity duration in accordance with the applicant’s travel document or passport’s expiration date.
An applicant’s travel document cannot be extended by a visa officer’s issuance of a work permit.
Renewing expired work permits is possible.
Below are the most important information and application you need before relocating to Canada.
Requirements to Apply for Work Permit
Here is a list of documents you will need to provide when applying for a work permit in Canada.
- A valid passport or travel document with at least six months of validity remaining
- Proof of funds (IEC visa applicants)
- Two photos of yourself and photos of any accompanying family member
- Evidence indicating that you meet the requirement of the job being offered
- Marriage certificate, Birth certificate, or any other proof of relationship between spouses, children, or common-law partners.
Additional documents may be required according to the Canadian work permit program you qualify for and your intent to apply.
If your work permit program has LMIA as a requirement, you will need a copy of your employment contract and an offer of employment ID number.
How to Apply for Canada Work Permit
The majority of application processes have been moved online as a result of the Covid-19 epidemic. So, all you have to do is supply and submit all the paperwork needed, depending on the program you’re applying for.
After submitting your application, you can be asked to provide a medical report and appear in person for an interview with an immigration official in the nation where you submitted your application, however these are frequently not necessary.
You will be informed of the location to have your biometrics taken once your application has been filed and has reached the necessary level. The application and biometric procedures are subject to costs.
Once you successfully get approval, you will get a confirmation letter that states that you are allowed to work in Canada and the conditions of your work permit. This, however, is not your work permit; it will be issued to you on arrival in Canada.
How long does it take to process a Canadian work permit?
You can receive your work visa for Canada in as little as two weeks if all of your paperwork is in order and your application is complete.