Canada Work Permit
Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is designed to allow Canadian employers to hire migrant workers to fill job vacancies in the labor market. The TFWP is overseen by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which issues work permits to foreign employees upon arrival in Canada.
To be eligible for a work permit under the TFWP, foreign employees must first have an accepted job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must demonstrate that the employer has made a genuine effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents before hiring a foreign worker.
It is important to note that a work permit is not a visa and does not grant entry into Canada. Foreign workers may also require a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada.
The processing time for a work permit application varies depending on the type of work permit and the country of residence of the applicant. It is recommended that applicants submit their applications well in advance of their intended start date, as processing times can be lengthy.
Once a work permit is issued, the employee is authorized to work in Canada for the duration of the permit's validity. In some cases, the permit may be extended if the employer wishes to continue employing the foreign worker.
Overall, the TFWP provides a valuable avenue for Canadian employers to fill job vacancies with skilled foreign workers, while also providing opportunities for foreign workers to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
What is the Canada Work Permit?
A work permit is a document that authorizes a person who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to work in Canada. It is issued by an officer and is required even if the employer is not based in Canada. The work permit is typically valid for a specific job, employer, and duration.
The issuance of a work permit is based on the outcome of a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). In certain circumstances, an individual may receive an offer of employment from an LMIA-exempt employer. Such employers are exempted from LMIA requirements if the employment offer meets certain criteria, such as if the job falls under international agreements or if the employment is in the interest of Canadian public policy.
It is important to note that a work permit is not a visa and does not grant entry into Canada. Individuals may also need to obtain a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. If an individual is granted a work permit, it will be issued along with any necessary visa or eTA.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Work Permit
To be eligible for a Canada work permit, you must meet certain criteria under Canadian immigration law, including:
Job offer from a Canadian employer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer before applying for a work permit.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In most cases, your employer must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate that there is a need for foreign workers in Canada and that no Canadian workers are available to do the job.
Work experience and education: You must have the required work experience and education for the job. Your employer may also require certain qualifications or certifications.
Language proficiency: You may be required to demonstrate your proficiency in English or French depending on the job requirements.
Admissibility: You must satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your employment and that you are not a risk to Canadian security. You must also not have a criminal record and be in good health.
Ineligible employers: You cannot work for an employer who is on the list of ineligible employers or for an employer who engages in activities such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
Other requirements: You may need to provide additional documents to establish your admissibility, such as a police clearance certificate or a medical exam.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for a Canada work permit may vary depending on the specific program you are applying for, such as the International Mobility Program or the Global Talent Stream.
Documents Required for Canada Work Permit Application
To apply for a Canada Work Permit, you will need to provide the following documents:
Job Offer Letter: You need a valid job offer letter from a Canadian employer that outlines your job title, duties, working conditions, and salary.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): If required, the employer must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This document ensures that the employer has made sufficient efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents and that there are no negative impacts on the Canadian labor market.
Application Form: You will need to complete and submit the application form for a work permit, which is available online or in paper format.
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
Photographs: You will need to provide two passport-sized photographs that meet the Canadian visa application photo requirements.
Educational Certificates: Depending on the job, you may need to provide educational certificates or proof of your qualifications.
Language Proficiency: Depending on the job, you may need to provide proof of language proficiency in English or French.
Police Certificate: If required, you will need to provide a police certificate from every country you have lived in for more than six months since the age of 18.
Medical Exam: Depending on your country of origin and the duration of your stay, you may need to undergo a medical exam to show that you are in good health.
It's important to note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific circumstances.
Canada Work Permit Processing Time and Fees
The processing time and fees for a Canada work permit vary depending on several factors, including the type of work permit, the country of origin, and the location of the visa office. Here is some general information on processing times and fees for a Canada work permit:
Processing Time:
- The standard processing time for a work permit is usually between 4 to 6 weeks.
- The processing time may vary depending on factors such as the type of work permit, the location of the visa office, and the volume of applications.
Fees:
- The application fee for a Canada work permit is CAD $155.
- In addition to the application fee, you may need to pay a biometrics fee of CAD $85.
- If you are required to undergo a medical examination or provide additional documents, there may be additional fees.
Note that processing times and fees are subject to change at any time, so it is important to check the most up-to-date information on the Government of Canada website before applying for a work permit.
It is also important to note that some individuals may be exempt from paying certain fees, such as individuals from countries with visa exemptions or those applying under certain international agreements. Additionally, certain individuals may be eligible for expedited processing of their work permit application.
Where to Apply for a Canada Work Permit?
Applying for a Canada work permit requires the submission of certain biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs. If you are applying online, you will need to choose a center to provide this data once you have completed your application. This center will be the Canada Visa Application Centre located in your country of residence. It is important to note that the application process must be completed online, and you will only be able to select a biometrics appointment once you have completed the initial online application.
On the other hand, if you are applying for a Canada work permit on paper, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate that accepts visa applications in your country of residence. You will then need to submit your application, including your biometric data, to this center for processing. It is essential to ensure that you have completed all necessary steps and submitted all required documentation to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.
Whether you are applying online or on paper, it is crucial to follow all instructions carefully and provide accurate and complete information to increase the chances of a successful application.
How to Apply for Canada Work Permit
To apply for a Canada work permit, you will need to follow these general steps:
Determine if you are eligible: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit in Canada, which typically requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Obtain a job offer: You will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer before you can apply for a work permit.
Gather required documents: Gather all the necessary documents such as passport, LMIA, job offer letter, and other supporting documents.
Complete the online or paper application: You can complete the work permit application online through the Government of Canada website or on paper by downloading the application package from the website.
Pay the application fee: Pay the applicable fees for your work permit application. The fees vary depending on the type of work permit and the location of the visa office.
Submit your application: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC) in your country of residence. If you apply online, you will be prompted to book an appointment to provide biometrics.
Wait for a decision: After you have submitted your application, you will need to wait for a decision on your work permit application. The processing time may vary depending on your location and other factors.
If your work permit application is approved, you will be issued a work permit allowing you to work in Canada for a specific period. If you are in Canada and your work permit expires, you must apply to extend your work permit before it expires to maintain your legal status.
Can You Extend Your Canada Work Permit?
Yes, it is possible to extend your Canada work permit if you meet certain conditions. To be eligible for a work permit extension, you must apply before your current work permit expires and continue to meet the requirements of your initial work permit.
Some common reasons for extending a work permit include:
- You have been offered a new job in Canada
- You want to continue working for the same employer
- You are a student who wants to work part-time while studying in Canada
- To apply for a work permit extension, you will need to submit an application to the appropriate immigration office before your current permit expires. You will need to provide documentation to support your extension request, including evidence that you still meet the eligibility criteria for your work permit, a valid job offer (if applicable), and any other documents required by the immigration office.
It is important to apply for a work permit extension well in advance of the expiration of your current permit to ensure that you have enough time to gather the necessary documentation and submit your application. If your application is approved, you will receive a new work permit that allows you to continue working in Canada for the length of time specified on the new permit.
Canada Work Permit Renewal
To renew a Canada Work Permit, you must submit an application before your current permit expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process, and you may need to provide updated documents and information.
To be eligible for a work permit renewal, you must still meet the eligibility criteria for a work permit. Additionally, you must have complied with the conditions of your previous work permit and have not worked in Canada beyond the authorized period of your previous work permit.
The processing time for a work permit renewal can vary and may take several months. It's important to submit your application well in advance of your current permit's expiration date to avoid any gaps in your ability to work in Canada.
If your work permit renewal application is approved, you will be issued a new work permit that will allow you to continue working in Canada. If your application is refused, you may need to leave Canada when your current work permit expires.
In some cases, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit, which can allow you to continue working in Canada while your application for a new work permit is being processed. This may be an option if your current work permit is expiring, but your new work permit application is still being processed. However, not all applicants are eligible for a bridging open work permit, and eligibility criteria may vary depending on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Canada work permit is a document that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific employer and job for a limited period.
The duration of a Canada work permit depends on the specific job and employer, but it usually ranges from a few months to a few years.
To apply for a Canada work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the eligibility criteria. You must then submit your application online or through a Canadian visa application center in your home country.
In most cases, you cannot apply for a Canada work permit from within Canada. You must apply from outside Canada and obtain the permit before entering the country.
Yes, you can apply to extend your Canada work permit before it expires, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
You must obtain a new work permit if you wish to change employers while in Canada. The new work permit will be tied to the new job and employer.
Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, with you to Canada while on a work permit.
In most cases, you will need an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to apply for a Canada work permit. However, some jobs and categories of workers are exempt from this requirement.
The processing time for a Canada work permit application can vary depending on the applicant's country of origin, the type of work permit being applied for, and other factors. Typically, it can take several weeks to several months for a decision to be made.
Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada while on a work permit if you meet the eligibility criteria for a particular immigration program, such as the Canadian Experience Class.