Work Visa
in Canada.

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Types of work visas in Canada

Work visas in Canada fit into several key categories:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These permist or visas are for highly-skilled individuals. Applicants must have advanced knowledge of an industry, an advanced degree in their specialty and/or a minimum of 5 years of experience in their field of specialty. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required.
International Mobility Program – This entrance process allows foreign individuals to work in Canada, without the need for the employer to go through the LMIA process. The right to work is guaranteed by a Free Trade Agreement or a youth mobility agreement. Access through this scheme can also be based on specific exemptions, such as the global talent stream for highly skilled workers: Where the applicant’s profession is on the Global Talent Occupations list This permit valid for the period of the, an LMIA is not required.
Open Work permit — this permits the applicant work for any employer. No LMIA is required. This permit is only available in unique circumstances, such as for the partners of skilled workers and those with refugee status.

Types of work visas in Canada

Required documents for a work visa in Canada

The following documents are required to apply for a work visa in Canada:

Job Offer Letter — a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, which includes details such as the job title, job description, salary, and duration of employment. Where the employer is an Employer of Record (EOR), the EOR may be able to help with this.

Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) — for most visas and permits (though not all — see discussion above) your employer will need to obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.

Proof of Qualifications —Documents that prove your qualifications and skills required for the job, such as educational certificates, diplomas, or professional credentials.

Valid Passport — the passport must be valid throughout your intended stay in Canada.

Application Form — the applicant needs to complete the appropriate application form for a work permit, which can be obtained from the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Passport-sized Photographs — recent photographs meeting the specifications set by the Canadian authorities are required.

Proof of Financial Support — you may need to provide evidence that you have enough funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members. This is especially true where dependents are being sponsored for a visa

Police Clearance Certificate/ Criminal Record Check — depending on your country of residence, you may be required to submit a police clearance certificate to demonstrate your good character

Medical Examination — in some cases, the applicant may need to undergo a medical examination to prove that the individual is in good health and is not an undue burden on the Canadian health system.

Process to get a work visa in Canada

Getting a work visa when the employee is based outside of Canada

The usual steps for applicants based outside Canada would be:

Obtain a Job Offer — secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer may need to obtain an LMIA, unless the job offer falls under an LMIA-exempt category.
Complete the Application — dill out the appropriate application form for a work permit. Include all required documents as mentioned under the previous heading.
Pay the Fees — pay the application processing fee, which is typically non-refundable. The fee amount may vary depending on the type of work permit and your country of residence.
Submit the Application — submit your completed application along with the required documents to the appropriate visa office or processing center responsible for your country.
Receive the Work Permit — if the application is approved, the applicant will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Upon arrival in Canada, present this letter to the immigration officer at the port of entry, and they will issue your work permit.

Getting a work visa when the employee is based inside of Canada

When the applicant is based in Canada, the process is similar, namely:

Determine Eligibility — check if the individual is eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.
Gather Required Documents —collect all the necessary documents as listed above, including a job offer letter and any other specific requirements based on your situation.
Complete the Application — fill out the appropriate application form for a work permit from within Canada. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information.
Pay the Fees —pay the applicable processing fees for your work permit application.
Submit the Application — submit your completed application along with the required documents electronically or by mail to the appropriate IRCC office. The specific submission instructions are provided on the IRCC website.

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FAQs

Can Canada work visa holders bring their family members?

Yes. Dependents are typically permitted on skilled work visas. In some cases, applicants may be required to demonstrate that they can provide for dependents financially.

How long can I stay in Canada on a work visa?

There is no hard restriction. Typically visas last from a few months through to a few years.

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