Canada Work Permits: Eligibility, Process, and Jobs for Foreign Workers

Do you wish to fulfill your dream career in Canada? Are you planning to move to Canada to achieve your dreams? You need to know the work permits that allow you to work in Canada and the procedure to get them. Here is everything you should know before you move to Canada.

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Every year thousands of people immigrate to Canada to achieve their dreams no matter whether they are skilled or unskilled. Canada is one such country that welcomes all dreamers to achieve their dreams. Canada is a multicultural country with many jobs and career opportunities that attract many people towards it. Canada’s national average salary for full-time workers is approximately $54,630 per year and least unemployment rate is an add-on benefit. The immigration policies of Canada are also very encouraging and the chances of you landing a good job is more in Canada than in other countries.

Here we try to answer all your questions regarding the benefits of working in Canada, the different work permits, the process to obtain the work permits, the process of immigration, the best way to get into Canada, etc.

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Canadian Work Visa

A Canadian work visa will allow you to work in Canada and there are different work visas available. If you are wondering which one to choose, here are the details you need to know before making a choice.

Types of work permits:

Open work permit –

Open work permit is not a job-specific permit, under which programs such as the International Experience Canada (working tourist visa); andThe International Mobility Program operates. With this work permit, you can -work for any employer in Canada. Because it is not a job specific to apply for it you need the following –

a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, or
proof that an employer has submitted an offer of employment through the Employer Portal and paid the employer compliance fee

Employer-specific work permit: under which numerous streams are processed depending on the applicant’s job offer. With this work permit, you can work only for that specific employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to get a work permit in Canada?

With a Canadian work permit, all foreigners get legal rights and protection under labor laws to work in Canada. Keeping your employment status legal also opens up the door to applying for permanent residency in Canada. Taking the right pathway could not only set you up for a prosperous life in Canada but for your loved ones too.

How to Apply for a work permit?

The very next question in all of your minds is how can I apply for a work permit, don’t worry we heard you. Here are simple steps on how to apply for a work permit. You have to apply for a work permit before you enter Canada. In some exceptional cases, you can apply at the border. The most important thing is you have to choose the work permit depending on your job and other preferences. You will have to apply online.

Gather the documents
Prepare your answers
Create an online account
Receive a personalized checklist
Pay Visa Fees
Submit your application

What are the documents required for a work permit?

Documents differ from one permit to another, but a list of general documents is required:

Completed application forms
Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
A written offer of employment (if applicable)
CV/ résumé
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
Proof that you meet the job requirements
A valid copy of your passport
Copy of education credential
Medical exam results (if requested)
Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
Proof of payment for applicable government fees
Recent passport-sized photos

What is Labor Market Impact Assessment [LMIA]?

A labor market impact assessment is a document issued by Employment and social development Canada (ESDC) that will let you know the consequences of hiring foreign workers. Programs that allow foreigners to live and work in Canada temporarily usually require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). all streams that fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) require LMIAs as well as some other immigration programs which will allow applicants to claim points for having a job in Canada.

What is a Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP)?

All Employee specific work permits fall under temporary foreign work permits. Under TFWP, the Canadian government grants the right for employers to hire people for specific jobs under various streams like the Agriculture stream, the Low wage worker stream, the Health care provider stream, the global talent stream, etc. TFWP allows you to work under a specific employer.

What are the requirements for skilled foreign workers?

To get a work permit in Canada, one of the most important requirements is to show how competent enough you are to perform the duties offered to you as a part of your job. You can prove it by providing a copy of your education details. To show them that your education meets the standard requirements of Canada, you will need Education Credential Assessment (ECA). You must get your ECA from a designated organization. ECA reports are currently being accepted from:

Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto school of continuing studies;
Credential Assessment SerInternationalvice of Canada;
World Education Services; and
International Credential Evaluation Service

You will need to provide some other information and supporting documents which vary depending on the work permit you are applying for. Not in all cases, but when applying to the TFWP, you can expect to have to show proof of your intention to return to your country of origin, past work experience, and funds when applying for your Canadian work permit.

Will my family be eligible for a Canadian Work Permit?

If you have applied for permanent residence, then your dependents can apply for a work permit.
a spouse or common-law partner of an international student or an Atlantic Immigration Pilot program applicant;

How much does a Canadian work permit costs?

The processing fee for a closed work permit is CAD 155 per person or $255 per person for an open work permit. If you are restoring a work permit or applying as a group of performing artists, additional fees will apply.

Frequently asked questions

1. What Can I do if my Canadian work permit is expiring?

If your work permit is expiring and you wish to stay in Canada further, then you can extend your work permit. however, all the details will remain the same, for example, your employer, job, and work location. If you have an employer-specific work permit and you intend to change employers you will need to apply for a new work permit. If your Canadian work permit expires before you apply for an extension or new permit you will have 90 days to restore it, however, you will not be able to work until then. If your application is not approved by then, you will have to leave Canada and reapply for it from outside Canada.

2. How much Can I earn working in Canada?

If you ask me how much can I earn working in Canada, well my answer is it depends on your job level, skills, organization, and territory where you are working. The national average for full-time employees working in Canada is approximately $1,050.59 per week or $54,630 per year.

3. How long will it take to process my work permit application?

The processing time for a work permit application depends on the type of work permit and the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application. Processing time may last from two weeks to several months.

4. I am a Hong kong graduate, am I eligible for a work permit in Canada?

The Canada government has recently launched a pathway to grant temporary work permits to help Hongkong graduates. This initiative enables Hong Kong residents who are in Canada or abroad to apply for an open work permit in Canada. It is valid for three years until your passport expires. If you are wondering whether I am eligible or not, here are the eligibility criteria for you.

You should have a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas (BNO)
You must be graduated with a degree or diploma ( at least a two-year program) no more than five years before you apply for this open work permit.

If you have a degree, you won’t need an ECA but it may be best to get one anyway as it may be requested later.

5. What is Bridge open work permit (BOWP)?

If your work permit is valid only for four months then it is time for you to apply for a bridge open work permit (BOWP). A bridging work permit or visa allows Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Home Child-Care Provider or Home Support Worker, Caring for children class or caring for people with high medical needs class and Agri-Food Pilot candidates who are currently awaiting permanent residency status, work in Canada. for that, you should be living in Canada and you should have a temporary work permit that is about to expire in 4 months. Have a positive outcome of your permanent resident application under an Express Entry program;