An official document that enables a foreign national to work in Canada is a work permit. Each year, the Canadian government distributes more than 500,000 work visas to transient foreign employees. To put it another way, a Canadian work visa enables foreigners to find employment in Canada.
For international workers who want to work in Canada, applying for a work permit is an important first step. As a result, it’s crucial to follow the right procedures while applying for a work permit in Canada.
There are various ways to process applications for Canadian work permits. Generally, in order to get a work visa, an employer must submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), whereas other types of work permits (prior education, spouse sponsorship), require a connection to Canada.
The following categories will help you find the correct work permit for your situation:
Open Work Permits (no job offers or LMIA required)
A work permit that is not tied to a single business or area is referred to as an open work permit. This assures that a foreign resident with a valid open work permit can work for several businesses across Canada. Please be aware that some open work permits may have additional criteria or limitations that foreign nationals must follow. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is not required of applicants. The following are the several kinds of Open Work Permits:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Sponsorship from Inside of Canada
- International Experience Canada (IEC) (working holiday visa)
- Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
- Spouse Accompanying International Student or Worker
Advantages of having an open work permit
Open work permits are very popular since they give their holders more freedom. Unlike most work permits that are tied to a specific firm, an open work permit allows a foreign citizen to work for any employer in Canada, allowing them to move about freely. Gaining Canadian job experience will help boost your chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
Temporary Work Permits (with LMIA or an offer of employment from a Canadian employer)
The standard temporary worker visa is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It is granted to foreign workers who have already accepted a job offer from a Canadian company and for whom the Canadian government has obtained a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
LMIA-Based Work Permits
The LMIA application is the formal procedure of recruiting a foreign worker for a Canadian company. Before the recruiting procedure can begin, the foreign worker must first obtain government approval, which is known as Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Although you must have a work permit to work in Canada, in some cases, you may be able to work without one. The following work permits are LMIA-exempt:
- Francophone Mobility Program
- C11 Entrepreneur Work Permit
- Intra-Company Transfers,
- CUSMA
Who can apply for a work permit in Canada?
As a candidate, you can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you meet the following requirements:
- hold a valid study or work permit.
- your spouse, common-law partner, or parents have a valid study or work permit.
- you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid.
- you have a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) that is valid for 6 months or more.
- you’ve submitted an application and now waiting for a decision on your permanent residence from inside Canada.
- you made a claim for refugee protection.
The requirements in Canada are as follows: while some exceptions apply, foreign individuals must normally have a valid work permit to work in Canada. If you want to apply for a work permit, you must have an offer of employment from a Canadian company that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Please keep in mind that in some situations, foreign employees may not need an LMIA or a job offer to apply for a work permit. This applies to those who have recently graduated from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone who is already in Canada on a work or study permit.
As a candidate who is eligible to apply for a work permit, you must also meet the following eligibility requirements:
- When your work permit expires, you must prove your intention to leave the country.
- Show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.
- You cannot enter Canada because of a criminal conviction or a medical condition.
- You intend to work for a legitimate employer.
- You may supply whatever documentation necessary to demonstrate your eligibility to enter Canada.
Why should you work with Visavarsiti Resource Immigration Centre?
Work permit applications and procedures are often time sensitive. Having a Canadian work permits consultant in Nigeria & Canada represent you legally is the most effective approach to proceed. If a work permit application is not correctly completed, there is a larger probability of denial.
The paperwork and procedures for obtaining a work visa are complicated, and they usually necessitate the assistance of a lawyer. If you previously obtained a work visa, you are not guaranteed a renewal. Legal counsel will help you improve your case for a renewal of your Canadian work permit. It is strongly recommended that you seek professional immigration guidance for your individual case. For more information, please contact us right away.
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