Eligibility

You must have a job offer from a company or a business in Canada. This must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment or LMIA. There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, you don’t need an LMIA if you have graduated recently from a DLI or Designated Learning Institute in Canada or if you are the spouse of a person with a Canadian work or study permit.

You must also satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be ready to leave the country on the expiration of the work permit
• Must have sufficient funds to support themselves and family in Canada and for the travel expenses to return to their native homes
• Must not be medically unfit or criminally inadmissible to Canada
• Must have an eligible employer ready to use their services and skills
• Must have all the documents prepared to show on request

Types Of Canadian Work Permits

There are various options available for obtaining a Canadian work permit. Some work permits need the applicant to have a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer. Some need the employer to provide a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). There are work permits that can be issued only if the applicant has a connection to Canada.

Those with Canadian permanent residency do not require a work permit to work in Canada. The permanent resident status allows the holder of such a permit to live and work anywhere in the country. 

Obtaining A Canadian Work Permit

Obtaining a Canadian work permit entails different approaches depending on the type of permit you are planning to apply for. 

Most work permit applications require you to have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employers who are LMIA-exempt or exempt from requiring a work permit must possess some other documentation to be granted entry to Canada. 

A Closed (restricted) work permit and an open work permit are the two pathways to gaining entry to Canada.

Closed work permits are for specific employers. An immigrant issued a closed work permit must remain employed with the same employer at the same location. However, merely having a Canadian job offer does not necessarily make you eligible to apply for a work permit. Specific requirements must be met to be considered valid for work permit applications. 

What You Are Allowed With A Canadian Work Permit 

The work permit outlines the specific restrictions and limitations applicable to your work needs. Conditions are based on the type of work you can engage in, the employers and the location you can work, and the time validity for your stay in Canada. 

It is important to note that holders of work permits are not permanent residents of Canada. They must leave the country by the end of their authorized stay. You may be eligible to apply for work permits for your spouse and dependent children if the work permit is employer-supported. Your spouse/partner may also be eligible for an open work permit which allows them to work for any Canadian employer.

Canadian Work Permit Costs

A closed work permit processing fee per person is CAD 155, and for an open work permit, it is CAD 255 per person. Additional fees are applicable for restoring a work permit or making a group application.

Work Permit Application Process

You must first decide the work permit type that best suits your needs, as the documents required vary for various work permits. You must provide the following documents along with your work permit application.

• Application form completed in all respect
• Proof of status of self and family in Canada (if applicable)
• Labour Market Impact Assessment report
• A written offer of employment (if applicable)
• CV/ résumé
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Proof of eligibility for the job 
• A valid copy of your passport
• Copy of education qualifications
• Medical exam results (if demanded)
• Proof of funds needed to stay in Canada and return to home country
• Proof of payment of various fees
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Biometrics for Canadian work permits

Time Taken To Process Work Permit Application

The processing time depends on the type of work permit you are applying for and your country of residence at the time of application. Processing times can range from a few weeks to several months.

Time Take To Process LMIA Application

There are two types of Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications. The simplified LMIA is for use only in the province of Quebec. The regular LMIA processing times vary greatly for every applicant. It takes around five months to get a response on a regular LMIA application. The simplified LMIA for Quebec employment is usually processed in two to three months.

If you have submitted the work permit application online, you can check the status through your online account. Paper-based application status can be checked by linking it to an online IRCC account.

Work Permit Activation

Activating your work permit after applying from within Canada involves a different process than starting one submitted from a foreign country.

You will receive an approval letter from IRCC if you have applied for a work permit from within Canada. The paper-based application’s approval comes from a letter sent to your mailing address. The work permit in physical form will arrive soon after and in an activated state. You can use it to work in Canada immediately.

For approved applications from outside Canada, you must obtain your physical work permit at the Canadian Port of Entry by following the instructions.

Benefits Of Working In Canada

Skilled and unskilled workers from across the globe try hard to get a work permit for Canada because of the many benefits they offer. Canadian labour laws ensure a high standard of safety at workplaces. The work units are disciplined. Employers must mandatorily follow specific rules and regulations to ensure the well-being of their employees. Also, Canadian wages are attractive. Foreign nationals must be offered wages equivalent to their Canadian counterparts by law in this country.

Looking to migrate to Canada on a work permit but not sure how to do it? We can help. With our unmatched experience and excellent track record, we are your best bet for ensuring the success of your Canadian work permit application.