A Canadian Work Permits is a document that gives you permission to work in Canada for a specific employer, for a specific job, and for a specific period of time. Under the Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP), the Government of Canada allows the entry of temporary foreign workers to become employed by Canadian employers. Foreign workers admitted to Canada help fill labor market shortages and provide other economic opportunities for Canadians. You will need a work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
Many foreign nationals looking for jobs choose Canada as their top destination. Working in Canada is a great first step for anyone looking to immigrate permanently. About half a million temporary foreign workers get work permits from Canada each year from all over the world.
Who is eligible for Canadian work permits?
In order to get a work permit, you will need an offer of employment from a Canadian employer. The employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). With some limitations, foreign workers can apply for a work permit without an LMIA or a job offer. A recent graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or the spouse of someone who is inside Canada on a work or study permit.
An LMIA is an assessment of the impact that the hiring of a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market. The employer must show that they have made efforts to hire Canadians or permanent residents first and that there is a need to hire a foreign worker to do the job.
Types of Canadian work permit?
You have to show your capability to carry out the duties of the job that has been offered to you in order to get a work visa for Canada. The first step is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. You must have a valid passport, be able to pass a criminal background check and have a job offer from a Canadian employer. There are 2 types of work permits. Types of works permits include:
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada according to the terms of your work permit, such as;
- The name of the specific employer who you can work for
- How long can you work?
- Where you can work (if applicable)?
Your employer must give you a copy of your employment contract, a copy of your labor market impact assessment, and an offer of employment number before you (the applicant) may apply for an employer-specific work permit.
Open work permit
A person with an open work permit is able to work for any employer for the duration of the permit. While the employer is not restricted by an open restricted permit, the occupation or location could be.
The requirements for open work could be as: If you hold a valid study or work permit, you can only apply for a work permit: you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid, or your spouse, common-law partner, or parents hold a valid study or work permit: and you have a temporary residency permit that is valid for six months. There are four streams of work permit programs in Canada:
- Highly skilled workers
- Low skilled Workers
- Seasonal Agricultural worker program
- Live-in Caregiver Program.
To obtain a Canadian work visa, you must prove that you are qualified to perform the job duties assigned to you.
Ready to take the next step towards working in Canada? Let Gunness & Associates help make it happen. Our team of experienced immigration specialists are ready to provide expert guidance on the work permit process. Don’t wait, contact us today for your personalized consultation and start your journey towards a new career in Canada!