Are you dreaming of relocating to Canada through the work permit route? Navigating the process can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can make your Canadian dream a reality.
This comprehensive handbook breaks down each step to help you successfully obtain a Canadian work permit.
1. Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the general requirements set by the Canadian government. You must:
- Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.
- Show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home.
- Obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate).
- Not be a danger to Canada’s security.
- Be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed.
- Not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions.
- Not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
- Give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
These requirements apply regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for.
2. Understand the Types of Work Permits
Canada offers two main types of work permits:
- Employer-Specific Work Permit: This permit allows you to work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as the name of the specific employer you can work for, how long you can work, and the location where you can work (if applicable). Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, your employer must give you a copy of your employment contract and one of the following:
- A copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- An offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers).
- Open Work Permit: An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
3. Secure a Job Offer and Obtain an LMIA
For most employer-specific work permits, you’ll need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. In many cases, your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
An LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to receive prior to hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA will show that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job.
4. Gather Necessary Documents
Prepare the following documents for your work permit application:
- Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document that gives you the right to return to the country or territory that issued it; and two photos of yourself and each family member accompanying you, that meet the Visa application photograph specifications.
- Proof of Employment in Canada:
- For LMIA-exempt work permits: The offer of employment number (begins with the letter “A” and is followed by seven numbers) that your employer should give to you.
- If you need an LMIA to work: A copy of the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from ESDC (your employer should give this to you), AND a copy of your employment contract from your future employer.
- Proof that you are eligible for the job: For example, a valid Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational requirements, or past work experience outlined in a resume.
- Proof of Relationship: You may need to provide a marriage certificate and birth certificates for any accompanying family members.
- Other Documents: If you are not a citizen of the country or territory where you are applying, you must send proof of your present immigration status in that country or territory. If the government that issued your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit, you must receive it before you apply for a work permit. You may need to give more documents.
5. Apply for the Work Permit
You need to apply online for a work permit. The application process varies depending on where you are applying from:
- Applying from Outside Canada:
- Step 1: Make sure you have what you need, including a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.
- Step 2: Read the instruction guide to understand how to complete each field on the form.
- Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool, which will create a personalized document checklist for you.
- Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay. In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.
- Step 5: Create your online account or sign in to submit your application.
- Applying from Inside Canada:
- Eligibility: You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you have a valid study or work permit; your spouse, common-law or dependent child has a valid study or work permit; you are eligible for a post-graduation work permit; you have a temporary resident permit valid for six months or more; or you are waiting for a decision on your permanent residence application in Canada.
- Application Steps: The steps are similar to applying from outside Canada—ensure you have the required documents, complete the online application, pay the necessary fees, and submit your application through the IRCC portal.
- Applying at a Port of Entry (POE): Some people, such as U.S. citizens and certain visa-exempt individuals, may be eligible to apply for a work permit when they enter Canada. However, this is only possible if you have all necessary documents, including a job offer and, if required, a positive LMIA.
For more information, visit the official Government of Canada website.
6. Wait for Processing and Prepare for Your Move
Once you submit your application, the processing time will depend on the type of work permit and the country from which you are applying. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
- Biometrics Appointment: If required, you will need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to submit your fingerprints and photo.
- Medical Exam and Police Clearance: Some applicants may be required to undergo a medical exam and provide police clearance certificates before approval.
- Decision Notification: If your application is approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. If you need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), it will be issued with your approval.
7. Travel to Canada and Start Working
With your POE Letter of Introduction and other documents, you can travel to Canada. At the airport or border crossing, you must present:
- A valid passport
- The POE Letter of Introduction
- Your job offer and LMIA (if applicable)
- Proof of funds (if required)
- Any other supporting documents
After an immigration officer verifies your documents, they will issue your work permit. Ensure all details on the permit are correct before leaving the border office.
Final Thoughts – Take the First Step Today!
Securing a Canadian work permit may seem like a long journey, but with the right information and preparation, it is absolutely achievable. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do to relocate to Canada successfully.
Want to make this process even easier? Get our comprehensive handbook that provides in-depth insights, expert tips, and proven strategies to help you secure a work permit in Canada with ease.
Don’t wait—start your journey today! Click here to get the ultimate guide to working in Canada now!
You can also go for study route to Europe (Germany) if you are interested. Everything has been explained here.