Immigration
How to Apply for a Canadian work Permit
What is work a permit?
A work permit is the document that allows you to legally work in Canada on a temporary basis.
Types of work permits
- Open work permit :- Work for any employer any where from Canada
- Employer specific :- Work for specific employer in specific location
6 Simple steps to apply for a Canadian work permit
Check eligibility
Choose work permit type
Gather supporting documents
Complete application form
Pay visa fee
Submit application
Due to the global pandemic, applications for work permits have been shifted online as far as possible. In the years to come, this is a measure that will likely remain in place.
You will, however, be required to give biometrics at a consulate or designated agency within your area unless you are already in Canada. Different forms are required depending on where you will be working, what you will be doing, and where you are applying from.
There are benefits to submitting your applications online; no courier fees, no mail delivery times, you can ensure your application is a hundred percent correct before submission, you can submit supporting documents quickly if they are required and you are able to check the status of your application regularly.
You will be applying either for a Canadian work permit that requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or one that is LMIA exempt.
Work permits that are exempt from the LMIA requirement include applicants with a provincial nomination, intra-company transferees, people applying for open work permits such as spouses, students, and temporary residents.
The following documents will then be required when applying for your work permit:
Family Information Form
Original Passport, with at least 6 months validity remaining
LMIA provided by the employer or your offer of employment from an LMIA exempt company with evidence of the exemption (neither required when applying for an open work permit)
Police Clearance certificate to show you have not been convicted of a crime. It May not be older than 6 months. If you lived in a country for 6 months or longer within the past 10 years, you will require a police certificate from that country too.
Once your application has been submitted and reaches the stage where biometrics are required, you will be sent a notification that will tell you where and when you can provide these.
There is a fee to process your application and a fee for biometrics, so be prepared for these. If you have traveled to Canada in the last 10 years and provided biometrics, you won’t be required to do so again.
Submitting your application completed properly is very important, if there are any mistakes or missing details, it will be returned unprocessed.
You may also need to go for an interview with an immigration officer in your country and provide a medical exam, but these aren’t typically required.
If you are successfully approved, you will be sent a letter that confirms you are allowed to work in Canada and the conditions of your permit. This letter is not your work permit.
Your work permit will be issued to you when you arrive in Canada by customs officials. This document will then fully outline the type of work you can do, the employer you will be working for, where you will be working and how long you can legally work in Canada.
We look forward to seeing you in Canada, we know you will add valuable input to the economy.
