Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants who want to work and live in a diverse and multicultural country. Whether you are looking for a temporary or permanent job, Canada has many opportunities for skilled workers in various sectors. However, before you can start working in Canada, you need to obtain a work permit that allows you to legally work in the country.
A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that authorizes a foreign national to work for a specific employer, occupation, and location for a limited period of time. There are two types of work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits.
Open Work Permit
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who are ineligible or who offer services such as escort, erotic massage, or striptease. You do not need a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for an open work permit.
Some of the categories of people who can apply for an open work permit are:
Spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers or international students
International students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution
Refugees or refugee claimants
Temporary resident permit holders
Participants in certain international agreements or programs
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for a specific employer, occupation, and location as stated on your work permit. You need to have a valid job offer and an LMIA (unless you are exempt) to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
Some of the categories of people who can apply for an employer-specific work permit are:
Skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class
Caregivers who provide care for children, seniors, or people with medical needs
Agricultural workers who work on farms or in greenhouses
Seasonal workers who work in tourism, hospitality, or other seasonal industries
Intra-company transferees who are transferred from a foreign branch to a Canadian branch of the same company
Participants in certain international agreements or programs
How to Apply for a Work Permit in Canada
The process of applying for a work permit depends on whether you are applying from outside Canada, inside Canada, or at a port of entry.
Applying from Outside Canada
If you are applying from outside Canada, you need to submit your application online or by mail to the visa office that serves your country or region. You will need to provide the following documents:
A valid passport or travel document
A copy of your job offer letter or contract (if applicable)
A copy of your LMIA (if applicable) or proof of LMIA exemption
A copy of your educational credentials and work experience (if applicable)
A medical exam report (if required)
A police clearance certificate (if required)
A fee payment receipt
Any other documents required by the visa office
You may also need to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a designated service point. You will receive an instruction letter on how and where to give your biometrics after you submit your application.
Applying from Inside Canada
If you are applying from inside Canada, you need to submit your application online through your IRCC account. You will need to provide the same documents as above, except for the passport or travel document. You will also need to prove your status in Canada, such as:
A valid study permit or work permit
A visitor record
A temporary resident permit
An approval letter for an extension of your stay as a student, worker, or visitor
You may also need to give your biometrics at a designated service point. You will receive an instruction letter on how and where to give your biometrics after you submit your application.
Applying at a Port of Entry
If you are applying at a port of entry (such as an airport or a border crossing), you need to have all the required documents with you when you arrive in Canada. You will also need to meet the following conditions:
You are from a visa-exempt country or have a valid visitor visa
You have a valid job offer letter or contract
You have an LMIA (if applicable) or proof of LMIA exemption
You have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada
You have no criminal or medical inadmissibility issues
You are not a refugee claimant
You will need to present your documents to the border services officer, who will assess your eligibility and issue your work permit if you meet the requirements.
How Ansari Immigration Can Help You
Applying for a work permit in Canada can be a complex and time-consuming process. You need to make sure that you meet all the eligibility criteria, prepare all the required documents, and follow all the instructions correctly. Any mistake or omission can result in delays, rejections, or refusals of your application.
That is why you need the help of a professional and experienced immigration consultant who can guide you through every step of the process and ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and successful. Ansari Immigration is a reputable and trusted immigration consultancy firm in Vancouver, Canada, that specializes in helping clients obtain work permits and other immigration services.
At Ansari Immigration, we have a team of qualified and licensed immigration consultants who have extensive knowledge and experience in Canadian immigration law and procedures. We can help you with:
Assessing your eligibility and suitability for a work permit
Finding the best work permit category and program for your situation
Preparing and submitting your work permit application
Communicating with IRCC and other authorities on your behalf
Advising you on how to prepare for your arrival in Canada
Assisting you with any issues or challenges that may arise during the process
We also offer other immigration services such as student visas and study permits, healthcare, work permit, PNP applications, and much more. Whether you want to study, work, or live in Canada, we can help you achieve your immigration goals.