Canada, a thriving nation with a plethora of job opportunities and competitive salaries, is a magnet for international workers seeking lucrative employment. The country’s robust economy, diverse culture, and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for career growth and personal development.
The Canadian government anticipated this and established work permits accordingly.
Obtaining a work permit in Canada is a straightforward process. It allows you to find an employer and execute an employment contract, paving the way for a fulfilling career in the country.
When applying for a visa to Canada, you must also apply for a work permit. The application is submitted simultaneously, and the Consular Office will regard your visa application as a work permit application.
There are two ways to receive a 2-year Canada work permit and a temporary visa:
- Through Permanent or Immigrant Work Visas.
The first type of visa permits you to work in Canada for six months or less as a temporary employee.
The second type of visa is granted to people who are emigrating to Canada because they have found a suitable job.
This page will provide an overview of temporary work visas and other visas for working in Canada.
What Are the Canada Temporary Work Visas?
A Temporary Work Visa for Canada combines a temporary resident visa and a work permit. With a TRV, you can stay in Canada for 6 months or fewer, whereas a Work Permit for Canada allows you to work in your current position or hunt for a job.
This work visa for Canada is not permanent and will expire within a few months or years, depending on the type.
This implies that if your Canadian work visa expires, you can either apply to extend it or return to your native country.
The maximum amount of time you can work temporarily in Canada is four years, including any extensions.
However, this is not relevant in every circumstance and may vary depending on the nation you are from and the type of visa you have.
You cannot stay and work in Canada after your visa expires because you risk being deported. This implies you will be unable to obtain a Canada visa again.
Who Needs a Temporary Work Visa in Canada?
Anyone intending to enter Canada to work and earn a living must get a Temporary Work Visa, often known as a Work Permit.
To be eligible for a work permit, you must participate in the following activities:
- Your goal is to get a job in Canada that pays you well.
- Your compensation will be paid by a Canadian-registered business.
- Your major place of employment will be Canada.
- Your salary will be paid and put into a Canadian bank account.
However, if your place of employment is outside of Canada and you are visiting the nation for a short amount of time for work purposes, you do not require a work permit.
The visitors listed below may not require a Canadian work permit:
- Foreign Government Workers.
- Foreign Government Representatives and their family members.
- Military personnel.
- Business visitors.
- Performing artists.
- Athletes and their team members.
- Judges, referees, or similar workers.
- Media crews and news reporters.
- Public speakers and convention organizers.
- Evaluators and examiners.
- Clergy.
- Health care students.
- Students who are working on campus.
- Civil aviation inspectors.
- Aviation accident inspectors.
- Emergency service providers.
- Expert witnesses and investigators.
- Researchers who are required to work in Canada for only 120 days.
If you do not fit into any of these categories, you will need a Temporary Work Visa and Permit.
Am I Eligible to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa or Permit?
To qualify, any person who wants to work in Canada temporarily must be eligible and meet the Canada work visa eligibility conditions listed below:
- Prove that you will leave Canada and return to your home country once your work visa expires.
- Respect the conditions of your work permit, depending on whether it is open and you can work for any employer or if it is specific. You are only authorized to work for one employer.
- To apply for a work permit and visa from outside of Canada, you must demonstrate that you will not work for an employer who engages in prohibited work, such as striptease, erotic dance, escort, or erotic massages. Additionally, if you are applying from your home country, you must meet the Temporary Visa requirements.
On the other hand, if you apply from within Canada, you must also meet these work permit conditions.
- You are currently in Canada on a study permit or have a work permit that will expire shortly.
- You graduated from a Canadian educational institution.
- A temporary residency permit valid for at least six months was issued.
- You applied for refugee status in Canada and are waiting for a decision.
- You already qualify as a protected person or a refugee.
Although your application for refugee status was turned down, you are unable to leave Canada because of uncontrollable circumstances;
What are the different forms of temporary work visas for Canada?
To meet the needs of all foreign workers, the Government of Canada offers various types of Temporary Work Visas based on the applicant’s requirements.
There are four types of work permits or visas that you can obtain:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The most common temporary worker visa is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It is granted to foreign workers who already have a job offer from a Canadian company and the company has already completed a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the government of Canada.
- Open Work Permit
The Open Work visa is issued to foreign workers who come to Canada with a job offer. The visa allows them to change employers.
This differs from other work permits/visas because it is not employer-specific. Other work permits/visas do not allow you to switch employers in Canada.
- Working Holiday Visa
Young individuals from 30 countries are issued the Working Holiday Visa, allowing them to work in Canada while traveling. It is a random selection visa, meaning applicants will submit their applications and then be randomly picked to apply for a work permit.
- Post Graduate Work Permit
The Postgraduate Work Permit is granted to students who have obtained a degree at a Canadian educational institution and wish to stay longer in Canada by working.
How do you apply for a Temporary Work Visa in Canada?
An outline of how to apply for a work visa in Canada is as follows:
- Receive a temporary work offer from a Canadian company.
- Depending on the sort of work permit you are asking for, you will likely require a job offer from a company in Canada.
- If you obtain an Open Work Permit, you can move employment and locate a new one once you are in Canada. However, if you want an employer-specific permit, you must secure a job before applying for it.
- To obtain a Foreign Temporary Workers Visa, you must find work in Canada from your home country.
- If you are merely going to Canada to look for work, you should skip this stage.
- Suppose you are applying for a working holiday visa. In that case, your chances of acquiring it will increase if you know where you will work.
Numerous internet sites will assist you with your job hunt in Canada. You can visit many websites or call head-hunting firms in Canada and pay them to get you a job.
Before applying for a work visa, the employer must agree to make you a job offer for temporary work, regardless of which option you choose.
The company you will be working for must have an LMIA.
After you locate a job, the company that has agreed to hire you must request a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Government of Canada.
An LMIA is a document issued by the government that authorizes the company to hire international temporary workers.
The company you wish to work for must apply for it and demonstrate that by offering you this position, they are not taking jobs away from Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
They must demonstrate that no willing, available, or qualified persons are in Canada for that employment opportunity; hence, they must hire foreign labor.
After they receive the LMIA, you must have the document and apply for a work visa in Canada.
Apply for Canada Work Visa and Permit
After the Canadian Government issues the LMIA to the company that recruited you, you can apply for a Temporary Work Visa.
This can be done online via the Government of Canada website or in person at any Canadian Consulate Office.
You must submit application forms and supporting documentation, which Consular authorities will examine.
The authorities may also request a physical check and an interview to assess your eligibility and whether you intend to return to Canada once your work visa expires.
How Long is the Canada Work Visa Valid?
The temporary Canada work visa is valid for six months or less. After that, you can ask for an extension at the Consulate or return to your native country.
You are only allowed to stay in Canada for a total of four years, including extensions. The length of the extensions, however, is determined by the Canadian Consulate’s choices.
What are the fees for a Canada work visa?
You must pay application costs when you apply for a work permit and visa. The work permit costs CAD$155, and you must pay this cost again every time you apply for an extension. The application fee for an Open Work Permit is CAD 100.
Can I bring my dependents with me on a Canadian work visa?
The Canadian government permits the person with the work permit to include his close family members on the application.
Your spouse, common-law partner, and minor children can join you in Canada. You must include their documents to be considered a family application when you apply.
FAQS
Can I acquire a work permit after studying in Canada?
Yes, you can obtain a work visa in Canada after graduating or completing a diploma program that lasts longer than eight months.
The employment visa is valid for up to three years at the same time as your academic program in Canada.
How long may overseas students stay in Canada after they graduate?
International students can stay in Canada after graduation based on how long they studied there.
For example, if they complete a two-year program, they can stay in Canada for an additional two years and apply online for a work permit following graduation.
What is the length of the work permit after studying in Canada?
You can obtain a work permit for the same term as your study course. For example, if you studied in Canada for 16 months, you will be granted a 16-month work permit. If you study for three years, you will receive a work permit valid for three years, and so on.
Can I stay in Canada once my work permit expires?
You are welcome to remain for a few extra days if you follow the required procedures.
If your work visa expires, you must apply within the first ninety days to have it renewed.
If you apply for it properly, you can remain in Canada until you receive further instructions. Still, you cannot wait until your once permit is reinstated.
Can I stay in Canada if my student visa expires?
Yes, you may remain in Canada as a temporary resident until the decision on your new permit application is issued, provided that your visa extension application was submitted before the expiration of your legal stay. When your research permit expires, you must discontinue any activities specified in the original license and get a new one.
If you are forced to leave Canada after studying there, you can still apply for a work visa from your native country.
How do I gain PR in Canada after a one-year study?
Applicants for PR must have at least 12 months of work experience in Canada in a skilled occupation. Candidates must also apply within three years of completing one year of qualifying job experience. If you meet the standards of the Canadian immigration program, you can apply for PR while on a post-work permit in Canada.
Conclusion
A legal document known as a work permit enables a foreign national to work in Canada. Over 500,000 work permits are granted by Canada to temporary foreign workers worldwide each year.
Canada is a popular destination for foreigners looking for professional opportunities. Another tremendous initial step for those looking to become permanent residents of Canada is to work there.
This article successfully explains how to apply for a two-year Canada Work Permit and the different types of visas for working in Canada. Good luck!
