Canada work visa – Everything you need to know!

Canada has a very strong financial base and banking system. It also has a lower unemployment rate compared to the United States. Canada has numerous job opportunities in a variety of exciting fields. As a result, many immigrants chose to work in Canada, where the pay is decent along with an excellent quality of life. 93% of recent graduates find employment in their field of study two years after completing their degree. Canadians are hardworking individuals who are known for their dedication and passion for work. 

Canada work visa permit details 

In 2021, Canada granted permits to more than 4 lakh overseas candidates. Canada is a country that provides several opportunities for you to establish yourself financially.

A Canada work visa or Canada work permit is necessary for professionals from other nationalities seeking employment opportunities in the country. 

Canada is one of the world’s leading economies and a great place for individuals searching for work. 

To get a work permit in Canada, you need to receive a job offer from an eligible employer in the country.

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) provides a potential employer with ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). This gives the employer permission to recruit foreign skilled workers 

What are the different types of work permits? 

The following are the two types of Canadian work permits-

Open work permit

The Canada open work permit visa is not job-specific, so applicants do not require the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer letter from an employer who has paid the compliance fee.

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada except for those companies that do not comply with labor requirements. An open work permit does not allow you to work with organizations promoting services such as personal massages. 

Employer-specific work permit

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada are more likely to obtain a closed work permit, with or without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is also known as an Employer-Specific Work Permit.

The employer-specific work permit restricts to a single employer and has specific terms and conditions that you need to abide by. 

What conditions should I keep in mind for a Canada work permit?

The conditions you need to keep in mind when applying for a Canadian work permit are as follows-

• The type of work you can do needs to be specific
• The employer you can work for should have a proper license 
• The place of work should be legal
• Your period for work needs to be specified

What are the eligibility criteria for a Canada work visa? 

To legally obtain a work visa for Canada, there are a few criteria that need to be met-

1. A completely filled-out visa application form must be submitted.
2. Your valid passport or any other travel document specified by IRCC
3. Offer letter from employee
4. Letter of invitation from employee
5. Medical exam certificate
6. A filled out VFS (Visa Facilitation Services) consent form.
7. Need enough proof of reserve or funds to support your travel.
8. Other documents, if required.

What are the documents needed to apply for a work visa in Canada?

Getting your documents in order is essential to seeking employment opportunities in Canada. Be at ease; we’ve got you prepared with a list of crucial documents you may review and prepare in advance!

All nationalities wishing to work in Canada must possess the following document-

• Original passport for the entire duration of the job
• Proof of educational qualification
• Proof of applicant’s existing work experience which should include- 
• Copy of appointment letter
• Copy of relieving letter
• Copy of salary slips by the employer.
•  Bank statements are required.
• Proof of personal funds, which should include – 
• Income tax  returns for the past six years
• Bank statements from the last six months
•  Family information form (if the dependent family is traveling)
• Copies of marriage certificates and birth certificates in cases where your dependents are traveling with you.
• Job offer by the employer 

Canada work permit categories 

Canada work permits are applicable for the following individuals- 

Business

Business is a broad category that includes candidates who are business visits, intra-company transferees, professionals, traders, investors, and others who need a work permit.

Temporary workers 

Depending on their qualifications and the type of work, Canada issues both open work permits and employer-specific work permits for people applying to work in the country. Temporary employees may also modify or renew their work authorization as needed.

Permanent workers 

A Canadian work permit for permanent workers is different from that for temporary workers as it allows eligible individuals to immigrate as skilled workers in the country.

Temporary workers need to renew their work permits but permanent workers are exempt from that.

Express Entry is a computerized system that manages the applications of skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada.

Students

In 2021, Canada was home to a whopping 621,656 international students seeking higher education opportunities in the country.

Based on their qualification, international students are allowed to work on-campus and/or off-campus as co-op students or interns. Students who 

have completed graduation can apply for a post-graduation work permit in the country.

Agricultural workers

Individuals who are hired through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) are eligible for a Canada work permit.

You can apply for this work permit, if-

• You are a citizen of a country that takes part in the SAWP program.
• You are recruited by the government.
• You will be working for SAWP employers in Canada.

How to apply for a Canadian work visa for Indians 

Indians have the highest population density in Canada. 

To obtain a Canada work visa, Indians can apply online as well as offline. 

For online applications- 

You can go to the Government of Canada’s official website, finish the process under “Immigration and Citizenship,” then select the “work” tab and follow the on-screen instructions.

For offline applications- 

You can complete the process on the official website of the Government of Canada by following these steps-

1. Go to the “Immigration and Citizenship” menu
2. Then select “My Application” 
3. Under “My Application” you can find “Forms and Guides” 
4. Scroll down to “Application for a work permit outside of Canada” 
5. Finally, download the forms, fill them out, and submit them to the Canadian VAC (Visa Application Centre).

Key takeaways 

• There are two types of work permits for Canada work visa applicants –
  • Open Work Permit  
  • Employer-Specific Work Permit.
• When applying for a Canada Work Permit, legal documentation is crucial.
• You can apply for a Canada Work Visa through both online and offline applications.

Liked this blog? Read next: USA vs. Canada: Which is better for studying abroad?

FAQs

Q1. How long will it take to get a Canada work visa?

Answer – Depending on the visa office, it may take approximately two to nine months to get a Canada work visa.

Q2. What do I do if my Canada work permit has a mistake?

Answer- The border services officer reviews your paperwork to ensure you may enter Canada before printing your work permit. Ask the concerned border services officer whether there is a misprint on your work permit.

Q3. Who comes under a dependent work visa permit?

Answer- The Canadian government permits immigration for dependent family members, such as your spouse or children, under the immigration for family members category.