A work visa for Canada allows foreign workers to work temporarily in Canada. The process for obtaining the visa involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, such as having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and then applying to the Government of Canada. The length of the job permit will depend on the job offer, and some can be extended. It's important to note that a job permit is not the same as permanent residency, and it does not guarantee a path to citizenship. However, it can be a stepping stone for those looking to immigrate to Canada.
It is recommended to apply for a job permit visa to Canada well in advance of the intended start date of the job offer. The processing time for the application can vary depending on the location and type of work, as well as the completeness and accuracy of the application. It's best to apply as soon as you have a job offer and all the necessary documents to avoid delays. Some work permit applications require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) which also takes time to process. It's essential to plan accordingly and stay informed of changes to the application process and requirements.
There are two varieties of permits for anyone moving to Canada.
A job permit issued by an employer that allows you to operate as an employee in Canada must meet certain requirements, such as the company's name that you have been hired for specifically, the length of your workday, and where you can do your perform your job (if applicable).
The employer who wants to hire you must follow certain procedures and provide you with either a copy of a Workforce Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number to include in your application before you can submit your request for an employer-specific permit.
An open work visa for Canada allows the holder to perform a job for any employer in Canada rather than being tied to a specific employer or job. This type of permit is usually issued to certain groups of people, such as:
Open work permits also have no restrictions on the type of job, location, or duration of employment. However, it's important to note that an open work permit does not guarantee a path to permanent residency in Canada.
Temporary employees: You can be granted a work visa for Canada, including open permits and employer-specific job permits, depending on the applicant's qualifications and the nature of the employment.
Business: These permits are required for those on the go for business, as well as professionals, traders, and investors, among others.
Permanent Residents: With a job permit, competent individuals can immigrate to Canada for a job as skilled workers (Express Entry).
International students: Depending on several factors, international students may be allowed to work as co-op students, interns, or employees on or off campus.
Workers in agriculture: Farm and agricultural workers can be eligible for a work visa for Canada under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or the Agricultural Stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
To be eligible for either program, the worker must also meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, obtaining a medical examination, and obtaining a police certificate, if required.
Candidates Experience: Candidates who meet the requirements can join the International Experience Canada (IEC) pool(s) by being invited to apply for a work visa.
The processing times tell you how long it should typically take us to process your application. An application's processing period begins the day they receive it and concludes when they make a decision. The period for mail-in applications begins when your application enters the mailroom.
India takes approximately 60 days to process a work permit from Canada.
Obtaining a work visa for Canada through International Experience Canada (IEC) usually takes 56 days. Still, other types of work visas for Canada requested from outside the country typically take 60 days to complete. If you are already in Canada and seeking to extend your work permit, the process may take up to 120 days. It's important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the type of work permit, location, and completeness of the application.
Program Minimum Requirements.
Visa
There are 2 types of work permits.
An employer-specific work permit lets you 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
The location where you can work (if applicable)
Before you submit your application for an employer-specific work permit, the employer who wants to hire you must complete certain steps and give you either a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number to include in your application.
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
Regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.
There are specific requirements you need to meet depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit:
But regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, 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 (we may ask you to give us 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
Have enough money for your stay and to return home
Not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages, and
Give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country