Canada has seen a significant increase in its foreign workers in recent years, prompting the government to issue more Canad work permit visa to accommodate this growing workforce.
If you’re interested in working in Canada and want to get your work permit visa, it’s essential to understand how this process works and what steps you’ll need to take.
So, if you’re planning on doing some work in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a Canada work permit visa in advance.
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These are not easy to get, and even the most minor details can make or break your chances of getting one.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Canada work permit visa, so you can avoid mistakes that might cost you your chance to work in Canada.
What Is a Canada Work Permit Visa?
A Canada Work Permit Visa is an official document issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that grants a person permission to work in Canada.
The permit is issued for a specific job offer for a specified time. It can be single or multiple entries and lasts for up to three years at a time.
To obtain a work permit, you must;
- Have an offer of employment from a Canadian employer,
- Be eligible under one of the available immigration categories (e.g., skilled worker),
- Meet all admissibility requirements,
- And have obtained confirmation of acceptance from the university, college, or other educational institution in which you plan on studying to apply for this visa.
The Difference Between Work Permits and Temporary Resident Visas
A Temporary Resident Visa is a visa that allows foreign nationals with no special skills or connections to Canada to visit and stay in this country as tourists, students, family members, or other short-term visitors.
With a work permit, they can work for up to 24 months at one time, not just 12 months.
The significant difference between these two visas is that the temporary resident visa requires a sponsor who may be either Canadian or from another country but must prove a connection (family relationship) with their government.
A work permit does not require sponsorship, so anyone eligible for this visa can apply without obtaining sponsorship from any source.
Applying for Your Canadian Work Permit
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a work permit. While it’s a straightforward process, it can be tedious and time-consuming.
The first step is deciding which type of work permit you want. Then, to get your application approved, you must prove that there are no Canadians who could do the job for which you are applying.
Once your application has been accepted, your employer will send it to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for processing.
They have up to 6 months from when they receive your application to approve or deny it; however, if they require more information from you, that can push back the process even further.
And if they need anything else – like medical records or fingerprints – that can delay things by weeks or months.
Types of Work Permits
All work permits in Canada are classified as one of two types: temporary or permanent.
The first step to obtaining a work permit is ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, after which you can fill out an application with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Temporary work permits are usually obtained when a foreign worker comes into a country for a limited period. In contrast, permanent work offers can be extended up to two years and applied indefinitely.
Regardless of which type of permit you apply for, there are some specific eligibility requirements you must meet before being granted entry into Canada.
Where to Apply
You can apply for a Canada work permit visa online.
Follow these steps:
- Go to CIC’s official website.
- Click on Immigration.
- Choose one of the three types of visas and select the Work permit visa as your category.
- Click Apply Now.
Fill out an online application form and submit it when ready.
After successful submission, you will receive an email confirmation that your application has been received and it’s being processed.
When to Apply
The best time to apply for a Canada work permit is at least three months before your desired start date.
It takes around four weeks to process an application, so if you are applying from outside Canada, plan accordingly.
How Much Money Is Required for a Work Permit in Canada?
While filling out your online application for a work permit, the CIC website will ask for two things.
First, an assessment of your finances to verify that you will not become a burden on Canadian taxpayers.
This means submitting up-to-date documentation showing your income and bank statements, etc.
Second, you will be asked to upload a picture of your face taken within the last six months to meet biometric security requirements.
The current fee is CAD$170 with an additional CAD$100 if you have applied outside of Canada and would like your documents returned by mail.
How Long Is the Process?
The process can take six months and may include interviews, medical examinations, and a background check.
If you are found ineligible, your application will be rejected, and you may have to start the process again.
How Long Is My Canadian Work Permit Valid For?
A work permit in Canada is valid for a maximum of four years. However, each work permit can only be extended once for a maximum of two years.
For example, if you apply for your first work permit at age 18, you can extend it up until age 26 as long as your initial application was at least three years ago.
If your initial application was less than three years ago and you are younger than 25, your extension is limited to one year.
Can I Immigrate to Canada Without a Degree?
Conclusion
The Canada work permit visa is an excellent way for individuals from any country to live and work in Canada as long as they meet specific criteria.
It allows them to get temporary employment or find a permanent job eligible for permanent residence.
Canadian employers looking for workers can also benefit from this program by choosing individuals with specialized skills.
Furthermore, the visa application process for this permit is straightforward, and it’s possible for your employer or family member who lives in Canada to make all of the necessary arrangements on your behalf.
With these facts in mind, it’s easy to see why more people are deciding to apply for a Canada work permit visa.