If you’re looking to work in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a work permit. The cost of a work Canadian permit varies depending on several factors, such as your country of citizenship, the type of work you’re doing, and how long you plan to stay in Canada.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of work permits available and the associated costs. We’ll also provide tips on saving money when applying for a work permit.
How Much Does a Canadian work Permit Cost?
The cost of a Canadian work permit depends on the type of work you want to do and your country of citizenship.
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The following are the cost of attaining work permits according to the category you fall into:
- For individuals, the cost is $155.
- If you are a citizen of a country with a reciprocal working holiday agreement with Canada, the cost is only $100.
- A Group of performers and their staff (three or more people) can pay $465
- Employer compliance fee range from $230 to $690.
- Fee for open work permit holders – $100
How to Apply for a Work Permit
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a work permit. The process for applying for a work permit varies depending on your nationality and whether or not you need a visa to enter Canada.
The application process for countries that do not require a Visa to enter Canada
If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa to enter Canada, you can apply for a work permit at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada. You will need to provide proof of your identity, your job offer, and that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in Canada.
The Application process for countries that requires a visa to enter Canada
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for both a visa and a work permit before you travel to Canada.
You can apply for a visa online or at the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country.
You will also need to provide proof of your identity and job offer and that you have enough money to support yourself while in Canada. Once your visa is approved, you will be issued a work permit allowing you to work in Canada for up to one year.
The Different Types of Work Permits
There are several types of work permits available to foreign workers in Canada. The type of work permit you will need depends on the kind of work you will be doing in Canada.
The most common type of work permit is an open work permit, which allows foreign workers to work in any occupation for any employer in Canada. Open work permits are usually valid for a specific period of time and may be renewed.
Other types of work permits include:
- Closed work permits, which allow foreign workers to work for a specific employer in a specific occupation;
- Occupation-specific work permits, which allow foreign workers to fill a particular skilled position; and
- Project-specific work permits allow foreign workers to participate in a specific project or event.
Work permits may also be subject to other conditions, such as having a job offer from a Canadian employer or being enrolled in a specific program at a Canadian educational institution.
What is the Process for Obtaining a Work Permit?
The process for obtaining a work permit in Canada depends on several factors, including:
- Your nationality,
- The type of work you will be doing, and
- Whether you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
If you are a citizen of a country that has a bilateral agreement with Canada, you may be able to apply for a work permit at the border when you arrive in Canada. Otherwise, you will need to apply for a work permit from inside Canada.
The process for getting a work permit includes the following:
Get a Job offer from an Employer in Canada
The first step is to ensure you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must then submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
If the LMIA is approved, ESDC will issue a positive confirmation letter which the employer will need to provide to you.
Apply for a Work Permit
With a valid job offer and LMIA, you can apply for your work permit online or at a Canadian visa office.
You will need to provide various documents for your application, including proof of your identity, the LMIA confirmation letter, and evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
Pay the work permit processing fees
Processing fees for your work permit application are $155 CAD for most applicants or $100 CAD if you apply under the Youth Mobility Program. You may also need to pay an additional fee of $490 CAD if you need to have biometrics (fingerprints and photos) taken as part of your application.
How Long Does a Work Permit Last?
A Canadian work permit typically lasts for the duration of your employment contract plus an additional 90 days.
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What are the Restrictions on a Work Permit?
There are a few restrictions that are placed on those who have a work permit; these include the following:
- The individual must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants cannot have any dependent children under the age of 19.
- The applicant must not have any family members currently living in Canada.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on moving to Canada and working there, you’ll need to get a work permit. Work permits are issued by the Canadian government and cost $155 for most applicants.
However, if you’re applying from outside of Canada, you may have to pay an additional fee of $100.