Canada is the prime destination for many foreign individuals who are seeking international employment opportunities. The country boasts a strong and diverse economy with a high standard of workplace safety, competitive wages, and many opportunities for professional growth and development. In addition to this, coming to Canada on a Work Permit can be the first step to Permanent Residency under the Canadian Experience Class Program.
Eligibility to apply from outside Canada
To apply for a work permit from outside Canada, you must:
have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
a completed application, that shows that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and
a confirmation from ESDC that the employer can hire a foreign worker to fill the job. This confirmation is called a positive labour market impact assessment or LMIA.
In most cases, it is up to your employer to get that written confirmation.
In some cases, you do not need a labour market opinion.
Eligibility to apply from inside Canada
You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if:
you have a valid study or work permit, or your spouse or parents have a study or work permit
you have a work permit for one job but want to apply for a work permit for a different job
you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more or
you are in Canada because you have already applied for permanent residence from inside Canada. You will have to pass certain stages in the main application process before you can be eligible for a work permit.
You must also have the following documents:
a job offer from a Canadian employer
a completed application, meeting all requirements
a positive or neutral LMIA.
In most cases, it is up to your employer to get that written confirmation.
Program Benefits
The Work Permit allows you to work in Canada and gain valuable Canadian experience that will build your skills and open up pathways to Permanent Residence should you wish to settle in Canada permanently. Ultimately, this may be the first step to being able to qualify for Permanent Residence under the very popular Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program.
Ready to Start Your Career in Canada?
If working in Canada has been a dream but you’ve never felt confident enough to take on the Canadian immigration system, not to worry. Our regulated immigration professionals have been helping people, just like you, find their pathway to Canada.
Simply follow the link below to connect with our highly qualified immigration consultant today!