Work Permit
If you are a foreign worker looking to work in Canada, you will typically need a work permit. A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to work in Canada for a specific employer and duration of time.
There are several types of work permits available in Canada, including:
Employer-Specific Work Permits:
This type of work permit allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada. To obtain an employer-specific work permit, your employer must first obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA verifies that there are no Canadian workers available to fill the position.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits:
Some work permits do not require an LMIA. These are known as LMIA-exempt work permits and are available for certain types of workers, such as NAFTA professionals, intra-company transferees, and post-graduate work permit holders.
Open Work Permits:
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for employers who have been found to violate Canadian labour laws. Open work permits may be issued to certain types of workers, such as international students, spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and refugee claimants.
To obtain a work permit, you will typically need to provide the following information:
Job Offer:
You will need to provide a job offer from a Canadian employer, along with information about the job and the employer.
LMIA:
If you are applying for an employer-specific work permit, your employer will need to obtain an LMIA from ESDC.
Qualifications:
You will need to demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job.
Language Proficiency:
You may need to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, depending on the job.
Medical Exam:
You may need to undergo a medical exam to ensure that you are in good health.
Police Certificate:
You may need to provide a police certificate to demonstrate that you have no criminal record.
Once you have obtained a work permit, you will be able to work in Canada for the duration of the permit. The length of your work permit will depend on the type of work permit you have and your specific situation.
It is important to note that some types of work may require additional permits or certifications, such as a professional license or certification. In addition, there may be restrictions on the type of work you can do or the employer you can work for.
If you are interested in working in Canada, it is a good idea to seek professional guidance. An immigration consultant or lawyer can help you understand your options and navigate the application process.