A Canadian work permit is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that permits foreigners to legally work in Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Getting a work permit in Canada can be daunting due to the complex nature of the entire application process. On top of that, a lack of understanding of the options available can add to the complexity.
Here in this blog, we have tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Canadian work permit process.
What Is The Processing Fee For A Canadian Work Permit?
Regardless of the industry type or vertical in which you work or are applying to work, the work permit fee remains the same.
The standard fee for a work permit is CAD $155 per person and CAD $100 per person for an open work permit.
What Are The Documents Needed For Getting A Work Permit?
The following documents and forms need to be furnished before applying for a work permit in Canada:
- Travel documents or passports that are valid
- Biometric fingerprints and photos
- Providing evidence that you meet the job’s requirements
- Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec, if applicable
- Evidence of relationship with children, spouses, or common-law partners
- If applying from outside of Canada, then a copy of the Completed Application For Work Permit Made Outside Of Canada (IMM 1295) Form
- A copy of the Completed Document Checklist (IMM 5488)
- Completed Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- Completed Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa Form. To complete this form, one must complete it on behalf of the principal applicant, their spouses or common-law partners, and all dependent children over 18. Foreign nationals who are seeking to enter Canada on a temporary resident visa must complete this form.
In addition to this, you may also need to complete any documentation required by your employer.
Do I Need A Job Offer To Get A Work Permit In Canada?
Usually, every applicant needs to possess a job offer from a Canadian employer, backed by the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). LMIA ensures that hiring a foreign worker does not negatively impact the Canadian labor force.
However, as an exception to this rule, a foreign worker can apply for a work permit even without an existing job offer.
For instance, a fresh graduate may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PWGP) if he/she has studied at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). In this case, the student does not need to have a job offer. Similarly, spouses of individuals already in Canada on work or study permits also do not need a job offer to apply.
Who Is Eligible For Open Work Permit In Canada?
To be eligible for an Open Work Permit, you need to be
- A foreign student + DLI Graduate + Eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PWGP)
- A destitute student and unable to afford your studies
- A dependent family member of a PR applicant
- Spouse or common-law partner of an Atlantic Immigration Program applicant
- A refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member
- Under an unenforceable removal order
- A holder of a Temporary Resident Permit
- Participating in any special program as a young worker
Can Family Be Brought To Canada On Work Permit?
You can bring your family (spouse and dependent children) to Canada if you are applying for a Canadian work permit and possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
It is to be noted here that your spouse, too, may be eligible for an open work permit. Similarly, dependent children of temporary foreign workers may also apply for a work permit if they fulfill the criteria.
What Are The Types Of Work Permits Available In Canada?
The Canadian government authorizes two types of work permits:
- Closed Work Permits
These are LMIA-supported work permits and require the skilled foreign worker to
work for a single employer only during the tenure of the permit. One such work permit that requires an LMIA is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- Open Work Permits
Open work permits are also called LMIA-exempt work permits. These permits allow a skilled foreign worker to work for any employer in Canada.
These permits are granted under one of the several LMIA-exempted categories, such as the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
For instance, the IMP has LMIA-exempt work permits under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Under this agreement, foreign workers can apply for work permits where the employer is not obliged to acquire an LMIA.
What Is The Fastest Work Permit Available In Canada?
For very highly skilled foreign workers who are applying for work permits from outside of Canada, the Canadian government offers the Global Talent Stream (GTS) as a super fast way to obtain work permits. GTS applications are typically processed within ten business days, and the applicant gets a work permit within two weeks, making it the fastest work permit program in Canada.
The GTS is a foundational pillar of Canada’s Global Skills Strategy that allows Canadian employers to access and bring highly skilled professionals very quickly from around the globe on temporary work permits to address the labor market shortage.
The Global Talent Stream offers two categories:
Category A
This category pertains to highly skilled workers needed by innovative companies listed under the stream’s designated referral partners. These partners include startup incubators, venture capital firms, and growth accelerators.
Category B
This category caters to those employers who are aiming to hire highly skilled foreign talent for working in high-demand occupations mentioned under the Global Talent Occupations List and for which there is a significant shortage of manpower within Canada.
What Is The Processing Time For Work Permits In Canada?
The processing of Canadian work permits may take anywhere from one to nine months. It usually begins the day IRCC receives your application and ends when IRCC finally decides on your application.
The actual processing times are hugely influenced by factors such as:
- The application type
- Completeness of the application
- Ease with which IRCC can verify your information
- The time you take to respond to any queries, requests, or concerns
Is It Possible To Convert A Visitor Visa To Work Visa?
The short answer is yes. An individual may initially apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and later go for a work permit. This would, in effect, change his/her status as a visitor to that of a worker.
The visitor needs to apply for a work permit while having a Canadian job offer in hand. If he/she meets the eligibility norms for the work permit, then an application for the same can be filed for review.
Is It Possible To Get Canada PR While Having A Work Permit?
Yes, of course. Canadian work permit holders can surely apply for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through immigration programs designed for temporary foreign professionals.
One of the most popular approaches to apply for Canadian PR is via Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Work experience gained while having a temporary work permit can significantly help in getting Canadian PR.
However, foreign professionals must adhere to the following requirements before applying for Canadian PR under CEC:
- Full-time work experience of a minimum of 12 months as a skilled worker in Canada gained three years before applying.
- Meet or exceed the level of language skills required by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
