Type of work permit in Canada
-
Temporary work permit:
A vast majority of Foreign Workers need a Work Permit to be legally employed in Canada. All Foreign Workers are subject to health, criminal, security, occupational and educational background check and Language abilities. CANLANKA assist applicants with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and Work Permit submission.
-
Seasonal Work permit:
Under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, applicant may remain in Canada for a maximum of 8 months between January 1st and December 15th. Under this program employer must request authorization (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire a Foreign Worker each new season.
-
Without work Permit:
Among other special categories (performers, exchange professionals, academics, religious workers, etc.), Business Visitors do not require a work permit and can enter and work in Canada if they qualify under one of the following free trade agreements: NAFTA, GATS and other Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
Do you need a work permit?
Find out if you need a work permit to work temporarily in Canada.
What you should know if you want to work in Canada?
-
Your employer may need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you. This is a document from the Government of Canada that gives your employer permission to hire a foreign worker.
-
You must meet the requirements to:
-
enter the country,
-
stay in Canada and
-
get a work permit.
-
This means you may also need a visitor visa.
-
A work permit does not let you live in Canada permanently. To do so, you must qualify under an immigration category as a permanent resident.
-
Caregivers who meet certain requirements can apply to stay in Canada permanently.
-
Your spouse or common-law partner and your dependent children may apply to come to Canada with you, and, if they wish, apply for a study or work permit.
Apply for a work permit:
Find out if you are eligible for a work permit. You normally have to apply for a work permit from outside Canada. Sometimes, you can apply as you enter Canada or from inside Canada, but many of the requirements are the same.
How you apply and how long it will take to process your application will depend on the kind of work you will do when you come to Canada.
If your spouse wants to work in Canada:
If you have a spouse or common-law partner who wants to work while in Canada, they must apply for their own work permit. Normally, they must meet the same rules as you do. This includes their employer getting an LMIA, if needed.
Your spouse or common-law partner may be able to apply for an “open” work permit. This is a permit that will let them accept any job with any employer if you are:
-
approved to work in Canada for six months or longer, and
-
Doing a job at Skill Level 0, A or B in the National Occupational Classification.
Note: If you have a post-graduation work permit, your spouse must attach a copy of your work permit to their application for an open work permit, as well as a:
-
letter from your current employer that confirms you work there, or a copy of your employment offer or contract, and
-
Copy of one of your pay slips.
Your spouse’s permit will be valid no longer than yours.
If your children want to study or work in Canada:
Your dependent children may also apply to come with you to Canada, and if they wish, apply for a study or work permit.
There are two kinds of foreign workers in Canada:
Who need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and those who are LMIA-exempt? An LMIA shows whether Canadians are available, or if there is a need for a foreign worker. There are however, situations where foreign workers do not need an LMIA. This may be the result of free-trade agreements such as NAFTA or youth exchanges programs, for example, where there are reciprocal agreements that benefit Canada.
As a result of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program review, a number of changes have been introduced for foreign workers in Canada and the Canadian employers who are hiring them. Among the changes, LMIA-exempt foreign workers will now be part of the newly named International Mobility Program. This will distinguish them from foreign workers who need a LMIA to enter Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Employers can hire foreign workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program lets employers hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. Employers need to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to hire through this program. An LMIA verifies that there is a need for a foreign worker and that no Canadians can do the job. Find out more about what a foreign worker must do to come to Canada.
The International Mobility Program lets employers hire foreign workers without the need of an LMIA. Exemptions from the LMIA process are available where there are reciprocal benefits for Canadians and other competitive advantages for Canada. Employers can hire workers abroad or already in Canada.
Qualified foreign workers already in Canada could include those who:
-
are about to complete a job contract with another employer, or
-
Hold an open work permit that allows them to work for any employer in Canada.
Employers can normally hire a foreign worker for up to four years. Processing times vary depending on where and how the person applies. Foreign workers must apply for themselves.
Some foreign workers can go on to become permanent residents through:
Source by : CIC