Work Permit

ABOUT

A work permit is required for foreign skilled workers wishing to work temporarily in Canada. To qualify, a person must have a temporary offer of employment from a Canadian employer. Certain positions may require the knowledge of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) Code, which classifies employment types by Canadian standards. Individuals applying for a Permanent Resident (PR) card may also apply for an open work permit.

CRITERIA

There are two main types of work permits in Canada:
1. Open Work Permit (OWP):
- This permit is not job-specific.
- Applicants do not need to specify an employer when applying.
- It includes permits for spouses, post-graduation work, youth programs, and more.

2. Employer-Specific Work Permit:
- The work permit specifies the employer, job duration, and work location (if applicable).
- Conditions must be followed as per the permit details.

The specific criteria you need to meet depends on which type of work permit you are applying for, your qualifications, job offer, and other individual circumstances.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

1. Employer Applies for Labour Market Opinion (if necessary):
- The employer may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove there is a need for a foreign worker.

2. Employer Extends a Temporary Job Offer:
- Once the employer receives the LMIA (if needed), they can extend a temporary job offer to the foreign worker.

3. Foreign Skilled Worker Applies for Work Permit:
- After receiving the job offer, the foreign worker applies for a work permit.

4. Work Permit Is Issued:
- If all the criteria are met, the work permit is issued to the foreign worker, and they can begin their employment in Canada.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Depending on the type of work permit, the following documents may be required:
- For Employer-Specific Work Permits:
- Valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- LMIA (if applicable).
- Proof of qualifications (educational certificates, work experience).
- Passport and travel documents.

- For Open Work Permits:
- Proof of relationship (for spouse permits).
- Post-graduation certificate (for Post-Graduation Work Permit).
- Temporary Resident Visa or status documents (if applicable).
- Passport and other identity documents.

Note: Always check the specific requirements for the work permit category you are applying for, as requirements may vary.

FAQS

1. Can I apply for a work permit without a job offer?
- No, in most cases, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit unless you are applying under an open work permit category.

2. What is the difference between an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit?
- An open work permit is not tied to a specific employer or job and allows flexibility in employment. An employer-specific work permit is tied to a particular employer, job, and location.

3. How long can I stay in Canada on a work permit?
- The duration of your work permit depends on the terms of your job offer and the specific type of work permit you have received.

4. Can my family come with me to Canada?
- Yes, if you hold an open work permit, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, and dependent children may be allowed to study in Canada.

5. How can I ensure my work permit application is successful?
- Ensure that all required documents are submitted and meet the criteria for the work permit. Consulting with an immigration consultant may increase the chances of a successful application.