Types of Official Work Permits in Canada – Canadian Work Permits

• Types of Work Permits in Canada
• General Requirements
• How to get a work permit in Canada
• Who can work in Canada without a Work Permit

Canada is a sought-after immigration destination for many international professionals. The state is characterized by a strong economy, a high level of security, competitive wages and many opportunities for professional growth and development.

For employment in Canadian territory, most applicants require a work permit (Work Permit) – this is a document issued by government officials in Canada and allows a foreigner to legally work in the country. As a rule, the right to work for temporary workers is granted for no more than 4 years . Working in Canada allows a foreigner to obtain permanent residence and further citizenship .

Benefits of Having Permanent Residence in Canada

Choosing a place of residence

As a permanent resident, you will be granted the right to live and work anywhere in the country without being tied to a specific employer, province or territory.

Family immigration

You will be able to apply to sponsor a spouse, common-law partner, dependent children and other relatives to move to Canada.

Quality education

Permanent residents of Canada study at secondary educational institutions free of charge, at higher educational institutions – at a reduced cost provided for citizens of the country.

Health Care

Having a permanent residence permit will allow you to apply for public health insurance and access health care services at partial cost or free of charge.

Passport Opportunity

You may qualify for Canadian citizenship if, at the time of application, you have been in Canada as a permanent resident for a total of 3 years in the last 5 years.

Favorable banking services

For permanent residents and citizens of the state, there are affordable interest rates in Canadian banks on mortgages and other loans, including education fees.

Types of Official Work Permits in Canada

• Open permit – grants the right to a foreign citizen to work for any Canadian employer for a certain period of time. Some open permits may restrict the type of work or place where a foreign national may be employed. An applicant can apply within Canada, outside the country, or when crossing the border of the country.
• Permission from the employer – issued on the basis of a letter with a job offer or an agreement indicating the position, salary and conditions. Generally, a Canadian employer must first obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Human Resources and Social Development Canada in order to hire a temporary foreign worker.

General Requirements for Foreign Applicants for a Canadian Work Permit

• Compliance with Canadian laws, lack of links to criminal activity and posing a threat to the security of the state;
• Good health and willingness to undergo a medical examination if necessary;
• Proof of intention to leave Canada after the work permit expires;
• The lack of employment plans for an employer that has the status of “non-compliant” in the official list;
• Confirmation of a sufficient amount of financial resources to provide for themselves and, if necessary, family members for the period of residence in the country;
• Providing documents at the request of the migration officer to prove the right to enter the country;

How to Get a Work Permit in Canada

Stage 1: Choose A Work Permit

Depending on the characteristics of your work, decide on the type of permit. Open is suitable for those who plan to immigrate through the Express Entry system. If you applied through one of the provincial programs, you will need a work permit for a specific employer as you will be able to work for a company in a certain province or territory.

Stage 2: Check Employment Eligibility

Who can work in Canada without a Work Permit

• Business Visitors
• Religious leaders
• Persons involved in the investigation of aviation accidents or incidents
• Officials or representatives of a foreign government
• Air or air transport crew members
• military personnel
• Judges and other similar officials
• Family members of a foreign representative
• Expert Witnesses or Investigators
• Reporters or film crew
• Athletes, coaches, referees
• Short term researchers
• Ambulance staff
• Civil aviation inspectors
• Examiners and evaluators
• Event organizers
• Students whose specialty is related to medicine
• Producers or employees working in advertising
• Artists
• Speakers
• Short-term highly skilled workers
• Students working off campus or on campus

How to Immigrate to Canada with a Work Permit

Apply Online

On the official government website of Canada, you should fill out and send the application correctly, answering all the questions in the application form and attaching the supporting documents.

Complete the Biometric Submission Process

Applicants aged 14 to 79 are required to be fingerprinted and photographed and pay a government processing fee at the time of application

Get Official Approval

The government reviews your application and communicates its decision to grant or deny entry into Canada. The processing time depends on the place of filing and the nationality of the applicant.

Enter Canadian Territory

Make sure you bring government-issued documents with you to Canada. The required travel documents include a visa, work permit and passport.

Verify Your Identity

Upon arrival, the border officer checks that the fingerprints and photograph match the biometric data on the travel documents, stamps the passport, and communicates the authorized length of stay in Canada.