Would you like to apply for a working visa for canada, but would like more advice on how to do so? This article by ScholarshipTab covers all the information you need to know about the Canada Work Visa Application Process.

Canada is a top destination for many foreign workers who are looking for job opportunities. Every year, the government approves half a million work permits for temporary immigrant workers from across the globe. Getting this work permit is an excellent first step for you if you'd like to immigrate to the country permanently. 

As one of the leading economies in the world, Canada is the ideal place for you to go to, if you wish to work abroad. The work permit for canada is the best path for immigrants who would like to become permanent residents in the country. But, before you can apply, you must first have a job offer from a company there. 

In this article, we break down everything about obtaining a Canadian work visa, from the type of individuals who are allowed to work in the country, the eligibility requirements, how to apply, and answer frequently asked questions about the canada work visa process.

 

Read: Canada Student Visa Application.

 

Table Of Contents:

1. What is a working visa for Canada?

2. What type of workers does Canada need?

3. What to know about the Canada work visa application process

4. Eligibility requirements for Canada work visa application

5. Documents for Canada work visa application process

6. Canada work visa application process

7. Frequently asked questions about the Canada work visa application process

 

What Is A Working Visa For Canada?

A Canada work visa or work permit is a legal document permitting a foreign national to apply for work in canada. The Canada Work Permit is given to applicants who meet the specific eligibility requirements stated by the government. 

You can apply for canada work visa only after you've received a job offer or an employment contract from a Canadian employer. The employer must get from the ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which allows them to hire foreigners for occupations that cannot be done by citizens or permanent residents of Canada. 

 

What Type Of Workers Does Canada Need?

Before you apply to canada work visa, you want to opt for a job that is in a high-demand industry to improve job security and your chances of getting into the country. While no job is more important than the other, certain positions are high on the priority list of other foreigners who are successfully getting into Canada. 

Therefore, when filling out your application for canada work visa, pay attention to the list below to get an idea of which jobs the Canadian government prioritizes.

1. Financial managers

2. Human resource managers

3. Electrical engineer

4. Aerospace engineer

5. Software engineer

6. Agricultural

7. Healthcare personnel and managers

8. School principals and administrators of elementary and secondary education

9. Financial Advisor

10. Legal practitioners

Get a full list of high-priority jobs in Canada here.

 

About The Canada Work Visa Application Process

Most foreigners coming to canada apply for work permit. On the Government of Canada website, you will answer some questions if you're not sure if you need a work permit or which one you should get.

That being said, there are two types of temporary work permit canada you can apply for. We will discuss each one below.

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work in Canada per the conditions on your work permit, such as:

• The name of the specific employer you can work for.

• How long you can work?

• The location where you can work (if applicable).

Before filling out a canada work permit application for the employer-specific work permit, you must receive from your employer:

• A copy of your employment contract.

• 1 of the following:

•  A copy of a labour market impact assessment (LMIA).

• An offer of employment number (for LMIA-exempt workers).

• To get this number, your employer must use the Employer Portal.

If your employer doesn't need to use the Employer Portal

If the employer does not need to use the Employer Portal to submit an offer of employment, then they must give you a copy of the employment contract.

 

2. Open Work Permit

An open work permit lets you work for any type of employer in Canada. You can apply for open work permit canada to get a job with any company, except for one that 

• is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions, or 

• regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.

• You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

Some jobs require a medical exam. If you do not want medical conditions on your open work permit, you can get a medical exam from a panel physician.

If you want to bring your family with you:

You can bring your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children with you. They may be able to work, study or live with you as you work in Canada.

Keep in mind, that you also will be required to pay a processing fee that starts at $155 for the Canadian work permit. 

Visit this page to learn more about the Canada Visa Application Process.

 

Read also: 13 Best Countries for International Students to Study and Work 2024.

 

Eligibility Requirements For Canada Work Visa Application

There are specific requirements you must meet depending on where you are when completing the canada work permit visa process. We've shared them in this section.

Eligibility Requirements For All Applicants

No matter where you apply or which type of work permit you opt for, you must meet these requirements:

• Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires.

• Show that you have enough money to fend for yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to go home. 

• Abide by the law and have no criminal record (you may be asked to provide a police clearance certificate).

• Will not be a danger to Canada's security.

• Be in good health and undergo a medical exam, if necessary.

• Not intend to work for an employer listed with the status "ineligible'' on the list of employers who don't meet the conditions.

• Not plan to work for an employer who, regularly, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and 

• Give the visa officer any other documents they ask for to prove that you can enter Canada.

 

Eligibility Requirements For Applicants Outside Canada

Anybody can apply for a work permit visa canada before they enter the country. However, there may be visa office requirements you must meet depending on the country or territory you are applying from. Ensure you follow the instructions for how to apply. 

Check if you can benefit from the Global Skills Strategy's two-week application processing.

Eligibility Requirements For Applicants Inside Canada

You can apply for apply for work in canada from inside the country only if:

• You have a valid study or work permit.

• Your spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit.

• You qualify for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid.

• You have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more.

• You are waiting for a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada.

• You claimed refugee protection.

• You've been identified as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

• You can work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors); or

• You are a trader, investor, intra-company transferee or professional under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

 

Eligibility Requirements For Entering Canada At A Port Of Entry

Apply for your work permit before you travel to Canada.

However, you can apply for a work permit when you enter Canada if you qualify.

To apply at a port of entry (POE), you must meet all of the following:

• Be a citizen of a visa-exempt country.

• Be eligible for an electronic travel authorization or to travel without a visitor visa.

• Meet other requirements depending on the type of work permit you're applying for (see below).

You cannot apply at a POE if you:

• Need a visitor visa.

• Are a citizen of one of the countries on this list.

• Are an International Experience Canada applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

• Are applying under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program.

 

Eligibility Requirements For Open Work Permit Applicants

• You must be eligible to apply for open work permit canada.

• You may also need to take a medical exam before coming to Canada. You can find out if you need one here.

Biometrics:

Most applicants are not eligible to give their biometrics at a POE.

Before you give your biometrics at POE, you should meet two requirements:

• Start and finish your application at the same POE.

• Be eligible to apply for a work permit at a POE.

Eligible applicants can provide their biometrics at these POE locations.

 

See: Top 70 F1 Visa Interview Questions And Answers (PDF for Download).

Documents For Canada Work Visa Application Process

To begin your canada work permit visa application, there are some supporting documents which you must provide. If you do not send in all the required information or documents, your canada work permit process could be delayed. 

1. Proof Of Identity

• A valid passport or travel document that gives you the right to return to the country or territory that issued it; and 

• Two (2) photos of yourself and every family member joining you, that meet the Visa application photograph specifications.

Note: If you need to submit biometric information (biometric fingerprints and biometric photos), do not attach paper photos. You can find out if you need to give biometrics here.

 

2. Proof Of Employment In Canada

• For LMIA-exempt work permits, provide the offer of employment number (starts with the letter "A" and followed by seven numbers) that you received from your employer.

            OR

•  If you need an LMIA to work, submit a copy of the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) from ESDC (your employer will give this to you), AND a copy of your employment contract from your future employer.

• Proof that you are eligible for the job (for example: a valid Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational requirements or past work experience outlined in a resume).

• If you plan to work in Quebec, provide a copy of the attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI). If you do not require an LMIA you will not need a CAQ.

 

3. Proof Of Relationship

• You may be asked to provide a marriage certificate and birth certificates for any accompanying family members.

• If you have a common-law relationship and your common-law partner will follow you to Canada, you must fill out and click on the "Validate" button located at the end of the form Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409) (PDF, 863 KB) and send proof listed on the form to support your relationship with them.

 

4. Additional Documents

• If you are not a citizen of the country or territory where you are applying, you should send proof of your current immigration status in that country or territory.

• If the government that authorized your passport or travel document requires a re-entry permit, you must get it before you apply for a work permit.

• You may need to give the Canadian immigration services more documents.

If you need help gathering the supporting documents needed to apply for a Canada work visa, use this Document Checklist (IMM 5488) (PDF, 316.89KB).

 

Canada Work Visa Application Process

To get into Canada as a worker, you need to fill out a canada work permit visa application. If you are coming to canada how to apply for work permit involves you answering a few questions first.

We'll walk through the process in this section:

1. Answer Where You Are Applying From

• Outside Canada.

• Inside Canada.

• At A Port Of Entry.

If you are applying from outside Canada, to get the forms you need, you'll tell immigration how you're applying and where you're applying from.

 

2. Get The Application To Work In Canada

• You can apply on paper or online (which is the case for almost all applications), and select one.

• Select the country you are applying from (You'll see a menu you can choose your country from).

Before you apply online ensure you have:

• The instruction guide to fill out the forms.

• Visa office requirements for applicants in your country.

• A scanner or camera.

• A valid credit or debit card.

Based on your situation, you may need to submit a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 637 KB). 

You'll also need an account to apply online. You'll use it to pay your fees, check your status, and extend your permit. 

To view more information about “canada job visa apply,” visit this page.

 

3. Create An Account

• On the Government of Canada, Immigration website, you'll need to create an IRCC secure account.

• You can choose how to register and sign in - through a GCKey username and password or Canadian Interac® Sign-in Partner.

• If you're using the GCKey option, you'll be redirected to a page, where you'll provide more information about yourself, to help set up your application account.

 

4. Fill Out The Canada Work Visa Application

To complete the canada work permit application. you'll need to provide personal information such as:

• Your full name and given name as it appears on your passport or travel documents.

• Sex.

• Date of birth.

• Place of birth.

• Country or territory.

• Citizenships.

• Current country of territory of residence, status.

• Previous countries or territories of residence.

• Country or territory where applying.

• Your current marital status - you'll also provide the name of your spouse / common-law partner.

• Fax no - if you are applying from Canada or the US.

• Email address.

Details Of Intended Work In Canada

• Answer "What type of work permit you are applying for?"

• Details of your prospective employer (attach your original offer of employment):

• Name of employer.

• Completed Address of Employer (Canadian or Foreign).

• Intended location of employment in Canada? (Province, City/Town, Address).

• "My occupation in Canada will be?’’

• Provide job title.

• Brief description of duties.

• Duration of expected employment.

Education:

• Answer if you had any post-secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training). 

• If you selected yes, you'll need to provide full details of your highest level of post-secondary education.

Employment

• Provide extensive detail about your employment for the past 10 years, including if you have held any government positions like (civil servant, judge, police officer, mayor, member of parliament, hospital administrator).

 

Check the full Canada Work Visa form here, to find out which other information is expected from you.

 

See also: Schengen Visa Application: Requirements, Application Form.

 

Canada Working Holiday Visa Application 

The Canadian Working Holiday Visa falls under the International Experience Canada. The IEC is a program created for individuals aged 18 to 35 to come work and travel in Canada. 

This program helps participants gain priceless international work experience, improve their language skills in English and French, and work in Canada while funding a thrilling trip.

 

About The Canada Working Holiday Visa

International Experience Canada gives young people the chance to travel and work in the country for up to 2 years. There are three different types of work and travel experiences under it:

• Working Holiday.

• Young Professionals.

• International Co-Op (Internship).

The application fee for IEC starts from $172 and the processing time is 3 weeks. 

 

Who Can Apply For A Canada Working Holiday Visa?

To apply for working holiday visa canada, you must be a member of the partner countries approved by the Government of Canada.

All International Experience Canada participants must be citizens of a country or territory that has a Youth Mobility Agreement (YMA) with Canada.

In special cases, some IEC-recognized organizations, help small numbers of youth from non-partner countries join the IEC.

 

How To Apply For A Canada Working Holiday Visa

Follow the steps we laid out below, to complete a canada working holiday visa application:

1. Complete The Online Form

You can save your information in the online form and keep editing till you are ready to submit it.

Ensure you:

• Answer all questions truthfully and completely. Giving false information or leaving out valuable details can cause your visa to be refused, plus you'll be ineligible for entry to Canada in the future.

• Fill out all the mandatory fields in the form.

• Leave no gaps in time in the work history and education history sections.

• Include all paid and unpaid work you did in the work history section.

• Click ''validate'' at the end of each form so there will be no errors or blank fields in your application.

 

2. Provide Documents

When you complete the application, the system will give you a personalized document checklist. It will show the supporting documents you need to upload. Use it to gather your documents.

Typically, you'll need:

• Police certificates.

• Medical exams.

• CV/résumé

• Passport.

• Digital photo.

• Family information.

• Electronic travel authorization or visitor visa application.

• Proof of residency.

• International Co-op (Internship) need proof of school registration.

• Young Professionals need a copy of their post-secondary diploma, certificate, or degree.

• Applicants using recognized organizations, who were invited to apply, must provide a copy of the confirmation letter sent by the RO.

• Proof of financial support.

• Health insurance.

3. Pay The Visa Fees

Working Holiday applicants must pay the IEC fee. For the 2024 season, the IEC fee is CAN$100. 

4. Submit The Complete Application

Before you submit, ensure that you have:

• Filled out all mandatory form fields.

• Paid your application fees.

• Added readable colour scans of all the supporting documents.

5. Give Biometrics

You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply. If you have given this before, it may still be valid. You can check if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire using the Status Check Tool. 

Read more about the Canada Working Holiday Visa here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Work Visa Application Process

In this section, we have provided the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Canada Work Visa Application process. Each answer will give you more insight into your application.

1. How do I get a Canadian worker's visa?

To get a Canada work visa, your employer first has to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable), next, they extend a temporary job offer to you, you apply for a work permit, then the work permit is issued if you are eligible.

 

2. How can I go to Canada to work?

To go to Canada to work, you'll need to apply to canada work visa

 

3. What is the fastest work visa to Canada?

Obtaining a temporary work permit is the fastest work visa to Canada.

 

4. How much does a Canada work visa cost?

A Canada work visa cost starts at $155.

 

5. What is the maximum age limit to work in Canada?

There is usually no age limit for working in Canada. However, for the International Experience Canada (IEC), you must be between 18 and 35 years old.

 

6. Can I bring my family with my Canada work permit?

Yes, if you get a legit job offer, you may be able to bring your spouse and dependent children with you to Canada.

 

7. Who is qualified for open work permit in Canada?

If you are an international student who graduated from a designated learning institution or qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

 

8. How long does it take to process Canada work visa?

Processing time depends on the type of work permit and your country of residence when you applied. Processing times can take from a few weeks to several months.

 

9. How can I extend my Canada work visa?

If you intend to extend your work permit visa canada, you should do so at least 30 days before the expiry date of the current one. You can do the extension online.

 

10. How long are Canadian work permits valid?

Canadian work permits are usually valid for 1-2 years. But, the duration depends on the program you are applying under.

 

Conclusion:

Getting A Canada Work Visa is one of the best decisions you can ever make for your future. Thanks to technological advancement and a high demand in foreign workers by the country, you can now make your dreams a reality. If you've always wanted to go to Canada, you'll find our article to be a very helpful guide to completing this process.

 

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