Canada Work Visa
Skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently must obtain a work 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. In most cases, you will need a written job offer or contract of employment from your employer in Canada before you apply for a work permit.
REQUIREMENTS OF CANADA WORK VISA
To apply for a work permit, you should prepare the following documents:
- Application form Application for Work Permit made Outside of Canada
- Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- Two (2) passport photographs
- Processing fee in the acceptable format.
- Valid passport – you must provide one completely blank page available other than the last page. Visa validity will coincide with the work permit validity or passport validity whichever is shorter as the visa cannot be valid beyond the passport validity.
- A copy of the Labour Market Opinion (LMO) provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), if applicable.
- Your job offer or contract from your prospective employer giving your job title, wages and working conditions.
- Proof indicating you meet the requirements of the job being offered such as employment references outlining previous jobs and job duties, copies of relevant education certificates, proof of professional qualifications.
- Proof of financial support to cover the expenses for the duration of your visit.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADA WORK VISA
Step 1: Employer applies for Labour Market Impact Assessment, if necessary.
Before a Temporary Work Permit can be issued, the Canadian employer who wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker may need to apply for and be granted a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by ESDC.
Step 2: Employer extends Temporary Job Offer.
After granted LMIA, the Canadian employer can provide a temporary job offer to the foreign worker. The employer must send a copy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed job offer letter to the foreign worker.
Step 3: Foreign Worker applies for Work Permit.
With these documents, the foreign worker can apply to ESDC for a Canada Temporary Work Permit.
Step 4: Work Permit is issued.
The Canada Temporary Work Permit will be issued at the point of entry when the foreign worker arrives in Canada by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer
TIME TO ISSUE CANADA WORK VISA
The processing time for your work permit application depends on the location of the office where you submit the application. Processing times can range between 1 – 9 months on average.
FEES OF CANADA WORK VISA
The Canadian work permit fee is $155 (including extensions)
WHERE TO SUBMIT CANADA WORK PERMIT?
The place to submit Canada work permit depends on nationality of candidates. Individuals that do not require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada can apply for most (but not all) work permits at any port of entry.