Canada is a leading destination for many foreign nationals who are seeking employment opportunities. Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. Canada work visas are issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The TFWP is designed to help Canadian employers recruit foreign workers in response to labour market shortages.
There are 2 types of work permits
- Employer-specific work permit
- Open work permit
Employer-specific work permit
A Work permit is a document issued by the Federal Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national who is not a permanent resident, to work temporarily in Canada. Work permits specify the employer the foreign worker may work for, the length of time they are allowed to work in Canada, as well as any conditions or restrictions.
To apply for a Work permit, one may need a:
- A valid passport,
- Employer job offer letter
- ESDC approved Labour market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Experience certificates to prove the required experience in Job
- Educational/Professional Credentials related to the job.
- You need to satisfy an immigration officer, that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized period.
- You also need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members for a period of your stay in Canada
- If asked, prove that you do not have any criminal history or any serious medical conditions.
- Processing fees of $155
Open Work Permit
An open work permit is a work permit that is not job-specific or employer-specific. A candidate can work in any kind of job except the one restricted on the work permit conditions.
To apply for a Work permit, one may need a:
- A valid passport,
- Employer job offer letter (in some cases)
- Experience certificates to prove the required experience in Job (in some cases)
- Educational/Professional Credentials related to the job.
- You need to satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized period.
- If asked, prove that you do not have any criminal history or any serious medical conditions.
- Processing fees of $255
Who can apply for an open work permit?
- Applied for permanent residence in Canada and met a certain condition.
- A family member of a permanent residence applicant in Canada and met certain conditions.
- International students graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker of the international student.
- A holder of Provincial Nomination and met certain conditions.
- A refugee claimant and their family members.
- Candidates meeting requirements of International Free Trade Agreements.
- Candidates qualifying under particular International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
