Working in Canada
Working in Canada can indeed provide a foreign national with valuable experience that counts in one of the world's most diversified and successful economies. In general, most individuals must obtain a work permit to legally work in Canada, usually dependent on securing a job offer from a Canadian employer, who has been supported by an LMIA.
- Employer-Specific Work Permits or Closed Work Permits: These allow individuals to work for a specific employer under defined conditions. Most employer-specific work permits require a positive LMIA.
- Open Work Permits: These permits allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada without the need for an LMIA. Certain conditions apply, such as being a spouse of a skilled worker or an international student.
Overview of Work Permits
There are two main kinds of work permits in Canada:
What is a Labour Market Impact Assessment?
The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document an employer in Canada has to obtain prior to hiring a foreign worker. A positive LMIA confirms the following.
There is a genuine need for a foreign worker to fill the occupation; No qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the occupation.
In the LMIA process, an employer must show that they have attempted to find a Canadian for the job and prove that admitting a foreign worker will not depress the Canadian labor market.
How to Apply for a Work Permit
- Get a Job Offer
- Employer Applies for LMIA
- Prepare Documents:
- Apply for the Work Permit
- Await Processing
Applicants need a written job offer from an employer in Canada, detailing the terms of employment, which in some cases, would require an LMIA.
The employer applies to ESDC for an LMIA. If approved, they get a positive LMIA.
An applicant has to make available some documents, which include:
A valid passport.
The job offer letter.
The positive LMIA, if application
Proof of qualifications and work experience.
Language proficiency test results, if required.
Candidates can apply online or through paper applications, submitting all required documents and paying the application fee.
Processing times may vary, but it generally takes some weeks to months depending on the individual case.
How Ardent Immigration Supports Clients
Ardent Immigration provides full-service assistance to clients in all aspects of the work permit application process:
LMIA Application Assistance: We assist employers with the LMIA application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and the likelihood of approval is high.
Job Offer Guidance: We facilitate the candidates with valid job offers by bringing them together with well-established employers in Canada.
Document Preparation: Our team supports clients in collecting and preparing all the documents required for a work permit application, using due diligence on accuracy and completeness.
Application Submission Support: Our expert team will assist in completing and submitting your application correctly and on time.
Ongoing Communication: The clients are updated with the latest news regarding their application and/or changes in immigration policies that may affect their case.
Frequently Asked Questions in relation to working in Canada
- Who needs an LMIA?
- How long does it take to process an LMIA?
- Can I apply for permanent residency while I'm working on a work permit?
- What if my application for a work permit is refused?
- Can my family accompany me while I work in Canada?
Most foreign workers who apply for an employer-specific work permit must first acquire an LMIA. However, some classes of workers are exempt from obtaining an LMIA.
The LMIA application may take variable times, normally ranging from several weeks to months in most instances, depending on the case's complexity and workload of ESDC.
Yes, many foreign workers who are here on temporary work permits may be eligible, after gaining some Canadian work experience, to apply for permanent residency under one of the many immigration programs.
Applicants can appeal the decision or reapply by addressing any issues that led to the refusal.
Yes, spouses or common-law partners and dependent children may be eligible to accompany work permit holders to Canada under certain conditions.
Canada offers various work permits tailored to different eligibility criteria.These work permits provide different pathways for individuals to work in Canada, each with specific eligibility criteria and application processes.
NAFTA/USMCA Work Permits
Eligibility
Available to U.S. and Mexican citizens who are professionals, intra-company transferees, or traders/investors.
Requirements
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer and qualifications as outlined in the agreement.
Application
Apply online or at a port of entry with a job offer letter from the employer.
Open Work Permits
Eligibility
For spouses of international students or skilled workers, recent graduates eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit, and permanent residence applicants.
Requirements
Varies by situation, such as valid study permits or dependent family status.
Application
Apply online or by paper with supporting documents.
Global Talent Stream
Eligibility
Designed for high-skilled foreign workers in demand in Canada.
Requirements
Employers must apply for a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMIA-exempt).
Application
Employers apply through the Global Talent Stream portal, followed by the workers application for a work permit.
Bridging Open Work Permits
Eligibility
For foreign nationals who have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision.
Requirements
Employers must apply for a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMIA-exempt).
Application
Employers apply through the Global Talent Stream portal, followed by the workers application for a work permit.