Canada Work Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Canada Work Visa is granted to eligible candidates who satisfy the eligibility requirements. One can apply for a Canada Work Visa after receiving an employment offer or a contract from an employer in Canada. Canadian employers must have a permit from the ESDC and an LMIA assessment that allows them to recruit skilled workers from around the world for specific occupations that cannot be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

 

Overview of the importance of a work visa in Canada

The importance of having a work visa in Canada is as follows:

• Access universal healthcare in the country
• Gain lengthy maternity and paternity leaves
• Can access employee benefits like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI)
• Can avail workplace insurance
• Have a luxurious lifestyle
• Can access other social security benefits
• Have good wages and overtime pay

 

Brief introduction to the different types of work visas

There are different types of Canada Work Visas and Permits, and they are as follows:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program
• Intra-Company Transfers
• Spousal Sponsorship
• LMIA Required
• LMIA Exempt
• Business Visitors
• IEC Canada
• Post-Graduation Work Permits
• Open Work Permits

 

Eligibility Requirements for a Canada Work Visa

The eligibility requirements for a Canada Work Visa are given below:

General eligibility criteria

The general eligibility criteria to apply for a Canada Work Visa are as follows:

• Must be below 45 years of age
• Have an employment offer letter that is granted by an employer in Canada with an LMIA
• Have 2 years of skilled professional experience in an occupation listed in the NOC category of TEER level 0,1,2 or 3

 

Specific eligibility for different types of visas and permits

The specific eligibility criteria for different types of visas and permits are as follows:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The eligibility criteria for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are listed below:

• Have a job offer in Canada
• No previous criminal records
• Intention to leave after the permit expires
• Be in good health
• Sufficient funds to support your stay in the country

 

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The eligibility criteria for the International Mobility Program (IMP) are as follows:

• Get a valid employment offer from an employer in Canada
• Strong intention to leave the country after your permit expires
• Financially competent to support your stay in the country
• No prior criminal records

The individuals must belong to one of the categories to apply for IMP

• Enter the country with an open work permit
• Enter the country as an inter-company transferees

 

Open Work Permits

You must satisfy the following eligibility to apply for an Open Work Permit:

• International students recently graduated from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) and can apply for a PGWP program.
• Are a destitute student and unable to satisfy the costs of your education
• Have a closed work permit and undergoing abuse at your workplace in Canada
• Are a dependent of an individual applying for a PR
• Are the legal spouse, common-law partner, or a dependent of a low/high-skilled worker
• Are the legal partner or spouse of an overseas student
• Are the legal partner/spouse of an applicant applying via the Atlantic Immigration Program
• Are a refugee or a protected person
• Are an investor with an interest in investing in Quebec
• Are an individual with a temporary resident permit
• Are living in Canada and being sponsored as a legal spouse or accompanying a dependent child

 

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

The eligibility criteria to apply for a PGWP Program are listed below:

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age
• Study at a full-time program for at least 8 months
• Study at a Designated Learning Institution

 

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for an ICT Program:

• Must be working at an MNC and want to work in Canada at the company’s subsidiary, parent, or branch.
• You must be in the position of an executive or senior management with special knowledge.
• Must be employed at the company for a minimum of 1 year in the past 3 years

 

Spousal Sponsorship

The eligibility criteria for Spousal Sponsorship are mentioned below:

For a Sponsor

You are eligible to be a sponsor if:

• You are around 18 years of age
• You are a Canadian permanent resident or a citizen
• You reside in the country or are a citizen of Canada planning to return
• You are not getting any social assistance other than for your disability
• You are capable of providing basic needs for your family members, including spouse or dependent children

You must have the following to sponsor:

• Financially capable of supporting your legal partner
• Ensure your dependents don’t need any social assistance from the Canadian government

 

Who can be sponsored?

You must ensure you are in a genuine relationship as listed in the following categories:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner

The sponsored individual must be:

• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Qualify all the security and medical assessments

 

International Experience Canada (IEC)

One can apply for three categories under the IEC; they are as follows:

• Working Holiday
• Young professionals
• International Co-op (Internship)

The eligibility criteria for the mentioned categories are as follows:

• Be a citizen from the UK or the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.
• Hold a UK passport or a Channel Islands passport to stay in the country (Your Canadian work permit will not have validity longer than your British passport)
• Be between 18 to 35 years
• Have around $2500 CAD to cover your living expenses in the country.
• Have valid health insurance, which must be presented as proof to enter the country
• Must not be inadmissible to the country
• Strong intention to leave the country after your stay in Canada- prove it by presenting your round-trip ticket
• Should not be accompanied by dependents
• Pay the needed fees.
• For young professionals category: Have a signed employment contract in Canada
  • The job offer must be related to your field (either through school or work experience) and aid your career development.

• For the International Co-op category: Have a signed job offer letter for a placement offer or internship in the country that satisfies your academic curriculum

 

Types of Canadian Work Visas and Permits

There are various Canadian Work Visas and Permits that one can choose based on their requirement and preferences. The in-detail explanation of the Canada Work Visas and Permits are described below:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program aids employers in Canada to recruit foreign talent that is required in the Canadian job market. The program also ensures that foreign skilled workers have the rights and protection they need to work in the country. The employers in Canada can hire workers temporarily through the mentioned streams:

• High-Wage Workers
• Low-Wage Workers
• Global Talent Stream
• Foreign Agricultural Workers
• In-Home Caregivers
• Foreign Academics

The key characteristic of Temporary Foreign Worker Program is Canadian employers must obtain a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). An LMIA is a document issued by the ESDC that helps to demonstrate that the employers were unable to find permanent residents or citizens in Canada to fill the position.  An employer can legally recruit foreign workers only after obtaining an LMIA.

 

International Mobility Program (IMP)

An International Mobility Program allows employers in Canada to hire international workers without requiring an LMIA. Though Canadian employers hiring foreign workers must obtain an LMIA, there are circumstances where employers can be exempted. These LMIA exemptions depend on the following conditions:

• More cultural, economic, or other competitive advantages for Canada
• Mutual benefits that are enjoyed by permanent residents and citizens of Canada

A Canadian employer must follow these 3 steps to hire an overseas worker:

• Confirm that the available role or the potential employee is qualified for an LMIA exemption
• Must pay around 230 CAD as an employer compliance fee
• Submit the employment offer officially through the IMP employer portal

*Note: One can apply for a Canadian Work Permit after satisfying the 3 steps.

 

Open Work Permits

An Open Work Permit allows a foreign citizen to work for any Canadian employer while staying in the country. A foreign citizen who has a valid open work permit is eligible to work for multiple Canadian employers at multiple locations in the country. There are some open work permits that require international citizens to satisfy additional restrictions or requirements to work in the country. The open work permits in Canada are generally issued through the mentioned programs:

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
• International Experience Canada (IEC)
• Inland Spousal or Common-Law Sponsorship
• Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)

*Note: Open work permits do not require an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)

 

Benefits of Open Work Permits

The benefits of an open work permit are as follows:

• Flexibility and freedom to the workers
• Gain work experience in Canada and may gain eligibility for permanent residency.

 

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

Post-graduation work Permits, commonly known as open work permits, are given to overseas students who have recently graduated from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) in Canada. The PGWPs permit students to work for any Canadian employer in the country for unlimited hours. The Post-Graduation Work Permit has a validity of 8 months to 3 years and helps international students get work experience in the country.

 

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

The Intra-Company Transfers is a category that allows foreign companies to transfer skilled employees to Canada temporarily in order to improve effectiveness of the management, expand exports in Canada and also enhance competitiveness in the markets overseas. A foreign citizen who is working in an MNC out of Canada can obtain an LMIA-exempt work permit upon eligibility and transfer to one of the branches of the company situated in Canada.

 

Spousal Sponsorship

The Spousal Sponsorship program allows permanent residents and citizens in Canada to sponsor their spouses, conjugal partners, or common-law partners to come to the country and live indefinitely. The aim of the Spousal Sponsorship program is to facilitate families to reunite by allowing Canadian PRs or citizens to bring their legal partners and reside with them in the country.

The distinction between a spouse, a common-law partner, and a conjugal partner is as follows:

• Spouse: The sponsor is legally married to the sponsored person located out of the country.
• Conjugal Partner: The sponsor and the sponsored individual have been in an genuine and honest relationship for a minimum 1 year but could not live together or marry because of certain unforeseen circumstances.   
• Common-law Partner: The sponsor and the sponsored person have been living together consecutively for 1 year in a conjugal relationship.

 

Two main classes of Spousal Sponsorship Program

The Spousal Sponsorship Program consists of 2 main classes as follows:

• Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship Class
• In Canada, Sponsorship Class

 

Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship

You are eligible to apply via the Family Class (Outland) Sponsorship if:

• Your legal spouse or common-law partner is residing out of Canada.
• You are presently residing in the country with the sponsor but have no intention of staying in the country while processing the application.

*Note: One cannot stay with their legal spouse for the duration of the visa processing.

 

In Canada (Inland) Sponsorship Class

You are eligible to apply under the In Canada (Inland) Sponsorship Class if:

• You reside with the sponsor in the country.
• You have an approved immigration status in the country.
• You are interested in applying for an open work permit and want to work in the country while processing your application.

*Note: One cannot travel out of Canada while their application is being processed if they apply via this stream.

 

International Experience Canada (IEC)

International Experience Canada is a complete set of programs that enable young individuals from certain countries to come and work in Canada for a short period. International citizens successfully applying through an IEC program are eligible to apply for a work permit in the country without requiring an LMIA. You can obtain a work permit and stay in the country for a period of 1 year if applied through IEC.

The IEC work permits are issued and approved via a random draw. The chances of being selected depend on the quota for each individual country and program. The IEC has 3 programs as follows:

• Working Holiday
• Young Professionals
• International Co-op Internship

 

Canada Work Visa Requirements

You must meet the following requirements to get a Canada Work Visa:

• Must be below 45 years
• Have skilled work experience in a job listed in the NOC category of TEER Level 0,1,2 or 3
• Have an employment offer in Canada with a contract
• Photocopy of the LMIA

 

General documentation needed

You must submit the following documents to obtain a Canada Work Visa:

• Filled in application forms
• If applicable, proof of immigration status of yourself and your members of family
• LMIA Assessment
• Written employment offer and payslips for the past three months
• Updated Resume
• Certificate of Marriage
• CAQ (Certificat d’acceptation du Québec)
• Evidence of satisfying the job requirements
• Valid photocopy of your passport
• Photocopy of Educational Credential Assessment
• Medical examination reports
• Proof of financial capacity to reside in the country and return to your home country
• Recent photographs

 

Specific requirements for different visa types

The specific requirements for different types of Canadian Work Visas are as follows:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The requirements for the International Mobility Program (IMP) are listed as follows:

• LMIA Assessment
• Job offer in Canada
• Provide proof of your intention to leave the country after the expiration of your work permit.
• Evidence of sufficient funding to support yourself and your family while staying in the country
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Submit proof that you are not a threat to Canada.
• Must not have any major health issues

 

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The requirements for International Mobility Program (IMP) are mentioned below:

• Valid passport
• Completed work permit application
• Valid LMIA exemption code
• Educational Credential Assessment
• Language proficiency test scores

 

Open Work Permits

The requirements for Open Work Permits are as follows:

• Completed application forms
• Evidence of identity
• Medical exam reports
• No prior criminal records
• Proof of sufficient financial funds
• Submit an intention to leave the country after the expiration of the permit.

 

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

The requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) program are listed below:

• You must be above 18 years of age.
• Completed education either in an academic, vocational, or professional program for around an 8-month period at an eligible DLI.
• Your study program has to lead to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
• You must have been a full-time student in Canada for every academic session of the study program and listed it as part of the post-graduation work permit.
• Got a transcript and an official letter from a DLI
• Apply for the permit 90 days after completing the study program.

 

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

The requirements for the Intra-Company Transfers (ICT) program are as follows:

• The home company must be operating for a period of 12 months (ideally around 3 years) before expanding in Canada.
• The company in the home country must have the financial capacity to support its foreign operations.
• Applicants applying for an ICT work permit must be working under the company in the home country for a period of 1 year in the previous three years.
• The company in the home country must be related to the foreign company as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate.
• The foreign company in Canada is a viable business entity and can create jobs for Canadians.

If it is a new business entity, then one must provide information for the following questions:

• Does the business entity have a good business plan that will turn it into a viable enterprise and lead to generating sufficient revenue that compensates its employees?
• Will the expansion of the company result in the creation of employment for Canadians?
• Is the company large enough to need a manager or executive in the country?

 

Spousal Sponsorship

The requirements for a Spousal Sponsorship program for a Canadian PR or a citizen are mentioned below:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Must reside in Canada or plan to return to Canada after your spouse obtains permanent residency in the country
• Have the ability to cover the basic financial requirements of your spouse for a period of 3 years

 

International Experience Canada (IEC)

The requirements for International Experience Canada (IEC) program are mentioned below:

• Countries in an IEC agreement with Canada

If you intend to apply under the IEC, your home country where you hold citizenship must be in an agreement with the government of Canada. You must satisfy the age limit to qualify for any program under the IEC.

Country	Working Holiday	Young Professionals	International Co-op	Age Limit
Andorra	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Australia	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months (unless it is the applicant’s second participation since 2015, in which case, 12 months)	18-35
Austria	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 6 months (internship or work placement must be in forestry, agriculture, or tourism)	18-35
Belgium	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Chile	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Costa Rica	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Croatia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Czech Republic	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Denmark	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Estonia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
France*	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Germany	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Greece	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Hong Kong	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Ireland	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Italy	Up to 12 months **	Up to 12 months **	Up to 12 months **	18-35
Japan	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Latvia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Lithuania	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Luxembourg	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-30
Mexico	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-29
Netherlands	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	N/A	18-30
New Zealand	Up to 23 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Norway	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Poland	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Portugal	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	Up to 24 months	18-35
San Marino	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-35
Slovakia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Slovenia	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
South Korea	Up to 12 months	N/A	N/A	18-30
Spain	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Sweden	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-30
Switzerland	N/A	Up to 18 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Taiwan	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
Ukraine	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	Up to 12 months	18-35
United Kingdom	Up to 24 months	N/A	N/A	18-30

 

IEC via a RO (Recognized Organization)

You can apply via a recognized organization if your country is not listed as eligible for the IEC. Recognized organizations can be educational, for-profit, or non-profit. You are required to pay an IEC fee to avail yourself of the services at an RO.

 

Differences between a work visa and a work permit

A Canadian Work Permit allows international citizens to work in the country, whereas a Canadian work Visa is a travel document that allows one to enter the country.

A TRV or a visa is a sticker that is placed in your valid passport and is used as a travel document. Foreign nationals must showcase this proof to enter the country or transit through any Canadian airport.

You must apply for an eTA or have a valid visa to enter Canada even if you have a valid Canadian Work Permit.

 

Canada Work Visa Application Process

Individuals applying for a Canada Work Visa are eligible to apply:

• As an offshore applicant
• As an onshore applicant

 

While applying as an offshore applicant

You must follow the below steps to apply as an offshore applicant:

Step 1: Create an account on the official site

Create a new account on the official site and follow the guidelines while filling out the visa application.

Step 2: Arrange the required documents

Arrange essential documents like identity proof, employment offer letter, evidence of relationship, and other documents.

Step 3: Complete the visa application

Fill out the visa application with the required details.

Step 4: Pay the necessary fees

Pay the fees for processing the visa application, open work permit holder, and biometrics

Step 5: Submit the visa application online

Finally, submit the visa application after ensuring the submitted documents and information in the visa application are valid and authentic.

Step 6: Wait for the processing of the visa application

After submitting the visa application, wait till your visa gets processed and submit any additional information if requested.

Step 7: Get the preferred work visa and activate it

Receive your preferred work visa and activate the visa to work in the country.

 

While applying as an onshore applicant

You must satisfy the eligibility criteria to apply as an onshore applicant, and they are as follows:

• Must have a valid work or study permit
• You have a spouse/ legal partner/ parent with a valid work or study permit
• Must be eligible for a PGWP while you have a valid study permit
• You or your legal spouse have a temporary resident permit with a validity of 6 months
• You are residing in Canada and awaiting a visa decision for a permanent residence application for a
  • Legal spouse or common-law partner in overseas family class or Canada class.
  • Temporary residence permit holder class

• You have made a claim for refugee protection.
• You are permitted to work in the country without requiring a work permit, but you require a work permit in order to work in a different job.
• You are either a trader, investor, intra-company transferee, or professional under the CUSMA.

After satisfying the required eligibility criteria, you must follow the below steps to apply:

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligible criteria

Step 2: Arrange the checklist of documents

Step 3: Make an application online

Step 4: Pay the mentioned fees

Step 5: Wait for the visa decision

Step 6: Get the Work Visa

 

Canadian Work Visa Cost

The cost of the Canadian Work Visa varies based on the selected type of visa or the particular chosen program.

Breakdown of visa application fees

The breakdown of the visa application fees is mentioned in the following table below:

Application	Processing fee in $ CAD
Work permit	$155 per person
Work permit for a group of 3 or more performing artists(all artists and staff must apply at the same time)	$465
Open work permit	$100 per person
Restore a work permit	$355

 

Additional costs

The additional costs for applying for a Canada Work Visa include the following:

• Biometric Fees
• Police Certificates

 

Biometric Fees

The biometric fees that include submitting fingerprints and photos are listed in the following table:

Type of Applicant	Cost
Individual applicants	$ 85 CAD
Families applying together	Up to $170 CAD
Groups of 3 or more performing artists and their staff	Up to $255 CAD

 

Police Certificates

The applicants must submit police clearance certificate and must pay the following fees to get the certificates:

Category	Fees
Standard applicant	$ 113.38 CAD
Premium applicant	$ 200.60 CAD

Premium applicant

$ 200.60 CAD

 

Processing Time for a Canada Work Visa

The processing time for a Canada Work Visa varies based on the category of the work permit. It generally takes around 2 to 3 months to process a Canada Work Permit for international applicants. The Canadian government permits family members to immigrate to Canada under the dependent work permit category.

You can sponsor your legal spouse and children to come and reside in Canada after obtaining an employment offer from a Canadian employer. You also need to have a valid open work permit. Your children can access education in the esteemed educational institutions in the country. Your legal spouse can apply for a Canadian Open Work Permit to work in the country.

 

Typical processing time for each visa type

The processing time for each visa type is mentioned below:

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The processing time for TFWP takes around 6 weeks to 8 months.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

It takes around 2 weeks to process an application submitted via the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Open Work Permits

The processing time to receive an Open Work Permit is around 1 to 4 months.

Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)

It takes around 80 to 180 days to process a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)

The processing time to get an ICT Visa is around 2 to 10 weeks.

Spousal Sponsorship

The processing time to get a visa via Spousal Sponsorship is approximately 12 months.

International Experience Canada (IEC)

It takes around 56 days to process a visa application applied via International Experience Canada (IEC).

Visa Category	Processing time
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)	6 weeks to 8 months
International Mobility Program (IMP)	2 weeks
Open Work Permit	1 to 4 months
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)	80 to 180 days
Intra-Company Transfers (ICT)	2 to10 weeks
Spousal Sponsorship	12 months
International Experience Canada (IEC)	56 days

 

Factors that can affect processing times

There are certain factors that might affect the processing time of your visa application. This may affect your journey and delay your immigration to Canada. The few factors that influence processing time are as follows:

• Country of residence: The IRCC processing times may vary based on the applicant’s country of residence. The applications are processed at different locations around the world. As some visa offices may process your application at a faster pace than others, this might influence the time taken to process it.
• Type of application: There are various types of work visas and permits having different processing times. For example, temporary work permit applications have a short processing time as compared to visa applications for Canadian permanent residency.
• Completeness of Application: The submitted application must have correct and authentic information, as incomplete applications or applications with incorrect information will be delayed or refused. As, the IRCC will revert, asking you to submit additional information to process the visa.
• High volume of Applications: If the immigration offices receive a high volume of visa applications for a particular program, then that might influence the time to process a visa.
• Other reasons that may delay processing include:
  • A medical condition that requires the submission of more test reports and consultations
  • Any security issue
  • Requires consultation with other Canadian offices or abroad

 

Bringing Family to Canada

Canada allows certain applicants with a valid employment offer under a Canadian employer and meeting the eligibility criteria with work permit can bring their legal spouse and dependent children to the country.

Family reunification process

The additional details to bring your family members to Canada on a Canadian Work Permit are given below:

• Open work permits for spouses or common-law partners: If you are migrating to Canada on an Open Work Permit, then your legal spouse or a common-law partner is eligible to get an Open Work Permit. An Open Work Permit does not need an employment offer or an LMIA that makes it easier for your legal spouse or common-law partner to get a job in Canada. The Open Work Permit is valid for the same duration as your primary work permit.
• Accompanying dependent children: If you have dependent children, then they can accompany you to move to Canada on a valid Work Permit. The dependent children must be under 22 years of age and unmarried to be considered.

If you have dependent children over 22 years of age, they may be eligible to move to Canada if they are either financially dependent due to a physical or mental condition.

• Sponsoring your family members: You can bring family members to Canada while holding a work permits if you sponsor them. It is mandatory to submit evidence of your relationship with members of the family and showcase the required proof of funds to support them for the duration of their stay in Canada.  You are required to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as being a Canadian permanent resident or citizen and not being inadmissible to the country.

You must remember to meet the necessary requirements in order to bring your family members to Canada. Sign up with Y-Axis, the world’s No.1 Overseas Immigration Company, for complete immigration support and select the ideal option to bring your family members to Canada on a Work Permit.

 

Application process for dependents

The process to make a visa application for dependents to move to Canada is as follows:

Step 1: Complete the IMM 5533 application forms with authentic and accurate information

Step 2: Attach required documents like marriage certificate, birth certificate and passports of the primary and secondary applicant.

Step 3: Proof of work experience of the spouse by submitting documents like a valid work permit.

Step 4: Pay the mandatory fee for the visa application and provide the recent photographs meeting the requirements.

Step 5: Add any additional documents that support your visa application like proof of funds, medical exam reports, or police clearance certifications.

Step 6: You can prove the authenticity of your relationship by providing evidence like photographs, joint financial accounts, car insurance, or letters of support from family and friends.

 

After Receiving Your Canada Work Visa

You will receive an approval letter that says you are permitted to work in the country. This letter is also known as the port of entry letter of introduction. You are required to bring this letter when you travel to the country and present the letter at the Port of Entry. This letter is not considered a work permit. You will get the work permit at the Port of Entry after entering the country.

The work permit will consist of the following:

• The type of work you are permitted to carry out in the country
• The Canadian employer you are eligible to work under
• The place where you can work
• The duration you are permitted to work for

 

After arriving in Canada

You must have the following documents after arriving in Canada:

• Your valid passport
• Visitor visa (if applicable)
• Travel documents
• Port of Entry letter of introduction
• Proof of satisfying the job requirements like work experience and education
• Photocopy of a positive LMIA of your Canadian employer
• Your job offer number that was received by your Canadian employer

You are required to provide proof of your identity like fingerprints, photographs and give authentic information to the border service officers about meeting the eligibility and that you intend to leave the country after your stay. If these officers will deem you eligible then you will be issued a work permit and allowed to enter the country.

*Note: You must have medical insurance for any emergencies during your stay in the country.

 

Activate Your Work Permit

The process to activate your work permit depends on the place where you are applying from and the mode of application.

Activating your Canadian Work Permit as an onshore applicant

If you are an onshore applicant and your Canadian Work Permit application is approved, then you will get a letter of approval from the IRCC. If you have:

• Applied online: You will receive an approval letter in your account
• Applied via a paper-based application: You will receive approval at the provided mailing address.

You will get a physical work permit via mail, after receiving an approval letter. You will receive an activated Canadian Work Permit that you are allowed to use in order to work in Canada.

 

Activating your Canadian Work Permit as an offshore applicant

If you are an offshore applicant and your Canadian Work Permit application is approved, then you will get a letter of approval with the necessary guidelines. These guidelines will be regarding how to obtain a physical Canadian Work Permit at the POE (Port of Entry). If you have applied:

• Online: the letter with instructions will appear in your account
• Offline (paper-based): the letter will be mailed to your submitted address

 

Activating your Canadian Work Permit after applying from the POE (Port of Entry)

The UK applicants, upon eligibility, can apply for a Canadian Work Permit at the POE (Port of Entry). You are required to bring the essential documents to present to the border offices at the POE to meet the eligibility criteria. The border officer will issue a Canadian Work Permit after approval. The work permit can be used immediately after entering the country.

 

Renewing Your Work Visa

If you have a Canada Work Permit that is about to expire, you are required to renew it before the permit expires. It is mandatory to renew or extend your Work Permit 30 days before the expiration date. The cost to renew or extend your Canada Work Visa is around $155 CAD and will be processed in around 103 days.

 

Who is eligible to renew or extend a Canada Work Visa?

Any applicant who comes under any one of the following categories can renew or extend their Canada Work Visa:

• Interested in extending their work permit
• Has to make certain changes to the listed conditions on their work permit, including:
  • Changing the type of work they do
  • Changing the Canadian employer, they work under
  • Changing the place they can work
    • You must submit a medical assessment and, after submitting a report then, remove the conditions regarding the place of work.
• Need to change the gender mentioned on their work permit.
  • You can request a permit to change if you identify as a different gender or request to amend your temporary resident document.

 

What can you do if you have an employer-specific work permit?

You can apply to renew or extend the conditions of your employer-specific work permit if you:

• Have a job contract extended
• Changes in your current job role like:
  • Changes in your pay scale
  • New responsibilities are entrusted
• Have got a new job offer
• Are interested in working under a different employer

You are not eligible to work at a different job or a new Canadian employer until you receive a work permit with the new conditions.

 

Open Work Permits

If you are having an open work permit, then you can renew or extend the permit upon satisfying the eligibility criteria.

How to maintain your status?

You must apply to renew, extend, or change the work permit conditions before it expires to legally stay in the country while it is being processed. To maintain your work permit status, you are required to submit an application before the permit expires. You can submit the application online or via paper.

 

How to apply to renew or extend a Canadian Work Permit?

You are required to follow the mentioned steps to renew or extend a Canadian Work Permit:

Step 1: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria

Before applying an application to extend or renew a work permit, you must ensure that:

• You are residing in Canada
• You have a valid Canadian Work Permit that has not yet expired
• You have complied with and met all the current Work Permit conditions

Step 2: Arrange the essential documents

You are required to arrange certain essential documents to make an application to extend or renew a work permit. The lists of documents are as follows:

• Recent and valid passport
• Current Canadian Work Permit
• Evidence of residency
• New employment offer or a contract of employment in the country
• Any additional documents, as requested by the IRCC

Step 3: Fill in the details to complete the Work Permit application

You are required to fill in a list of forms to make a Work Permit application to renew or extend your permit. These forms will be available on the IRCC website, and they are:

• IMM 5710 (Application Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker)
• Employer-Specific Work Permit: You must submit a new employment offer or evidence of continued employment with your current employer to extend or renew your Employer-Specific Work Permit.
• Open Work Permit Canada: You must be living in Canada and prove your status to get the Open Work Permit.

Step 4: Pay the mandatory fees

You are required to pay mandatory fees of CAD $155 to extend or renew a Canadian Work Permit. You must pay an additional CAD $ 100 if you are interested in applying for an open work permit. It is important to have the receipts as proof of payment.

Step 5: Submit your completed application

You can submit your completed application either via mail or post. It is easier to make an application online and track the status of your application.

 Step 6: Await the processing of the application

You must wait for a certain period of time to process your application. The processing time varies based on the chosen type of work permit. It is better to apply a minimum of 30 days before the expiration of your work visa.

Step 7: Work under implied status

You are eligible to work under an implied status if you have applied for a renewal or an extension of a Work Permit before the expiration of the current permit as you are waiting for a decision. This means you can work under the terms and conditions of your existing work permit till you receive a new one.

 

What happens if your application to extend or renew your Canadian Work Visa gets approved?

If your application to extend or renew your Canadian Work Visa gets approved, then you will receive

• An extension of your existing work permit
• A work permit with new conditions that may include regarding
  • The type of work you are eligible to do
  • The Canadian employer you are eligible to work under
  • The place where you wish to work in the country

 

What if my Canadian Work Permit expires before I make an application to renew it?

You are required to stop working in the country if your work permit has expired before applying for a new permit. However, it is possible to restore your status if you satisfy the following:

• Apply for a new work permit within 90 days of losing your work in Canada status
• Comply with the requirements during your stay, like working legally
• Have complied with all the conditions that are listed on your expired permit

 

Changing Jobs

You are required to apply for a new Canadian Work Permit if you have an existing employer-specific work permit and wish to change employers or jobs in the country. It is not necessary until your new work permit application is approved to start working at a new job or under a new employer. You can place an authorization request to work while your application is being processed. At the same time, open work permit holders are eligible to change their employers at any time till their Canadian Work Permit is valid.

 

Who is eligible to renew or extend their work permit?

You are required to satisfy the following conditions to renew or extend your work permit:

• Have made an application for a new closed work permit in Canada
• You either are
  • Having an existing employer-specific permit or
  • A worker who does not need a work permit to work in the country

 

How to make an authorization request to work in the country while your application is being processed?

To change employers or jobs, you are required to follow the mentioned steps after making an application for a new employer-specific work permit:

Step 1: Fill out an IRCC web form

Step 2: Submit the web form

Step 3: Wait for the visa application to be processed

Step 4: Get an email with authorization to work in the country

Step 5: Work in the country till you get a new permit

 

If You Lose Your Job

If you lose your job while holding a Canadian Work Permit, then you can stay in the country till your work permit is valid. However, you are not eligible to work for your present employer or look for employment in the country.

If you are interested and wish to continue working in the country, then you must change the work permit conditions. It is mandatory to qualify and meet the eligibility criteria in order to apply for new work permit. You are not permitted to start working at a new job under a new employer in Canada before you receive a new work permit with a new terms and conditions of employment.

It is possible to switch to an open work permit upon meeting eligibility. As an open work permit does not limit you to work at one occupation or an employer, you can get the freedom to change workplaces, occupations, employers, or locations in the country. You may apply for an open work permit as an onshore or offshore applicant. Additionally, there is no mandatory requirement for an employment offer or a positive LMIA to apply for an Open Work Permit.