Immigrating to Canada can seem daunting, especially if you don’t know where to find the right information. The process can become lengthy if you are misinformed, particularly when trying to get a Canada work visa during these challenging times marked by the global pandemic. COVID-19 has created significant challenges in many aspects of life, especially in travel and work opportunities. While 2021 has provided some relief from the lockdowns of 2020, many still find it difficult to travel overseas. However, moving to Canada to live and work is possible.
Get Your Canadian Work Visa in 3 Easy Steps
When you begin the application process for a Canadian work visa, you will find that it is not as complex as you initially thought. Moving to Canada takes time. However, if you follow the right steps and seek expert advice from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) approved by the Canadian government, you can avoid potential errors in your application.
To immigrate to Canada, follow these three essential steps to assist you in obtaining your Canadian work visa:
Step 1: Choose the Right Work Permit
You can apply for two types of work permits, depending on your job. These work visas include an open work permit and an employer-specific work permit.
If you choose an open work permit, you can work for any Canadian employer. In contrast, the employer-specific work permit restricts you to work according to the specifications outlined in your work permit, including your name, the length of the permit, and your place of employment.
Applying for the Canada Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) is a great way to gain work experience in Canada with an open work permit.
What is the Post-Graduation Work Permit?
The PGWP helps international students who have obtained a graduate degree, including a certificate, diploma, or degree, from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This permit allows you to live and work in Canada for up to three years. As an international PGWP student, you can receive your open work permit, enabling you to work for any employer in Canada and gain the necessary work experience to apply for permanent residence.
If you can only work for a specific company, such as a construction worker, the best option for you will be an employer-specific work permit.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
If you’ve ever been interested in Canadian immigration, you’ve likely heard about the requirements for obtaining your Canadian work visa. When you apply for a work visa or a permanent visa, you must first check if you are eligible to live and work in Canada. Given that Canada is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the world, it has specific guidelines and laws that must be met to enter the country.
The eligibility requirements to live and work in Canada and receive a work permit include:
- Proving that you will leave Canada after your contract ends, which can range from eight months to three years.
- Showing sufficient funds to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada and upon your return to your home country.
- Maintaining a clean criminal record.
- Providing proof of good health, verified with a medical exam submitted with your application.
- Obtaining an eligible job offer from employers authorized to recruit you. Note: You may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you have decided which work permit program to apply for and have met all the requirements, you are ready to submit your application. The best way to apply for a Canadian work visa is online. This method saves you from courier fees and avoids delays in submitting your application. It also ensures that all required documents are uploaded, increasing the likelihood of a successful application on your first attempt.
Note: Application processing times can range from 2 to 33 weeks. A trusted RCIC can verify your application and advise you on any incomplete fields or documentation. Contacting an RCIC can help expedite the application process and avoid potential errors that may require you to reapply.
Do You Need a Canadian Work Permit to Immigrate to Canada?
If you receive a job offer from a Canadian employer, congratulations! You are one step ahead of many other applicants seeking permanent residence in Canada. While a job offer is not required to obtain a visa, it often speeds up the process and increases your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
A job offer may be exactly what you need to take the next step in the immigration process, helping you become a part of Canadian society. If you have received a job offer, you may wonder what else you need to work in Canada.
Understanding Work Permits
Wondering if you need a work permit to work in Canada? You can choose from two types of Canadian work permits, including an employer-specific work permit. These documents are distinct from your travel visa, which is the primary document that allows you to enter the country.
If you have a valid job offer in Canada, you will need your visa combined with one of the two types of work permits for a successful move.
Since you can only move to Canada with a valid job offer if you have obtained a work permit, be aware that processing times for the necessary documents can be lengthy. When submitting your application along with your work permit, ensure that it is complete; otherwise, it could be delayed or rejected. To avoid this, consider working with a government-approved Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who specializes in visa applications and can provide guidance on obtaining work permits.
Final Steps
Once approved, you will receive a letter stating that you can legally move and work in Canada. You will need to present this letter upon entering the country. This letter is not your work permit; you will likely receive your work permit upon arrival in Canada. It will detail the type of work you can do, the organizations or businesses you can work for, and the authorized working conditions.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a Canadian work visa and embark on your new journey in Canada.
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