Process to Apply for a Job in Canada on Work Permit basis

The Canadian Government is very strict about its immigration and work permit policies and any unfulfilled document will lead to rejection of the application, without refunding the charges and a negative stamp on the passport.

Understanding difference between Canadian work permit, visa

A work permit is issued to the person who is not a Canadian or a permanent resident of the country. It is required whether or not the employer is in Canada. However, to apply for a work permit at Canada’s visa office, it is important to be a citizen of the country where Canada has its visa offices.

The documents that are mandatory for Canadian visa are:

• Application form IMM 008
• You may need to fill up more forms if you have a
• You might be required to fill up more forms if you have additional family or dependents along with you
• Schedule A which gives Background Declarations (Form IMM 5669).
• Spouse/partner questionnaire (Form IMM 5285).
• Ensure that the passport pages are legible
• Birth Certificate of the applicant.
• If there is a sponsor, then proof of relationship and proof of residential status in Canada.
• Photocopy of Marriage Certificate.
• Two photographs of applicant and dependents if applicable
• The sponsor in Canada must provide the proof of income alongside the most recent taxation of themselves along with the income slips.
• Must have paid the processing fee to the government.
• An envelop with the correct postage where Canadian High Commission can send the results back.

Prerequisites for Getting a work visa for Canada

• A written job offer from the company that has appointed you. For this, the company might have to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire you. This document provides permission to your employer to hire a foreign worker.
• You need to provide evidence that you meet the requirement of the employment offer
• If you are applying for an open work permit, letter from an employer is not required. Open work permit can only be issued to accompanying spouses and common-law partners, dependent children, participants in international experience, Canada
• Some work permits do not require a work permit. However, if you are a citizen of a particular country that requires resident visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for a visa if you do not need a work permit.

Things to remember while applying for Work permit for Canada

• A work permit does not allow you to stay in Canada permanently
• To do so, one must qualify under the immigration category as a permanent resident
• Your spouse and children can apply for a study or work permit as they accompany you
• Caregivers who meet certain requirements are allowed to live in Canada permanently

Where and when to apply for Work permit?

Work permit can be applied for both from outside Canada and inside Canada. Sometimes you have to apply as you enter Canada. Whatever the case, the requirements are the same. How you apply and how long will it take for your application to process depends on the kind of work you decide to do when you come to Canada.

When do you have to apply for work permit outside Canada? 

• You or your accompanying dependents would require a temporary resident visa
• Your children require a study permit
• You or your dependents would require medical examination
• You are participating in International Experience Canada
• You will be working as a live-in caregiver
• You will be working as a seasonal agricultural worker
• You or your accompanying dependents are convicted of a crime

Work Hours limitations under Student Work Permit

• If you are studying in Canada and need to work alongside your education, you would need to apply for a student work permit. Your work permit may allow you to work for:
• 20 hours per week alongside regular academics
• To work full time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or during the spring break

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Pallavi Sen Gupta

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