Process and Timings of Applying Work Permit for Canada from India

Work Permits in Canada are temporary resident visas issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada to foreign workers. They are used to grant access to foreign workers who have an offer of employment in Canada.

The Canada Work Permit allows Indian Passport holders to live and work in Canada under certain conditions for a specified duration. Applicants may choose to apply online or offline, depending on their requirements and preferences. 

How Does the Process Work?

Applicants are required to submit the form alongside specific documents based on the particular programme. The approved Canadian employers are allowed to hire foreign staff.

The official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) contains all the information necessary for working in Canada, extending a work permit, and also recruiting a foreign worker. 

IRCC is a Canadian Government’s department that handles and manages Citizenship, Immigration and Refugees in Canada. The portal can help applicants from all over the world determine whether they need a work permit in Canada to be employed. Applicants can also use the official website to learn about their rights as a Canadian foreign worker.

Application Process for Work Permit from India

He/she may or may not be eligible to apply for a Work Permit based on the skills/experience/profile of the applicant. If the person is required to obtain a work permit, the online or offline application process can be carried out either by him/her. 

The aspirants are required to submit the completed application form along with the necessary documents. The application process also demands that the applicants pay the visa fee needed.

For the application process, the non-refundable visa fee must be charged. If required, IRCC may order an applicant to appear at the Consulate of Canada located in Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata or Mumbai for an interview. 

Enter Canada as a worker, Indian Passport holders are not required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph). For an Indian applicant, if IRCC requires additional documents or clarification from the applicant, the application may take up to 7 weeks or more significant.

Online Application

Applications for a Work Permit can be made by completing the registration process and following the instructions on the official website of IRCC.

Offline Application 

The application may be made in person through one of VFS Global’s managed Canada Visa Application Centers (CVAC) in India.

Different Types of Work Permit in Canada

Temporary Workers

Canada offers open work permits and works permits specific to the employer based on the qualification of the applicant and the nature of the work. Temporary workers are also eligible to modify or extend their job license.

Business 

To obtain a work permit, applicants who are business visitors, intra-company transferees, professionals, traders, investors.

Permanent Workers

The Work Permit authorizes eligible individuals to emigrate to Canada as skilled workers (Express Entry).

Students

Based on qualifying factors, international students are permitted to work as co-op students or interns on-campus or off-campus. Furthermore, graduates can either apply for a postgraduate work permit or permanently immigrate via Express Entry.

Agricultural Workers 

Individuals hired through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) are eligible for an application to Canada for a Work Permit.

International Experience Canada 

Qualifying applicants can apply for a work permit in the pool(s) of International Experience Canada (IEC).

Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit Application

• Submit a completed form for a visa application,
• Valid passport or any other travel document that IRCC specifies,
• Employment Offer, 
• Letter of Invitation,
•  Medical Exam Certificate, 
• Specified Records,
•  Completed VFS consent form,
•  Evidence of appropriate funding to support travel, 
• Other records, if necessary.

Fees for Work Permit Application

The application fee is compulsory for processing the request. The non-refundable fee will change and depends on the nationality, type of visa, application methods. Applicants are given multiple fee payment options, whether online or offline. 

Applications via VFS Global or any other means will incur additional fees or service charges. A Work Permit application fee is set out below:

• Work Permit Application fee per person(including extensions)-85 Canadian Dollars
• Work Permit Application fee for performing groups or artists(including extensions)-170 Canadian Dollars.
• Work Permit Holder(Open)-255 Canadian Dollars.

Processing the visa applications and making the ultimate decision is the responsibility of the immigration authorities. These authorities have the right to decide whether a Canadian Work Visa is appropriate for the applicant to be issued.

Key Factor

Visa applicants to Canada will need to take note of the standard time taken to process the applications. It would be best if you refer the IRCC website for detailed information to understand the processing time for all types of Canadian Visa from India.

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Shobha Vats

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