
Do You Require A Work Permit To Work In Canada?
Canada is a dream country that many people want to live and spend life there with their families. However, moving and getting a job in Canada requires you to fulfill specific criteria before the big move.
Like many other countries, working in Canada also requires a work permit or work visa depending on your profession. Canada offers over 100 different types of work permits for skilled workers from all around the world.
Types of Work Permits in Canada
There are two basic types of work permits that you get in Canada:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program does not require a Labor Market Impact Assessment test (LMIA), but the Temporary Foreign Worker Program asks for the LMIA.
The need for LMIA arises because of the difference in working practices in different parts of the world. The test allows employers to ensure that the hiring will not negatively impact existing work practices and employees.
However, if you do not want to take the LMIA, you may apply for the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This kind of work permit does not require the LMIA, including a few others, under the International Mobility Program.
Working Scenarios in Canada
Besides LMIA required, LMIA exempt, and CUSMA, there are a few other scenarios under the Canadian law that allows foreign workers to work in Canada.
Post-Graduation Work Permits
If you study in a Designated Learning Institution in Canada, you may work in Canada without restrictions. Obtaining a bachelor’s from Canada allows you to work for up to three years in the region.
Business Visitors
Business visitors do not require a work permit to visit Canada, let alone an LMIA. They may stay and get the job done without entering the labour market for as long as their visa permits.
Intra-company Transfers
Obtaining an intra-company transfer also exempts you from taking an LMIA. Employers can bring their employees from anywhere in the world.
Open Work Permit vs. Closed Work Permit
Open Work Permit
Open work permits allow you to work with multiple employers at one time in various locations around the region.
Closed Work Permit
On the other hand, a closed work permit means that you can only work with a single employer associated with you at the time of obtaining the work permit.
How to Get a Work Permit in Canada?
Getting a work permit is not difficult, especially if you have a job offer in hand while applying for Express Entry or any other visa. You can obtain your Canadian work permit by these four easy steps:
- The employer applies for the labour market opinion.
- They offer temporary jobs to foreign workers.
- The worker applies for the permit on the basis of the job.
- The foreign worker receives their work permit.
How to Work as an Entrepreneur in Canada?
If you wish to work as an entrepreneur in Canada and set up your business, you will require the entrepreneur work permit and the Entrepreneur Start-Up Visa Program. However, this is possible when you have entrepreneurial or business management experience.
FAQs
Is work permit easy to get in Canada?
Getting a work permit in Canada can be easy or difficult, depending on the job offer. Your work visa application requires a positive labour market impact assessment document and a job offer letter from a Canadian company.
How long does it take to get a working permit in Canada?
You receive your work permit between 1-9 months after applying.
How much money is required for a work permit in Canada?
The work permit fees in Canada vary according to the type of permit you seek. A closed work permit costs CAD 155, whereas an open work permit comes around CAD 255.