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Looking to work in Canada? Understanding the Canadian work permit system is crucial. Getting a work permit while you're already in the country is important. This guide breaks down the process, focusing on the essential documents you'll need. Whether you're a skilled professional or a temporary worker, knowing how it works is key to fitting into the Canadian job scene. Join us in this informative journey as we go through the necessary steps to get your Canadian Work Permit Inside Canada.
Get a Work Permit in Canada
A Canadian work permit is your ticket to employment in the Great White North. This official document allows you to work in Canada for a specified period, granting you the opportunity to contribute your skills and talents to the Canadian workforce. Whether you're a skilled professional or a temporary worker, obtaining a work permit is a crucial step toward realizing your career aspirations in Canada.
Who Qualifies for a Work Permit Inside Canada
To secure a work permit from inside Canada, several conditions apply. You may be eligible if you are a Ukrainian national or an accompanying family member, possess a post-graduation work permit expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2023, or hold a valid study or work permit. Additionally, eligibility extends to individuals with a spouse, common-law partner, or parent possessing a valid study or work permit.
Workers in Canada, as temporary residents, must meet specific conditions. This guide caters to those already in the country seeking to extend their stay, change work conditions, switch classes, or rectify status issues.
| Category | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Holders of work or study permits and their family members | If you're a skilled foreign worker, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. |
| Successful graduates from a Canadian program | Submit a work permit application within 90 days of the issuance of your final marks. Study permit must be valid upon submission. |
| Persons currently working in Canada for secondary employment | Not applicable for business visitors not requiring a work permit. |
| Holders of temporary resident permits (TRPs) and family members | TRPs must be valid for a minimum of 6 months. |
| Refugee claimants and those with unenforceable removal orders | Eligible for work permits while their claims are being processed. |
| In-Canada permanent resident applicants and family members | Members of specific eligible classes such as live-in caregivers, interim pathway for caregivers, etc. |
| Persons with work permits authorized by a migration office abroad | Permits not issued at a port of entry. |
| Mexican citizens admitted as visitors | May apply for a work permit under any CUSMA category. |
| U.S. citizens admitted as visitors | May apply in Canada under the Professional or Intra-company Transferee CUSMA categories only. |
Requirements to Obtain a Work Permit
- Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your employment.
- Show enough financial capacity during your stay.
- Have a law-abiding record with no criminal activity.
- Not be a danger to the security of Canada.
- Be in good health and complete a medical examination if required.
- Not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the List of Ineligible Employers.
- Not intend to engage in employment involving striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages.
- Provide any additional documents requested by the officer to establish admissibility.
It's important to note that eligibility requirements may vary, and staying informed about your specific situation is crucial when navigating the process of obtaining a work permit inside Canada.
How to Apply
If you're ready to take the next step and apply for a work permit inside Canada, follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth application process.
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools to apply online:
- A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
- A valid credit or debit card for payment
If you encounter issues while applying online, be sure to address them promptly.
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
Even if you choose to apply online, familiarize yourself with the instruction guide before completing your application. The guide provides valuable insights into each form field, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Venezuelan passport holders may encounter additional steps, so be thorough in your application process.
Priority processing for work permit applicants: Applications for individuals performing or supporting essential services are prioritized.
When completing the work permit application form, follow these steps for priority processing:
- Obtain the National Occupational Classification (NOC) number from your employer's offer of employment or labour market impact assessment (LMIA)
- Enter the NOC number in the Job title box
- Include only the number, and ensure its accuracy
Eligible occupations that perform or support essential services include:
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Health-care occupations
Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool
Prior to uploading your forms, answer a series of questions to generate a personalized document checklist.
Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay
Understand the applicable fees, including processing fees for yourself and any included individuals. Payment is requested at the end of your application. For open work permits, ensure payment of the work permit fee of CAD155 and open work permit holder fee CAD100.
Step 5: Create your online account or sign in
Establish an online account, providing a platform to pay fees, submit your application, and monitor your application status.
Guide To Your Work Visa Application
Our brief guide outlines key information on Canadian work permits, including the necessary documents required for the application process. It serves as an essential resource for those navigating the intricacies of obtaining a work permit to ensure a smooth and successful application experience within Canada.
Biometrics
Applicants are required to submit biometrics only once every 10 years, providing a convenient and streamlined experience. The associated fees are CAD85 per person, with a maximum family fee of CAD170 for two or more individuals applying together. For groups of three or more performing artists applying simultaneously, the maximum fee is CAD255.
Biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo, are mandatory for applications within Canada, and applicants can visit a designated Service Canada location. It's essential to book an appointment at an official biometric collection service point, conveniently located throughout Canada. Valid biometrics from previous applications may exempt applicants from resubmitting, depending on their expiration status.
Employment Documents You’ll Need
Offer of Employment
The Offer of Employment is a pivotal document, verifying the authenticity of the job offer and ensuring employer compliance. Employers undergo evaluation based on various criteria, including the genuineness of the offer, compliance history, and adherence to Federal-Provincial or Territorial Laws.
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
An LMIA, provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. It's a crucial component for work permit issuance and must be included in the application.
Offers of Employment for LMIA-exempt Workers: If an employer offers a specific job to a foreign worker, they need an Offer of Employment number. Employers obtain this number through the Employer Portal, submitting necessary information and paying the CAD230 employer compliance fee or proving fee exemption.
Renewing and Extending Work Permits
Is it Possible? Yes, it's possible to renew or extend your work permit if you're currently working in Canada and want to modify conditions.
How? Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. If you plan to change the length, employer, or occupation, you must obtain a new work permit before making the change.
Documentation Required: Include a copy of the LMIA (if applicable), a job offer letter, or the Offer of Employment number. Additionally, provide evidence that you meet job requirements, and if working in Québec, include a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ).
Medical Exam: For stays exceeding six months, a medical exam is required, especially if you've lived temporarily in specific countries or territories.
Paying the Fees
When applying online, you'll need to pay a processing fee for each service required. All fees must be submitted with your application. For detailed information on eligibility, fees, and required documents, refer to the guide "Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Worker (IMM 5552)" or consult the Help Centre.
Processing Times
Always check the processing times of your visa, and ensure to submit a renewal 30 days before expiry. A Work permit from inside Canada (initial and extension) will take 14 days with a paper application.
FAQs
May I Leave and Re-enter Canada, If I Still Have a Valid Work Permit?
Yes, you can leave and re-enter Canada if your work permit is still valid. However, it's important to note that a work permit alone is not a travel document.
To return to Canada for work, you must possess a valid travel document along with your work permit. Acceptable documents include a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or proof of lawful permanent residence status in the U.S. (e.g., green card).
Having these documents, in addition to your work permit, does not guarantee re-entry; you must demonstrate to the border services officer that you meet all the necessary requirements.
Can Visitors Apply For Work Permit Within Canada?
Visitors to Canada typically do not have the ability to apply for a work permit from within the country. The standard procedure is for individuals to apply for a work permit from outside of Canada, in their home country or the country where they are currently residing.
However, there are specific conditions mentioned in immigration rules that allow individuals to apply for a work permit from within Canada. For example, if someone is already in Canada and holds a valid study or work permit, or if their spouse, common-law partner, or parent has a valid study or work permit, they may be eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.
