Do you have a job offer in Canada? If yes, fantastic! The next step is to apply for a Canadian work permit from Peru. A work permit allows you to legally work in Canada and specifies the type of work you can do, where in Canada you can work, for whom you may work, and for how long you can work in the country.
Due to Canada’s aging population, there are various skills and labor shortages across the country. Canadian employers depend on foreign workers to fill job positions when Canadians aren’t available. In 2020, over 100,000 work permits were issued to foreign workers. Foreign workers with Canadian work experience are in a strong position to become permanent residents of Canada.
There are two different types of work permits available in Canada, and depending on the circumstances surrounding your employment, you will either apply for an employment-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). You may even be eligible for an open work permit under the IMP. Below, find out what you need to apply for a Canadian work permit!
How to Get a Canada Work Visa From Peru?
Get to Know the Canadian Work Permit Programs
The first step is to discover for which work permit program and stream you qualify. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP) are the two broad work permit program categories under which the Canadian government issues work permits to foreign nationals.
The TFWP is designed to fill labor and skills shortages in Canada with special streams aimed at agricultural workers, caregivers, and tech workers. The IMP focuses more on Canada’s broader economic, social and cultural interests via international agreements with specific countries. Canada and Peru do not have an international trade agreement, and for this reason, you’re more likely to get a work permit by applying through the TFWP.
Here is a quick overview of the differences between the two work permit programs:
Work Permit Programs | |
---|---|
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | International Mobility Program (IMP) |
Employer-specific work permits | Openwork permits and employer-specific work permits |
Valid job offer required | Valid job offer required with the exception of open work permit applications |
Requires an LMIA | Doesn’t require an LMIA |
Lower-skilled workers represent the majority of workers under the program because it has special streams for caregivers and agriculture workers | Skilled workers and workers from countries with reciprocal agreements with Canada represent the majority of workers under the program. |
Work permit applications can take a few months to process with the exception of Global Talent Stream candidates who benefits from two-week work permit processing | Work permit applications take approximately two weeks to process |
GOOD TO KNOW
The majority of Canadian work permits are obtained under the IMP, and the most popular stream is the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). The PGWP is exclusively available to international students who recently graduated from an academic institution in Canada. It is a special open work permit that allows you to work in Canada without needing an initial job offer to qualify. Employer-specific work permits, on the other hand, limits you to work for the employer and in the location mentioned on your work permit application. In addition, you will need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to apply for work permits under the TFWP.
Find out for which type of Canada work visa you’re most likely to qualify for based on your occupation:
Canada Work Permit Based on Your Occupation | ||
---|---|---|
Occupation | Program | Type of Work Permit |
Agricultural workers | TFWP | Employer-specific work permit |
Intra-company transferee | IMP | Employer-specific work permit |
Highly skilled tech workers | TFWP | Employer-specific work permit |
Caregivers | TFWP | Employer-specific work permit |
International graduates | IMP | Openwork permit |
Permanent resident applicants | IMP | Bridging open work permit |
Main applicants’ spouse or common-law partner | IMP | Openwork permit |
All other types of low-skilled workers (to be paid less than the median hourly wage of a province in Canada.) | TFWP | Employer-specific work permit |
All other types of skilled workers (to be paid at or above the median hourly wage of a province in Canada.) | TFWP | Employer-specific work permit |
Canadian Work Permit Requirements for Peruvians
The most important document you’ll need for your Canadian work permit application is a valid job offer letter from your employer. A valid job offer is an official company letterhead that indicates your job title, duties, salary and dates of employment. You must also include evidence that you meet the requirements of the job like relevant education certificates or a resume with contactable references.
In addition, if you have dependent family members (a spouse and children) then you must include your marriage certificate as well as your children’s birth certificates. See below for a complete list of supporting documents:
- Valid job offer letter;
- Proof that you meet the requirements of the job offer;
- Copy of a positive LMIA or LMIA number (if applicable);
- Proof of your English or French language abilities via test results;
- Medical examination;
- Valid passport;
- Marriage certificate (if applicable);
- You need to give your biometrics;
- Police clearance certificate (if asked); and
- Show proof of funds to take care of yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay, and to return home
Still need to find a job in Canada? Learn how to find work in Canada in 2021
How much does a Canadian work permit cost in 2021?
A Canadian work permit application costs $155 to process. You will need extra money for the additional documents that are needed such as your medical examination certificate and biometrics fees of $85 among others.
How long does it take to process Canadian work permit applications from Peru?
If you apply for a work permit from Peru through the TFWP it will take approximately 34 weeks to process your application. However, if you are a highly skilled tech worker, the process can take as little as two-weeks through the Global Talent Stream!
What happens after you submit your application to work in Canada?
If successful, you’ll get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction. You’ll get your work permit at the port of entry (airport, harbor) the day you arrive in Canada.
Can you renew your Canadian work permit?
Yes, you can. You should apply to extend your work permit at least 30 days before the expiry date.
Benefits of Working in Canada from Peru
1. Your Canadian work experience can increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident
Working in Canada for at least 6-12 months can drastically increase your chances of qualifying for an immigration program such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system or a Provincial Nomination Program (PNP). It is no secret that Canada prefers permanent resident (PR) applicants with Canadian work experience. You can also apply for Canadian permanent residency while working in Canada with a valid work permit.
2. Enjoy incredible employee benefits
Canadian companies are mandated by law to be inclusive and welcoming, with opportunities open to all. Employers in Canada offer incentives and job perks that excite and inspire employees as well as attract foreign workers to the country. Some of these benefits may include flexible working hours and free gym memberships.
What’s more, if you are a low skilled worker applying for a work permit under the TFWP, then your employer may be responsible for your transportation costs to and from Canada, as well as to provide you with affordable housing. These requirements are outlined in the LMIA letter.
3. You have a higher earning potential in Canada
Canada has one of the highest hourly wages in the world, at an attractive $11 an hour. This means that you can do exactly the same job in Canada as you were doing back home and earn exponentially more. Keep in mind that one Canadian dollar is equal to almost three Peruvian Sol. This contributes to employee satisfaction and overall better quality of life.
Ready to Work in Canada?
Getting a Canadian work permit from Peru can be complex. At CanadianVisa.org, we make it easier by taking care of the entire process on your behalf. If you want to make your dream to live and work in Canada come true, simply fill in the form below so that we can get started by finding a work permit that you qualify for!