The Process of Obtaining a Work Permit in Canada and Immigration

More than 3 00,000 foreign workers per year move to Canada for better opportunities. But to work in Canada, you’ll be needing a Work Permit visa, for which you’re required to get an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment).

When you apply for a work permit in Canada, you should have a copy of a positive LMIA, as well as the LMIA number mentioned in the application. However, this permit may have a few exceptions to it.

The three kinds of Canadian work permits available are:

Closed Work Permits

Most of Canada’s work permits are closed work permits that demand a positive LMIA. A closed permit is granted to a foreign employee who’ll work for a specific employer on a specific job as listed in the LMIA.

Openwork Permits

An open work permit is issued to a foreign citizen to work at any job, for any employer across Canada. Because open work permits don’t restrict people to a certain employer or profession, they don’t require an LMIA either. Additionally, you don’t need to have a job offer on standby before applying for an open work permit.

Closed LMIA-exempt Permits

Closed LMIA-exempt work permits lie somewhere in between the above-mentioned categories. This permit allows a foreign citizen to work for a particular employer in a specific position, but does not necessitate an LMIA.

The most common programs that come under the Closed LMIA-exempt Work Permits include:

• Multinational corporations with offices in Canada can temporarily transfer their workers to the Canadian branch without needing an LMIA.
• Self-employed foreign citizens or entrepreneurs running a temporary business that reaps considerable cultural, economic, and social benefits for Canada’s locals are issued an LMIA exemption.
• Individuals needed in Canada for some urgent repair work for the proper functioning of business are exempt from LMIA; however, they still require work permits.
• Canada is part of several international youth exchange programs that offer young professionals travel and work opportunities in Canada without an LMIA.

Common-law partners and spouses of full-time Canadian students are issued open work permits that don’t require LMIA. This category contains individuals who have obtained the approval of their Canadian sponsor.

Being employed in Canada is a brilliant way to gain experience, which can open many doors to becoming a permanent citizen. If it happens so that you’re not eligible to apply under common categories, for instance, the Federal Skilled Worker program, then consider the possibility that perhaps studying or working in Canada could be your ticket to permanent residence.

Composing your application to get Canada’s work permit is also crucial because this will decide if your visa is granted. Keep in mind that even if you plan to apply for Permanent Residence after gaining some experience, a Canadian work permit is temporary. Moreover, it would help if you convinced the visa officer that you’d leave Canada at the end of your permit’s validity.

Also, provided Canada’s strong stance on family unification, most Canadian work permits allow you to bring your children and spouse with you.

Immigrating to Canada

Regardless of where you’re applying from, be it inside or outside of Canada, you can start with a free online assessment tool. There are multiple categories of Canadian Immigration, and applying under the category best-suited for you is something that an experienced Canadian Immigration Consultation can assist you with. Many programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker program, only accept a limited number of applications they receive, so applying early can secure your permit before you’re too late.

Are you stressed about finding proper housing in the new country? Worry not because there’s more than enough space as Canada is a big country, actually the second-largest. When deciding to move here, you should also determine why it’s the best choice for you. You should factor in job opportunities, living costs, and climate when making your decision. However, don’t finalize your accommodations unless a positive decision has been made regarding your case.

Having proper knowledge of how and when to access immigrant services can also be of value to you. Language courses are being offered for free, as well as seminars on proper entry into the Canadian labour market and even vocational courses to improve your chances of getting Canadian employment. These services can also help you meet people in a similar situation as yours, i.e. moving to Canada.

After spending a particular amount of time in Canada, you become eligible for Canadian Citizenship, which grants you a Canadian Passport and the voting ability in federal and municipal elections.

Finally, keeping in line with Canada’s stance on family unification, citizens and permanent residents are allowed spousal sponsorship of a foreign partner, dependent kids, as well as parents and grandparents.