A Canadian work permit is a piece of paper that says you are allowed to work and make money in Canada. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) generally gives out work permits for Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TWFP) or the International Mobility Program. (IMP).
There are two kinds of work permits for Canada.
- Openwork permit and
- Employer-specific work permit
Open Work Permit
The holder of an openwork pass can work for any company they want, except in the following cases.
If the company is on the list of those who aren’t qualified because they didn’t meet the rules,
If the company offers sexual dance, striptease, erotic massage, or escort services.
Employer-specific work permit
With this type of work pass, you can only work for one company, as the name suggests. With this kind of work permit, you can work in Canada as long as you follow the rules on your work permit.
This tells you the name of the company, how long you can work, and sometimes where you can work.
When you apply for this kind of work permit, your company must give you an offer of job number or a copy of LMIA to include with your application.
Who’s Eligible For a Canada Work Permit
Most people from outside Canada who want to work in Canada need a work pass. The Canadian government will let a foreign worker work as long as the work permit is still good.
There are, however, some jobs where you do not need a work pass. Some examples of these kinds of events are:
- Public speakers
- Convention organizers
- News reporter and media team
- Performing artistes
- Working on campus as an international student
- Business visitors
- Clergy
- Athletes
- Aviation inspector
- Military personnel
- Emergency service provider
- Performing artistes
- Foreign government officers
Validity of a Canada Work Permit
Most work permits for Canada are good for 12 to 24 months. But a Canadian visa officer can change the length of time a work permit is good based on when the applicant’s travel document or passport expires.
A visa officer can’t give a person a work pass that is good for a long time after their travel document has run out. Work permits that have run out can be extended.
Requirements for a Canada Work Permit Application
Here is a list of the paperwork you will need to get a work permit in Canada.
- A current passport or travel document that is still good for at least six months
- Evidence of money (IEC visa applicants)
- Two pictures of yourself and any family members who are coming with you.
- Proof that you meet the requirements of the job you’re applying for
- Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or any other proof that a couple, child, or common-law partner is related to each other.
Depending on the Canadian work permit program you qualify for and your plans to apply, you may need to bring in more papers.
If your work permit program requires LMIA, you will need a copy of your job contract and an offer of employment ID number.
Canada Work Permit Application Process
Most application methods have moved online because of the Covid-19 outbreak. So, all you have to do is give and send in all the papers that are needed for the school you are looking for.
After you send in your application, you might be asked to meet with an immigration worker in your home country and give a medical report, but these things aren’t always needed.
Once you have sent in your application and it has reached the point where your biometrics are needed, you will be told where to go to get them done. Both the application and the biometric method cost money.
Once you are approved, you will get a letter letting you know that you can work in Canada and telling you what the rules are for your work permit. This is not, however, your work pass. You will get that when you get to Canada.
How long does it take to get a work pass in Canada?
As long as all of your paperwork is in order and your application is complete, you can get your work permit in Canada in as little as two weeks.
