Nothing is more frustrating than finding the perfect job only to realize that you don’t have the proper authorization to work in Canada. If you want to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work visa.
Work visas are temporary permits that allow foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period of time.
The application process for a work visa in Canada can be a bit daunting, but don’t worry because we are here to help. In this article, we will outline the steps you need to take in order to apply for a work visa in Canada.
So whether you are looking for your first job in Canada or you are already working in Canada and want to apply for a new work visa, this article is for you. Let’s get started!
Contents
Types of Work Visas in Canada
There are many different types of Work Visas in Canada, each with its own eligibility requirements and application process. The type of Work Visa you need to apply for will depend on your specific situation.
The most common Work Visas in Canada are:
1. Temporary Work Permit
This type of Work Visa allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific period of time. In order to apply for a Temporary Work Permit, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Spousal Work Permit
This type of Work Visa allows the spouse or common-law partner of a Work Visa holder to work in Canada. In order to apply for a Spousal Work Permit, you must be married to or in a common-law relationship with a Work Visa holder.
3. Graduate Work Permit
This type of Work Visa allows recent graduates of Canadian Designated Learning Institutes to work in Canada. In order to apply for a Graduate Work Permit, you must have graduated from a DLI and have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
4. Start-up Work Visa
This type of Work Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to come to Canada to start a business. In order to apply for a Start-up Work Visa, you must be endorsed by a designated organization.
5. Global Talent Work Visa
This type of Work Visa allows highly skilled workers to come to Canada to work in high-demand occupations. In order to apply for a Global Talent Work Visa, you must be endorsed by a designated organization.
Who is Eligible to Work in Canada?
In order to be eligible to apply for a work visa in Canada, most people must have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from their prospective employer in order to apply for a work permit. However, you can also apply for a work visa without LMIA only if you are a recent graduate of a Canadian Designated Learning Institute (DLI) or if you have a spouse who is already on a work visa or study visa.
Candidates who meet any of the above criteria must also meet the following requirements to apply for a work visa in Canada:
- Leave Canada once their work authorization expires.
- You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada.
- You must be criminally and medically clear.
- You must have a plan to work with an eligible employer.
- You must have all the documents that may prove your eligibility to enter Canada ready and can provide your document to the authorities once requested.
What Documents are Needed to Apply for a Work Visa in Canada?
Required documents will depend on the type of work Visa you are applying for. However, all Work Visa applicants will need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- Two recent passport photographs
- A letter of introduction from the Canadian embassy, if you are applying from outside of Canada
- A job offer letter from your employer in Canada
- Proof that you have the necessary qualifications to do the job
- An LMIA from Service Canada, if you are applying for a work permit
- Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a signed undertaking from your family member or friend in Canada
- A police certificate, if you are over 18 years of age
- A medical examination report, if requested
How to Apply for a Work Visa in Canada?
The application process for a Work Visa in Canada will vary depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for.
For most Work Visas, you will need to submit an application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. However, for some Work Visas, such as the Global Talent Work Visa, you will need to submit an application offline.
Once you have submitted your application, you will need to attend an interview at the Canadian embassy if you are applying from outside of Canada. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application and will be required to provide fingerprints and photographs.
Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a work permit.
If you are applying for a Work Visa from inside of Canada, you will need to submit your application to the IRCC office.
The processing time for a Work Visa in Canada is typically around two weeks. However, processing times can vary depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for and the country you are applying from.
You can check the processing time for your Work Visa on the IRCC website.
How Much Does a Work Visa Cost in Canada?
The cost of a Work Visa in Canada will vary depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for.
However, generally, for a closed work permit, the application fee is $155 CAD per person. For an open work permit, the application fee is $255 CAD per person.
Plus, it will cost extra to restore a work permit or to apply as a group of performing artists.
You can find the complete list of Work Visa fees on the IRCC website.
How long will it take to process my work permit application?
The length of time it will take to process your Work Visa application will vary depending on the type of Work Visa you are applying for and the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application.
However, the processing times for Work Visas can range anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
