Canada

TYPES OF CANADIAN WORK VISAS

A Canada work visa is required by almost anyone wishing to work in Canada. Canada has mainly two types of work permits:

1. Employer-Specific Work Permit
As the name suggests, this type of work permit is appropriate for foreign nationals who will work for one employer only. This naturally means that the permit holder must follow the conditions set in their Canada work visa when working in the country. The permit usually also contains information about the employer, the location of work, and the duration of employment.

2. Open Work Permit
This type of work permit is more flexible as it allows its holder to apply and work for any employer. However, this permit isn’t appropriate for all and is usually issued to individuals who have suffered abuse as recognized by the scope of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program of Canada.

Canada issues work permits for various kinds of workers, temporary, permanent, or business owners. As a result, Canada work permit requirements change from case to case depending upon the type of worker and the work permit required.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANADA WORK PERMIT

Before applying for a permanent work permit in Canada, you must first work on a temporary work permit for a few years. Only after completing one or more years with this permit will you be eligible to apply for a permanent work permit in Canada. Then, you can apply for a permanent Canada work visa through the online Express Entry system.

Under the permanent Canadian work permit category, there are three skilled worker immigration programs. These programs are listed below:-
1. Federal Skilled Worker,
2. Federal Skilled Trades, and,
3. Canadian Experience Class

The requirements needed for each of these programs are varied. But there are essential requirements for how to apply for a Canadian work visa through Express Entry. The applications typically need to have the following:-
o Passport or travel document
o Education credential assessment report
o Language test results
o Written letter confirming job offer from a Canadian employer
o Provincial nomination (if the employee has one)
o Police certificate
o Medical exam
o Proof of funds for your stay

The Federal Skilled Worker Program follows a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to test applicants’ English or French language skills, education, experience, age, adaptability, and arranged employment. The applicants require a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to qualify for the Canada work visa.

CANADA WORK PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

First, you have to apply for a temporary work visa in Canada to be eligible for a permanent work permit. The basic steps to file a temporary Canada work visa application are as follows:

1. Applying for labor market opinion:
Before you can apply for a work permit, make sure that your employer has qualified for the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), previously known as an LMO. This step must be completed by your employer beforehand.

2. Obtaining a temporary job offer:
You have to obtain a photocopy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed job offer letter from your employer. This letter is a formal employment contract stating important information about your job, including job title, description, salary, etc.

3. Applying for a work permit:
Only after completing these steps can you apply for a Canadian temporary work permit with the required documents. In addition, you may have to meet with an officer who will determine if your employment negatively affects jobs for Canadians. Finally, only after qualification will you get a Canadian work visa.

4. Obtaining a work permit:
After working in Canada with a temporary work permit, you can apply for a permanent work permit where you will be judged based on your job classification and language proficiency.