Canada has some great opportunities for those looking to start working there. Whether you’re looking for long-term career opportunities, a stepping stone to permanent residence, or a change of scenery, you’ll need a word visa to work in Canada legally.
Anyone who wants to work in Canada without being a permanent resident will need a work visa or work permit. These are vital as foreign nationals and will let you work in the country for a specified amount of time. This allows you to work there temporarily or legally while you pursue permanent residency.
Visas can be complicated, but they don’t have to be. If you’re a foreign worker looking to secure a Canadian work permit, knowing the process will help you feel more prepared.
Canada Work Permit Types
There isn’t just one visa that lets you work in Canada. Knowing the different types of visas and work permits you can apply for will allow you to make sure you’re choosing the right one for your specific job and long-term employment goals.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work with a specific employer in Canada. This is ideal for those who have a job offer letter from a company, and that company is essentially saying you can work in Canada as long as you work for them. Here’s what you need to know about this work permit:
- Eligibility: You’ll need to have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer has to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt from needing one.
- Application Process: You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Make sure you create an account with them and then fill out all the required forms.
- Required Documents: Documents you’ll need are your job offer letter, passport, proof of qualifications for the position, LMIA if applicable, and a medical exam certificate that you’re in good health.
- Processing Times and Costs: The processing times for this work permit can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on your nationality and how complex your application is. Fees for this work permit will vary.
Open Work Permit
Unlike the employer-specific work permit, the open work permit allows you more flexibility. You can work for almost any employer in Canada with this work visa. Here’s how this work permit works:
- Eligibility: These are available in certain situations, like for those entering Canada to study and need a job, spouses of skilled workers, international students who’ve graduated from a Canadian institution, or through certain immigration programs.
- Application Process: You’ll apply for this work permit through the IRCC website.
- Required Documents: The documentation might vary, but you’ll need to provide proof of your status, a medical exam certificate, and your passport.
- Processing Times and Costs: Processing times range from a few weeks to a few months. Expect to pay CAD 155 and an additional CAD 100 for the open work permit holder fee.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
After students graduate and no longer need their study permit, they can apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). The PGWP is for international students who’ve graduated from Canadian universities. It’s ideal for post-graduates who want to stay in Canada and pursue work experience:
- Eligibility: You must have completed a full-time study program that was at least eight months long and at an eligible Canadian institution.
- Application Process: Like any other work permit in Canada, you’ll apply through the IRCC website. Make sure that you apply within 180 days of receiving your final grades.
- Required Documents: You’ll need your passport, transcripts, graduation certificate, and potentially a medical exam certificate.
- Processing Times and Costs: A PGWP takes roughly three months to process. You’ll need to pay the open work permit holder fee of CAD 100 and the PGWP application fee of CAD 255.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
Those who have been working in Canada and are on their way to becoming permanent residents or Canadian citizens can apply for the bridging open work permit (BOWP). This work permit helps bridge the gap between your current work permit and the time when a decision is made on your permanent residence application. This is what you need to know about this type of work permit:
- Eligibility: You have to have already a valid work permit that expires within four months of submitting your BOWP application. You must also apply for permanent residence under a specific economic class.
- Application Process: You’ll apply online through the IRCC website.
- Required Documents: You’ll need to provide proof of your permanent residence application, passport, current work permit, and possibly a medical exam certificate.
- Processing Times and Costs: These are usually a quicker process than other work permits. They often only take one to two months. You’ll pay for the open work permit holder fee of CAD 100 and then the BOWP fee of CAD 255.
Foreign Workers’ Rights and Responsibilities in Canada
As a foreign worker looking to begin working in Canada, you should know that you have rights and responsibilities. You don’t have to be a Canadian citizen to be entitled to workers’ rights. The rights and responsibilities of workers in Canada are:
- Health and Safety: Canadian law ensures that employers provide safe working conditions. You can refuse to work and report your employer if you feel the environment is unsafe without fear of punishment.
- Minimum Wage: Every Canadian province has its minimum wage. You’re entitled to receive at least that amount regardless of where you’re working. You’re protected by labor laws that require minimum wage, overtime pay, vacation hours, and working hours.
- Adhering to Permit Terms: You must adhere to the terms of your work permit. Following the conditions of your work permit means not working once it’s expired and only working for the employer on your work permit.
- Changing Employers: Those with an open work permit can change employers without getting a new one. If you have an employer-specific permit, you must apply for a new one before switching jobs.
- Taxes: As a foreign national, you’ll still have to pay taxes like a Canadian citizen.
Extending or Changing Your Canadian Work Visa
Things happen that might require you to change or extend your Canadian work visa. If you need to extend your work permit, you’ll need to:
- Apply for an extension at least 30 days before your work permit expires, but you have 90 days before expiry to apply.
- Complete your application on the IRCC website with updated information and any additional supporting documents.
- If you apply before your current work permit expires, most foreign nationals can keep working under the same conditions until they make a decision on your work permit extension.
Sometimes, you’ll enter Canada with an employer-specific work permit and need to switch to an open work permit holder visa, or vice versa. Some information about these situations you might need include:
- You might need an updated work permit if you’re staying with the same Canadian employer but are switching locations.
- If you’re working for a specific employer but are pursuing different career opportunities, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit.
A lot of foreign workers ultimately want to transition to permanent residents in Canada. If you end up being eligible for permanent residency, some pathways to think about are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: This is an Express Entry program for skilled workers.
- Canadian Experience Class: Those who have gained one year of experience as skilled workers in Canada might be eligible for this Express Entry program.
- Provincial Nominee Program: Some provinces have specific avenues for foreign workers who are already working in Canada to get permanent residence.
Working in Canada can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The first step to that is to secure the right work permit that is best for your situation. Once you do that, apply, and receive your permit, you’ll be on your way to gaining valuable work experience in Canada.