To work in Canada, a foreign national must obtain a work permit. Considering that is an extremely popular destination for skilled workers around the world. Canada issues around half of million work permits every year.
Types of work permits in Canada:
Work Permit (LMIA-based) - the fact that Canadian employer must first obtain permission to hire you as a foreign worker (LMIA) makes the entire process of obtaining a work visa complicated. An LMIA is a document from Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Under this work permit, a foreign candidate is only allowed to work for an employer who has obtained an LMIA.
Once the LMIA has been received and the job offer signed, you can begin the visa application process for a work visa.
Open Work Permit - for this type of permit having of an LMIA and a job offer is not required. Who can get an Open Work Permit?:
- You or your spouse have applied for permanent residence under Express Entry (Bridging Open Work Permit).
- You are the spouse of an international student who is a full-time Canadian student.
- You are the spouse of a foreign skilled worker (NOC 0 ,A, B).
- You have graduated from an eligible educational institution in Canada and you are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
- You are a spouse who has applied for permanent residence in Canada as part of the in-land spousal sponsorship process.
- You are a member of the International Experience Canada program.
Developing a strategy for getting a Canadian work permit is always a customized process that depends on many factors, such as experience of the candidate, level of language proficiency, qualifications, etc. Our immigration specialists are always ready to guide you through this complicated process and happy to help you to obtain a work permit in Canada.
Do you have questions about working in Canada or hiring a foreign worker? Contact us today to find out how we can help!
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