Are you looking for a job in Canada? Do you want to know which employers are hiring foreign workers and how to apply for a work permit? If yes, then this article is for you. In this article, you will learn:
1.What is a work permit and what are the types of work permits in Canada
2.How to find a job in Canada with a work permit
3.How to apply for a work permit in Canada
4.What are the fees and processing times for work permit applications
5.What are the rights and responsibilities of work permit holders in Canada
What is a work permit and what are the types of work permits in Canada
A work permit is a document that allows a foreign national to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, occupation, location, and period of time. Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada, unless they are exempt from the requirement. There are two types of work permits in Canada: employer-specific work permit and open work permit.
Employer-specific work permit
An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as the name of the employer, the location of work, the duration of work, and the occupation. Before you apply for an employer-specific work permit, you need to have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has either obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or is exempt from the LMIA requirement. A LMIA is a document that shows that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do it. Some employers and occupations are exempt from the LMIA requirement, such as those under international agreements, Canadian interests, or reciprocal benefits. You can find out if your employer or occupation is exempt from the LMIA requirement by using the online tool.
Open work permit
An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who are ineligible due to failing to comply with the conditions or offering services such as striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages. You can only get an open work permit in specific situations, such as:
You are a spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker, an international student, or a permanent resident applicant
You are a graduate of a Canadian post-secondary institution who is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
You are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member
You are a temporary resident who is already in Canada and has applied for permanent residence under certain programs
You are a participant in certain international exchange programs, such as the International Experience Canada
You are a Ukrainian national who is eligible for the Ukraine-Canada Youth Mobility Agreement
You can find out if you are eligible for an open work permit by using the online tool.
How to find a job in Canada with a work permit
If you are looking for a job in Canada with a work permit, you can use various sources and methods to find suitable opportunities, such as:
Job Bank: This is the official website of the Government of Canada that provides free access to thousands of job postings from Canadian employers across the country. You can search for jobs by keyword, location, occupation, industry, salary, and more. You can also create a resume, set up job alerts, and explore career options on Job Bank. You can find a special section for temporary foreign workers on Job Bank, where you can find jobs from employers who have obtained or applied for a LMIA or are exempt from the LMIA requirement. You can access the temporary foreign workers section on Job Bank by using this link.
Canada’s Top 100 Employers: This is an annual editorial competition that recognizes the best places to work in Canada based on various criteria, such as physical workplace, work atmosphere, health, financial, and family benefits, training and skills development, community involvement, and more. You can find the list of the winners and their profiles on the official website of Canada’s Top 100 Employers by using this link.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Employers List: This is a list of employers who have requested a LMIA and were issued a positive LMIA between 2014 and 2019, by business location and occupation. You can use this list to find potential employers who have demonstrated a need for foreign workers in the past and may be willing to hire you in the future. You can access the TFWP positive LMIA employers list by using this link.
Directories of Canadian companies: This is a collection of various databases and registries that provide information on Canadian businesses, such as their name, address, contact details, industry, size, revenue, and more. You can use these directories to research potential employers, find their websites, and contact them directly. You can access the directories of Canadian companies by using this link.
Networking and referrals: This is a method of finding jobs by connecting with people who can help you with your job search, such as your friends, family, colleagues, former employers, classmates, teachers, mentors, or professional associations. You can use networking and referrals to learn about job openings, get recommendations, and increase your chances of getting hired. You can network and get referrals by attending events, joining online platforms, reaching out to your contacts, and asking for introductions.
How to apply for a work permit in Canada
If you have found a job in Canada with a work permit, you need to apply for a work permit online or on paper, depending on your situation. The general steps to apply for a work permit in Canada are:
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need to apply, such as a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, a valid credit or debit card to pay the fees, and a valid passport or travel document.
Step 2: Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to fill out each field on the form and what documents you need to submit with your application.
Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool. You need to answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist for your application.
Step 4: Know the fees you have to pay. In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application. If you are applying for an open work permit, you also need to pay the open work permit holder fee.
Step 5: Create your online account or sign in. You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to pay your fees, submit your application, and check your status.
Step 6: Submit your application. You need to upload your completed forms and supporting documents, pay your fees, and submit your application online. You will receive a confirmation message and a receipt number after you submit your application.
You can find more details on how to apply for a work permit in Canada by using this link.
What are the fees and processing times for work permit applications
The fees and processing times for work permit applications vary depending on the type of work permit, the country of application, and the method of application. The following table shows the fees and processing times for work permit applications as of November 2023.
You can find the exact fees and processing times for your work permit application by using this link.
What are the rights and responsibilities of work permit holders in Canada
As a work permit holder in Canada, you have certain rights and responsibilities that you need to be aware of and respect. Some of the rights and responsibilities of work permit holders in Canada are:
You have the right to work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as the employer, occupation, location, and duration of work. You also have the right to change employers or jobs if you meet the requirements and obtain a new work permit.
You have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully by your employer and co-workers. You also have the right to receive the same wages and benefits as Canadian workers doing the same job. You also have the right to join a union and participate in collective bargaining.
You have the right to access health care and social services in Canada, depending on your province or territory of residence and the type of work permit you have. You also have the right to apply for permanent residence in Canada if you are eligible and meet the criteria.
You have the responsibility to comply with the conditions on your work permit and the laws and regulations of Canada. You also have the responsibility to pay taxes and file tax returns in Canada, depending on your income and residency status.
You have the responsibility to maintain your status as a temporary resident in Canada and extend or renew your work permit before it expires. You also have the responsibility to leave Canada when your work permit expires or becomes invalid, unless you have applied for a new work permit or another immigration program.
You can find more information on the rights and responsibilities of work permit holders in Canada by using this link.
Conclusion
In this article we have discussed the requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining a work permit in Canada, as well as the types of work permits available for different situations.
We hope that this piece has been helpful and informative for you, and that you will be able to pursue your career goals in Canada with a work permit. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact us at our email address. Thank you for reading.
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