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How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa

Applying for Canadian visa process depends on the visa option one applies for as each visa type requires different eligibility, validity, and conditions.

Below are the steps for a Canadian work permit:

1. Visa Selection

The first step is to select the suitable option between the open work visa and the employer-specific work visa.

Open Work Permit

It allows the candidate to work for a preferred employer without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Below are the open work visa programs:

  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: Beneficial for international students who have studied from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, it offers a validity in sync with the length of the graduation program up to a maximum of three years.
  • Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP): Suitable for the spouses of qualifying economic immigration or work permit applicants under current IRCC threshold rules.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

This permit allows the candidate to work in Canada as per the pre-defined conditions and rules mentioned on the permit. Employer-specific work visa Programs are:

  • Global Talent Stream: Sought-after for its fast processing, this program helps hire highly skilled global talent in Canada and strengthens its workforce.
  • Agricultural Stream: This program offers pathways for temporary foreign workers working in the primary agriculture stream.

2. Eligibility Check

The eligibility criteria vary as per the selected visa. However, a foreign national is required to fulfill a common criterion despite the selected Canadian visa:

  • Display proof of funds to ensure they can care for themselves and their family (if moving along) during their stay in the country.
  • A Police Clearance Certificate.
  • Medical Clearance Certificate.
  • Have no plan to work for an employer listed with the status ‘ineligible’ on the official non-compliant employers list.
  • Provide the federal authority-assigned officer with the documents that they ask for.

3. Application Submission

The last step is the application submission to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Therefore, candidates should pay close attention to the details of their visa applications, as many variables are involved in the process. To navigate this smoothly, we invite you to connect with our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).