Work Visa Types
A Canada work permit and visa are essential for all foreign nationals intending to work and reside in Canada. While it can be obtained after arriving in Canada, securing it beforehand can expedite the process. For detailed information on the various types of Canadian work visas and permits, connect with our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) at contact@immigcanada.com.
Types of Canadian Work Permits
Open Work Permit: This permit option exempts the requirement of an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) for a work visa and is suitable for foreign nationals who want to work for the employer of their choice.
Employer-Specific Work Permit: Requiring LMIA, this permit limits foreign nationals to work only for a specific employer, at a specific location, and for a stipulated duration.
Types of Canadian Work Visas
1. International Mobility Program (IMP): Without requiring LMIA, this work visa helps hire skilled foreign workers at different levels on a temporary or permanent basis in the country. It benefits the candidate to apply for permanent residency through various programs under the Express Entry System Federal Economic Programs or Canadian Experience Class. To apply for IMP, one requires a valid Canadian job offer, and a travel visa.
International Mobility Programs (IMPs) are:
- Post-graduate work permit program
- Reciprocal Youth Change Agreements
- International Free Trade Agreements
- Intra-Company Transfer Program
- Bridging Open-Work Permit
- Circumstances of Social or Cultural Benefit to Canada
2. Working Holiday Visa (IEC): This visa is beneficial for those who want to work part-time while traveling to Canada. Depending on the candidate’s country, the time duration may vary between 12 to 24 months. It is available for candidates from 34 countries that have a youth mobility arrangement with Canada. The application process includes:
- Creating an online Express Entry profile
- Waiting for the draw to take place upon completion
- Submitting your application within 20 days if you have received your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Requiring LMIA, this visa helps Canadian employers hire skilled workers under different streams. TFWP streams determined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) are:
- High Wage Worker Stream
- Low Wage Worker Stream
- Agriculture Worker Stream
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
- Global Talent Stream
- Home Care Provider Stream
- Foreign Academics
Eligibility requirements for these streams are:
- Valid job offer letter.
- Valid passport.
- Medical examination and certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Proof of English and French language proficiency.
- Copy of LMIA.
- Proof of funds.
4. Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP): This program helps gain visas faster compared to other programs.
- It is suitable for candidates who have studied at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- It provides the student with an open work permit.
- It facilitates work either part-time or full-time for a Canadian employer.
- Its validity is from 8 months to three years
