Canada is filling labour shortages in certain industries by authorizing foreign workers to work in the country on a temporary basis. A work permit is a document that authorizes a foreign national to work for a specific period of time in a certain location in Canada and for a particular employer. Depending on a person’s status and nationality, there are three places to apply for a work permit:
- Overseas Processing Missions
- Port of Entry
- Inland Processing Office
To be eligible to apply for a work permit, a worker needs:
1. Experience in the occupation presently in demand and ability to perform the job in Canada
2. Contact an employer in Canada who will provide a Job Offer and obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)- a document allowing an employer to hire this particular foreign worker, issued by a Government organization, Service Canada
3. Be in good health and have no criminal background
4. Satisfy a visa officer that he/she will leave Canada upon expiry of a work permit
Depending on the nature of the job and other considerations, a foreign national may be allowed into the country under the following terms:
- Both LMIA and work permit are required (applies to most workers)
- Neither LMIA nor work permit is required (e.g. Business visitor)
- Work permit is required but LMIA exempt (e.g. Intra-company transferees, professionals, traders and investors under international agreements)
- Open work permit (e.g. Spouses of workers and students)
Whether you would like to become a Temporary Foreign Worker in Canada or you are already employed by a Canadian employer, contact us for assistance with:
- Application for a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Our counsels will closely work with your prospective employer in Canada in the process of obtaining the LMIA.
- Obtaining initial work permit
- Extension of your stay as a worker
- Change of terms and conditions on your work permit
- Restoration of status upon expiry of your work permit
- Application for a Bridging Work Permit
- Application for permanent residence under one of the following categories: Federal Skilled Worker and Trades, Provincial Nominee, Canadian Experience Class
