You need a Canadian work permit and a visa if you plan to work in Canada. A work permit allows you to get a job in Canada if you are from another country. Foreign nationals usually need a work permit and a job offer before they can work in Canada, although in some cases foreign nationals can work without a work permit. A work permit is not the same as a visa, and you will also need a visitor’s visa to enter Canada.
What is a work permit?
Work permits allow qualified business owners, students, caregivers and temporary workers to seek legal residence in Canada for employment purposes. Most people need this document before moving to the country to start working. In some limited circumstances, a person can work in Canada without a work permit. For example, a study permit holder can work in Canada for up to 20 hours per week.
Types of work permits in Canada
You must apply for the right type of work permit depending on your reason for coming to Canada, which may include:
Temporary foreign workers
Business people, including professionals, investors, traders and individuals transferring from another branch of the same international company.
Caregivers, including those applying under the national Live-in Caregiver program.
Agricultural workers
Apprentices
International Experience Canada
Qualification requirements
Specific requirements apply depending on where you are when you apply for a work permit. However, whether you are applying from within Canada, from outside Canada, or at a port of entry, all work permit applicants must meet the following general qualification requirements:
All applicants will have to prove that they will leave the country when their work permit expires.
All applicants must comply with Canadian law and have no past criminal activity. You may need to submit a certificate of no criminal record as part of this proof.
All applicants must be in good health. You may need to have a medical examination to provide proof.
Applicants must provide the immigration officer with any additional documents needed to prove that they can enter Canada.
There are also general requirements defining what work permit applicants cannot do. Candidates cannot pose a security risk to Canada. Candidates cannot obtain a work permit from an employer listed with an inadmissible status, or work for an employer who regularly offers erotic dancing or massages, escort services, or exotic dancing.
Qualification requirements for applying from within and outside Canada and port of entry
The requirements vary depending on where you are applying for a work permit. The Canadian government allows anyone to apply for a work permit before entering Canada. You must check the requirements of the visa office pertaining to the country or territory from which you are applying.
Renewing Your Canadian Work Permit – Update
Immigration Canada recently added a new feature to make it easier for people renewing their Canadian work permit to confirm their declared status. If you apply to renew your status through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada portal, you will automatically receive a confirmation of receipt letter from Immigration Canada. This letter will confirm that you are allowed to continue working, with a specific date until which you can work. You can attach the letter to your expired work permit as proof of your legal status in Canada and to show that you are authorized to work.
Obtaining a letter allows you to prove your ability to continue working under the same conditions as your original work permit. However, you must apply before your current work permit expires to take advantage of this benefit. Also, this benefit is only available as long as you are physically in Canada during the period of status.