What is a Canadian work permit?
A work permit is an immigration status document. A work permit holder can work and live in Canada temporarily.
There are two types of work permits: closed work permits and open work permits.
A closed work permit means either occupation, employer, or both are specified. Whereas an open work permit usually has no such restrictions.
In other words, an open work permit allows you to work in any occupation and for any employer.
What is work?
This question is important because work determines whether you need a work permit.
Work is an activity that earns you wages or commission or competes directly with the activity of other Canadians or permanent residents.
Further, work includes employment, self-employment, contractors, and internship.
Do I need a Canadian work permit?
If you pursue “work” in Canada, you may need a work permit. However, it is not always the case.
Some people can work in Canada without a work permit. For example:
Study permit holders working while completing studies,
Media crew and news reporters,
Crew members,
Business visitors, and
Performing artist.
Further, if you do not need to live in Canada to pursue work, you do not need a work permit either.
How to get a Canadian work permit?
Overall, there are two work permit programs. One program is the Temporary Foreign Worker program. The other is the International Mobility Program.
The most important difference between the two is whether it requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Generally speaking, only the Temporary Foreign Worker program requires an LMIA.
In other words, the International Mobility Program process is easier because it does not require an LMIA.
In fact, the International Mobility Program is more commonly used.
How to get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)?
An LMIA is a critical document for the Temporary Foreign Worker program.
However, only the employer can get this document. To learn more about how to obtain an LMIA, check Here
International Mobility Program
To emphasize, the International Mobility Program does not require an LMIA.
There are numerous ways to get a work permit via the International Mobility Program.
Some of the common pathways include:
First, International Experience Canada (IEC). IEC is also commonly known as the working holiday visa. This program covers young professionals and post-secondary students who are citizens of certain countries. For example, the UK, Australia, Taiwan, Mexico, etc.
Second, Free Trade Agreements (FTA) work permits. This program covers business people who are citizens of a country participating in an FTA. For example, the Canada United-States Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
To learn more about FTA work permits, please visit our Service page.
Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)
A PGWP is available for international students who have graduated from an eligible Canadian university or college.
A PGWP is an open work permit and valid for up to 3 years.
In fact, this is one of the most common pathways to a work permit.
Am I eligible?
The eligibility criteria vary depending on the program. However, we can help you to determine the best program for you and your eligibility.
Where you may apply for a work permit?
You may apply for a work permit either in or outside Canada. However, if you want to apply in Canada, you must first have a valid work permit, study permit, or be authorized to work without a permit.
In other words, if you are a visitor or don’t have status, you can't apply for a work permit in Canada.
Further, you may also apply for a work permit at the border (Port of Entry). However, this is only an option for a limited number of people.
Canadian work permit and dual intent
Dual intent refers to the desire of becoming a permanent resident when you apply for a work permit.
Having dual intent does not lead to a negative decision unless your intent to work in Canada is not genuine. In other words, if you present such as issue, your application will be refused.
When you present dual intent, you shall address it carefully. If you retain us, we will also help you to address this issue.
Canadian work permit and LGBTQ immigration
Many LGBTQ people wish to move to Canada either for work or study. They eventually want to settle here permanently.
In fact, both work experience and education in Canada will be helpful for their permanent residency applications.
Further, some of you may already be eligible for permanent residency even without Canadian work experience or education.
Book a consultation today, we can also help you with your questions.
What we do
We help LGBTQ people to get a Canadian work permit and to resettle in Canada.
We personalize our services for you, which may include any of the following:
Help you to determine your eligibility,
If you are not currently eligible, we help you to meet the eligibility,
Identify potential inadmissibility issues and properly address them before you apply,
Assist you in collecting or preserving the supporting documents,
Provide other advice and instructions as needed that could be critical to a successful application, and
Complete, prepare, organize, and submit your application on your behalf.
Book an initial assessment today or contact us directly.
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