Owners of a Canada workers permit should know their permit’s features and terms. Understanding the terms allows you to find the right permit for your needs. Here’s an overview of the popular workers’ visas, their validity, and other aspects to note when looking to work in Canada:
What Type of Workers Permit Do You Have?
If you’re already working in Canada, reviewing your current permit can prevent issues with immigration offices. Some permits are available to immigrants with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Others require an LMIA (labor market impact assessment) or connections with Canada through education, spousal sponsorships, and so on. You’ll encounter three main categories of work permits: requiring LMIA, LMIA-exempt, and open work.
1. Workers Permit Requiring LMIA
TFWP (temporary foreign worker program), Facilitated LMIA (in Quebec), and Global Talent Stream (GTS) are the three popular worker permits requiring LMIA. The labor market impact assessment evaluates the impact hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market. You need a positive LMIA, which indicates no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
TFWP and GTS are famous pilot programs available for hiring foreign workers. Each program has unique terms and validity periods. GTS is a two-year pilot program open to highly skilled global talents. Other programs accommodate high and low-wage workers, seasonal agricultural workers, and more. An immigration consultation firm can review existing worker’s permits and identify one that best fits your needs and stay.
2. LMIA-Exempt Workers Permits
Some work permits don’t require a labor market impact assessment but ask for employment contracts or job offers from Canada. Popular LMIA-exempt workers permits include IMP (international mobility program), NAFTA and CETA work permits, and intra-company transfers. IMP permits are the most popular and allow Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers, while NAFTA targets immigrants from North America (USA & Mexico).
The CETA program is for workers from the European Union, while intra-company transfers involve multi-national companies with branches in foreign lands. An employee can be transferred from another country to Canada within the same company. Every LMIA-exempt worker’s permit targets specific demographics and has unique requirements. Most require a job offer or contract from eligible Canadian employers.
3. Open Work Permits
Immigrants can still secure a workers permit to Canada without a job offer or labor market impact assessment. Popular open work permits include PGWP (post-graduation work permit), spousal sponsorships, and IEC (international experience Canada) holiday visas. BOWP (bridging open work permit) and spouse accompanying international worker or student are other options. Openwork permits suit different people and come with varying validity periods.
The SWOP (spouse open work permit) allows spouses and child dependents of a Canadian worker to apply for residence in Canada. You don’t need a job offer or LMIA check, and the permit validity can last permanently if your spouse is a permanent Canadian resident. BWOP permits offer temporary residency, allowing you to continue working in Canada as you decide on the step. Other permits are geared towards young adults and post-grads.
What to Know About Your Canada Work Permits
Canada has several work permits for different immigrants with specific qualifications. Each visa has standard and unique requirements because immigrant needs and eligibility varies. Your first work permit can open doors to extensions and permanent residency in Canada. Below are key takeaways about the Canada workers permit:
• There’s a Permit for Everyone
Canada invites international workers and immigrants to fill vacant positions in the labor market. Qualified graduates, multi-national company employees, experienced workers, and investors looking to start a business in Canada have unique permit options. Before applying for a permit, you should engage a reputable immigration consultation firm to understand your options. The goal is to apply for the best worker permit for your short-term and long-term needs.
• You Can Switch Your Current Permit
Your first worker’s permit is the most important as it gives you residency in Canada. You may seek further stay in Canada after your first permit expires. Reviewing other options during your stay is the best approach to verify that you have the proper permits. You can extend your residency by applying for a different worker’s visa when nearing the end of your current agreement. The application process is much simpler because you’ve been living in Canada.
• Permit Validity and Requirements Vary
Your Canada workers visa allows you to do various things specified in the physical authorization documents. The type of work permit determines what you are eligible for, including the jobs to do, where to work, and for whom. Workers’ permits are temporary, so holders must exit the country by the end of the authorized stay. You can acquire a different permit to extend your stay. Make sure you go through all requirements and terms of residency.
Get Your Canada Workers Permit
Working with reputable immigration consulting firms is the best approach to getting the right Canada workers permit. You need to explore all options and identify the most suitable permit for your goals, especially when eying permanent residency. Choose a leading Canada immigration consulting firm with a proven track record.
