Working in Canada requires getting some documents the most important being a work permit. A work permit is a document that proves a foreign national is allowed to work in Canada legally without any disturbance from the authorities.
Canada has continued to attract visitors from all parts of the world with the country known for its great culture, suitable working environment, and provisions for everyone in the country. Working in Canada varies on the type of job an immigrant wants to indulge in.
As an immigrant, you can apply for a temporary work permit to work in Canada. This permit will allow you to work in Canada. In this article, I will be walking you through how to get a temporary work permit in Canada, the requirements needed to get the permit as well as the processing time.
How To Get a Temporary Work Permit in Canada
All foreigners willing to earn a living in Canada will have to get themselves a temporary work permit. As earlier stated, a work permit is a document that proves a foreigner is allowed to work in Canada legally.
There are several programs put in place by the Canadian government to ensure foreigners are adopted into the workforce. Topping the list of these programs is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers the ability to temporarily hire foreign nationals to fill shortages in Canada’s labor force. The TFWP is jointly operated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
So how do you get a temporary work permit in Canada?
- Apply For Labor Market Impact Assessment
The first step towards getting a temporary work permit in Canada is to apply for the labor market impact assessment. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to get before hiring a foreign worker.
LMIA is to ensure the arrival of a foreign worker will not hurt workers in Canada. As an immigrant, you have to apply for this assessment before you can be issued a work permit.
Follow the steps below to apply for an LMIA.
- Check your eligibility status
Ensure you are qualified for the role you are about to apply for. You will be asked to produce some certificates and this include your education certificates.
- Submit an LMIA Application
Once you have all of the required documents, you can submit your LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). You can do this online. You will be asked to pay a certain fee for LMIA applications.
- Await Your Approval
After submission, you will have to wait for approval. This might take some days. It could also take months.
- Receive Your LMIA Approval Letter
If your LMIA application is approved, you will receive a document called a positive LMIA confirmation. This document will include the conditions of the LMIA, such as the wage rate, working conditions, and duration of the job offer.
2. Apply For Temporary Job Offer
Having secured your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the next step is to apply for a temporary job offer. Check the job description to ensure you are qualified.
You might be asked to attend an interview. Once you are deemed qualified, the employer will send a copy of the positive LMIA along with a detailed ‘job offer letter’ to you.
3. Apply For Your Temporary Work Permit
Once you have your LMIA and Job Offer Letter, the next step is applying for a work permit. If the employer that is hiring you is in the province of Quebec, then you may also need to obtain a Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) to work temporarily in Quebec.
To kick-start your application process, visit the official Canadian government website. You will be asked to provide some documents, your passport and biometrics.
You will also be required to attend an interview with a visa officer. You must show up at the scheduled time for your interview and answer the questions honestly.
In some cases, applicants from certain countries are required to undergo medical examinations.
You will receive your application status in a matter of days.
Requirements needed to get a temporary work permit in Canada
- A valid travel document or passport
- Two photos of yourself and photos of accompanying family members
- Evidence that you meet the requirements for your prospective job
- Certificat D’Acceptation du Quebec, if required. (The Quebec LMIA Application Process and Extensions to Quebec Work Permits.)
- Proof of relationships with all spouses, children, or common-law partners
- Completed Application For Work Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295) form, if applying from outside of Canada
- Completed Application for Temporary Resident Visa form.
- Completed Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) form Completed Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form
- Your resume or CV.
- Your education diplomas and certificates.
- Valid job offer from your employer.
- The LMIA document.
Processing Time For Temporary Work Permit In Canada
Depending on your country, when you submit your Canadian work visa application, it takes 3 to 27 weeks before you get a response on your application status.
The Temporary Work Permit will be sent to you via any means that’s most suitable.
Conclusion
A foreign skilled worker needs a work permit before they can be allowed to work in Canada. Getting a work permit in Canada does not require so much effort as long as you meet all the requirements.
Once you meet all the requirements laid out by the authorities, you will be granted your work permit. It takes less than 3 to 27 weeks before a temporary work permit is being processed. If your permit is granted, you can start making travel and accommodation arrangements.
When you get to the Port of Entry (PoE) in Canada you must show them all your documents and your approved work permit.
