If you wish to find employment and looking for a job in Canada, it’s a good idea to begin your search in conjunction with the visa application process. Canada is not unlike many countries in the world in that they seek to protect their citizen workforce as much as possible. For this reason, while it is not impossible to find work in Canada before receiving a visa, it is quite difficult.
It should also be noted that, should you decide to seek work in Canada, you need to do it through the appropriate channels, so that you avoid problems with Immigration Canada. It’s also a very good idea to begin the process of applying for your work permit before you enter Canada, thus saving yourself the time & trouble of being unable to work once you arrive in the country. All of the forms that you need to apply for a work permit in Canada can be found on the Canadian Citizenship & Immigration Website. Click the link to get the ball rolling.
If you are between the ages of 18 & 35, you could be eligible for a working holiday visa.
If you do succeed in finding work in Canada, your position must be approved by the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Your new employer must obtain a positive labour market opinion (LMO), which states that the position requires a specific skill set that cannot be filled by a work who is already a Canadian citizen.
Work Permits
Once you have acquired employment in Canada, it’s time to apply for a work permit. There are several situations in which you might not need a work permit. Most of these are temporary situations, but some are longer term. While no other documents, besides a letter from your employer may be needed, there is a lot of information that you will need to provide on your application form.
Business travelers entering Canada for working trips do not have to apply for a work permit. Other visitors who may not require a work permit include foreign government officials and their families, convention organizers, flight crew members and public speakers. Jobs which are typically difficult to fill may also receive special consideration when applying for a work permit.
Intra-company transferees, who have been employed by the same company for more than three years in Mexico or the United States, can also apply for work permits. The transfer must be temporary and for the same company or one of its affiliates. The job to be filled should be a managerial or an executive position, or is one which requires specialty knowledge not easily be found in the Canadian workforce.
A trader or investor planning a significant trade agreement between their country of residence and Canada, or planning a substantial investment in Canada may also receive special consideration for work permits. The applicant must be of executive or supervisory status in the company or have essential skills in the field.
The length of time it takes to receive your work permit after application varies, depending on where you are applying. There are a few things you can do to speed up the process.
- Include all the necessary information with your application
- Notify the visa office of any changes to the information on your application
- Avoid unnecessary inquiries to the visa office
- Provide photocopies and documents that are clear and legible
- Provide certified English or French translations of documents, where required, and
- Apply from a country where you are a citizen or permanent resident
The process will take longer if:
- There are criminal or security problems with your application
- Your family situation is not clear because of an event, such as a divorce or an adoption that is not yet complete or child custody issues that have not been resolved
- The local visa office has to consult with other Citizenship and Immigration Canada offices in Canada or abroad
- You require a medical examination.
More information on work permit applications can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-how.asp
Work Permit Extension
Anyone wishing to extend their eligibility to work in Canada must fill out an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Worker. It is important to apply for an extension at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current permit.
You must apply for an extension if:
- You wish to stay longer in Canada
- You wish to change the conditions of your stay in Canada (eg: You switch jobs)
- You wish to alter your type of temporary status
- There is a problem with your current status that needs to be corrected.
Once you fill out your application, mail it to:
Citizenship and Immigration: Work Permit
Visitor Case Processing Centre
6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 202
Vegreville, AB
T9C IX6
