Canada is home to countless opportunities for employment and growth. It’s no wonder that each year, more than 300,000 temporary working visas in the country are issued among foreign workers striving for a better quality of life.
How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa
There are number of ways to secure a temporary work visa in Canada. If you’re looking to secure a job in the country, you will generally be required to have an employment offer from a Canadian employer. This is necessary before you may be granted a permit by the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
You may also be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you have completed a one year long diploma study program in the country. For further information, Career Internship Abroad (CIA) discusses in this article some important tips on how you can secure a temporary working visa in Canada.
Canadian Temporary Work Permit
The process of applying for a work permit generally comes in two stages: First, the Canadian employer must earn a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) which permits them to hire a foreigner from outside the country. Once the permission is granted, you may now apply for and receive your work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP)
Another way to land a job in Canada is through the PGWPP. Under this program, students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution may apply for a job in the country. The valuable work experience gained through the program can help participants qualify for permanent residency in Canada.
Work Visa Validity
The idea of a temporary visa often sounds more appealing compared to applying for permanent residency as there are less paperwork required and shorter processing times to wait. Once a work permit has been issued, a temporary visa holder will be allowed to live and work in Canada for a specific period of time, usually up to 4 years.
On the other hand, the duration of a work visa under the PGWP is equal in length to the study program completed, which ranges from 8 months to a maximum of 3 years. This means that any program that is longer than 3 years will still result in a 3-year work permit. The spouse and children of the visa holder may also be eligible to work and study during the stay. You may even be qualified to apply for permanent residency.
Other Requirements to Obtain a Canadian Work Visa
Before you are issued with a work visa, you will first have to prove to the immigration officer that you meet the requirements and that you only wish to temporarily stay and work in Canada. Once you have received your work permit, you must:
- Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your contract and have reasons to return.
- Have evidence that you meet the educational or work experience requirements of the job.
- Show that you have sufficient money to provide for yourself and your family, and to return home.
- Prove that you are law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity
- Be in good health
- Not pose a threat to the security of Canada
- Have your documents translated in English if they are in a language other than English or French
- Provide additional documents requested by the officer
Let Us Help You Get a Canada Work Visa
CIA has over 10 years of experience in creating global opportunities for students, fresh graduates and young professionals. Contact us and let us provide you the most appropriate advice and support on your next move.
Which work visa pathway sounds more feasible to you? Let us know in the comments!
