There are many internet resources that have contributed to misinformation about how long does it take to get a work visa for Canada? Between 2012 and 2013, there has been a 27 percent increase in temporary foreign workers in Canada. It was reported on November 18th, 2013 that the Federal Government of Canada amended an Order that required employers to hire Canadians before applying for Temporary Foreign Workers. Although these two findings might not seem to be related they are. This is because a process that offers open and transparent communication may be able to minimize its flaws.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Work Visa For Canada
Canada is the best country in the entire world. The culture, the people, the landscape — it’s all amazing. However, there is one major problem with Canada: People think it’s like America but with better healthcare. It’s not; it’s much different. Even if you’re an educated American moving to Canada from New York or Los Angeles, there are definitely some things you should know. This article will give you a rundown of everything you need to know about getting a Canadian work visa and working in Canada. If you eye more on buying property and visiting our snowy Ottawa/Edmonton city for your holidays, then check out our homepage here.
When the topic of immigrating to Canada is discussed, it usually involves permanent residency and/or citizenship. However, this does not mean that there aren’t other ways for someone to come over to Canada for work or for a specific period of time. In fact, there are several categories in which Canada allows foreign nationals to work here on different types of work visas.
If you’re outside Canada
Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be measures in place to help you.
- Measures for Ukrainian nationals and their family members
- Measures for other applicants affected by the situation in Europe
- COVID-19 measures
How we process your application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including biometrics.
If it’s incomplete, we’ll return your application without processing it.
An officer will also check
- the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
- that you qualify for a work permit
We may also ask you to
- go to an interview with our officials in your country, or
- send more information or documents
Our online application system uses coordinated universal time (UTC). If we ask you to upload documents in your account, you must submit them before midnight UTC on the date the officer gives you. Make sure you know the difference between your local time and UTC.
You might need a medical exam to enter Canada. If you do, an officer will tell you and will send you instructions on what to do. A medical exam can add over 3 months to the time it takes us to process your application.
Processing time
If your work permit application is approved
You’ll get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction.
You should bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. This letter is not your work permit.
You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.
The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long you can work
If you’re in Canada
How we process your application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have provided all the necessary documents, including biometrics if required.
Temporary changes to biometrics
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
If you can’t book an appointment by the deadline on your biometric instruction letter, there may be measures in place to help you.
- Measures for Ukrainian nationals and their family members
- Measures for other applicants affected by the situation in Europe
- COVID-19 measures
If it’s incomplete, we’ll return your application without processing it.
An officer will also check
- the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
- that you qualify for a work permit
Depending on the type of work you’ll be doing, you might need a medical exam. If you do, an officer will tell you and will send you instructions on what to do. A medical exam can add over 3 months to the time it takes us to process your application.
We may also ask you to send more information.
If you’re a visitor who is applying for a work permit in Canada and held a valid work permit in the last 12 months
You can ask to be allowed to work while we process your application.
Who’s eligible
You must
- be physically present in Canada when you apply
- be a visitor with valid status when you apply for the work permit
- if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit
- applied for an employer-specific work permit between August 24, 2020, and February 28, 2023
- have held a work permit that was valid in the 12 months before you applied for a new work permit
How to get authorization to work while you wait
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Contact us
After you apply, fill out the IRCC Web form.
When you fill out the Your enquiry section, you must copy the text below.Message to request interim authorization to work
Make sure you fill out the sections in square brackets, including the
- dates
- work permit number (begins with a “U”)
- name of your employer
- title of your job
If you applied on paper and don’t know your application number, include your courier tracking number. This will ensure we can find your application.
If you have other questions, you need to fill out a new IRCC Web form.
Step 2: Wait for us to contact you
You must wait for us to email you to let you know that you can start working. This may take up to 30 business days (6 weeks).