You are a talented person who wants to move to Canada, but the thought of working without the necessary authorization is putting you off. Don’t worry. Here we explain in detail about “How Long Is Work Permit In Canada” and how you can apply for one. One aspect of moving to a new country that is overlooked by many individuals is the process for obtaining a work permit. Canada has some strict rules that must be adhered to when applying for a work permit and understanding how long is work permit in Canada will save you from a headache later on.
How Long Is Work Permit In Canada
Work Permits are one of the ways by which non-Canadian nationals can work in Canada. There are two types of Work Permits available – the Temporary Work Permit and the Permanent Work Permit. But before we get into the details of both, let’s have a look at some more basic information regarding Work Permits.A work permit is a permission that the Canadian government gives to an individual or family to work in the county. There are certain terms for getting such permission, and one has to meet these terms in order to get approval. One has to possess certain qualifications before applying for a Canadian visa.
Do Canadian work permits have an age limit?
Foreign workers must be at least 18 to obtain a Canadian work permit. There is no maximum age for work permit applicants unless applying under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.
Can I apply for Canadian health insurance while on a work permit?
Health care in Canada is administrated by each province and territory, which operate their own insurance plan. Certain provinces allow work permit holders to apply for provincial health insurance coverage. Most provinces require residents to be physically present for a certain number of days before becoming eligible for health insurance.
What is the difference between a Canadian work permit and visa?
A Canadian work permit authorizes foreign nationals to work in Canada, whereas a visa is a travel document that is used to enter the country.
A visa, or, temporary resident visa (TRV), is a physical sticker placed in your passport that acts as a travel document, allowing foreign nationals to enter Canada or transit through a Canadian airport.
If you leave Canada, you cannot return without a valid visa or eTA, even if you have a valid work permit.
Do I need IELTS to apply for a Canadian work permit?
Canada does not require individuals applying for a work permit to write the IELTS or any other English or French language exam. However, if the job offer specifically requires French and/or English skills, and the applicant is from a non-French or English country, evidence of language abilities such as a language test could be required by the officer.
How long are Canadian work permits valid?
Canadian work permits are typically valid for a period of 1-2 years, with some exceptions. A visa officer will usually not issue a work permit for longer than the validity of an applicant’s passport or past the validity indicated on the applicant’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A work permit will also not be issued for longer than the foreign national has applied to stay in Canada for, or beyond the duration that is required for the job offer. The length of a work permit may also be shorter depending on the program the applicant is applying under.
Do I need my Canadian work permit to enter Canada?
If you travel outside of Canada, you will need your work permit in addition to a valid travel document to re-enter. A work permit allows you to work in Canada, but alone does not permit you to travel to Canada. To come to Canada, you will need either a temporary resident visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), in addition to a valid passport.
Can my employer sponsor me to work in Canada?
Canadian employers don’t “sponsor” candidates to work in Canada but can assist in bringing foreign workers by securing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or submitting an electronic job offer (LMIA exempted categories).
Canada requires that any Canadian employer who wishes to hire a foreign worker must obtain an LMIA or submit an electronic job offer. Once an employer secures an LMIA or the “A” number (electronic job offer), it can be used to apply for a Canadian work permit.
What documents are required to apply for a Canadian work permit?
The documents required for a Canadian work permit will depend on the type of work permit you are applying for. Applicants may need to provide the following documents as part of their work permit application:
- Completed application forms
- Proof of status in Canada (if applicable)
- Family member’s proof of status (if applicable)
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (if applicable)
- Written offer of employment (if applicable)
- CV/ résumé
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) (if applicable)
- Proof that you meet the job requirements
- Valid copy of your passport
- Copy of education credential
- Medical exam results (if requested)
- Evidence of financial means to stay in Canada and return to home country
- Proof of payment for applicable government fees
- Recent passport-sized photos
Biometrics for Canadian work permits
IRCC currently has a temporary measure in place that exempts applicants applying for a work permit from within Canada. Candidates outside of Canada are still required to provide biometrics upon receiving a biometrics instruction letter.
Follow the government of Canada’s instructions for how to give your biometrics on their dedicated page.
Police clearances for Canadian work permits
The visa officer reviewing your application may ask you to provide police clearances certificates. Depending on where you are applying from, this document may be part of your application checklist and must be provided with your initial submission.
Work permit applicants may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from any country that they have lived in for 6 months or more past the age of 18.
Medical exam for Canadian work permit
Foreign nationals that apply to work in Canada may need to complete a medical exam, depending on their intended length of stay, where they have lived, and what occupation they will work in.
If you intend to work in Canada for less than 6 months, you will likely not require a medical exam, with some exceptions. In the case that you intend to work in a job that brings you into close contact with people or are an agricultural worker that has been to certain countries, you will need a medical exam.
If you are planning to work in Canada for longer than 6 months, you will be required to take a medical exam if one of the following conditions applies:
- You have lived in or travelled to one of the countries listed on Canada’s ‘Find out if you need a medical exam’ page for 6-months or longer, or
- You intend to work in an occupation where you will be in close contact with people listed in the above-mentioned hyperlink
Medical exams must be completed with a panel physician designated by IRCC. You can find a panel physician near you on IRCC’s Find a Panel Physician webpage.
Applicants have the option to take an upfront medical exam. This involves contacting the panel physician directly and taking the exam prior to submitting a work permit application. If you do not provide your medical exam results with your application, the IRCC officer will send instructions on how to complete the medical exam and provide a deadline for when it needs to be completed.
Photo requirements for Canadian work permit
Foreign nationals applying for a Canadian work permit must provide a passport-sized photo with their application. The photo must be according to IRCC’s specifications.