What are the requirements for a Canadian work visa?

Expanding your company in Canada is an exciting time for growth. However, it also comes with some challenges, such as how to get a work visa in Canada.

Types of Work Visas in Canada

Most people need a work permit and employment visa to live and work in Canada. There are two main types of Canadian work permits: open work permits and employer-specific work permits. Open work permits are issued under certain circumstances and allow individuals to work for any employer and are not job-specific. Employer-specific permits allow individuals to work at a specific location only for a specific employer.

Canada issues work permits to a variety of workers, including temporary, permanent, and business persons. Eligibility varies by type of worker and specific work permit requirement. Some US and Mexican citizens can obtain a Canadian work permit without a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Although this simplifies the process, they still have to obtain a work permit.

Requirements for obtaining a Canadian work visa

Most of your team members will go through the temporary work permit process first. After one or more years, they may be eligible for a permanent work permit through the online Express Entry system. The permanent work permit category includes three skilled worker immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and the Canadian Experience Class. Requirements vary for each, but all Express Entry applications generally include the following as a first step:

• Passport or travel document
• Assessment report of educational certificate
• Language test results
• A written job offer from an employer in Canada, if applicable
• Proof of work experience
• Provincial nomination (if the professional has it)
• Police certificate
• Proof of funds

If the applicant is invited to apply, a set of additional documents is required, including proof of funds, birth certificate, and others.

The federal skilled worker program uses a points-based system called the Composite Ranking System (CRS). Professionals receive points based on English or French language skills, education, experience, age, relevance, and tenure. They need 100 or more points out of 67 to qualify.

Application process

The basic steps to apply for an employer-specific work permit include:

1. Applying for a Labor Market Opinion: Before applying for a temporary work visa, employers must qualify for an LMIA, formerly known as an LMO. You must complete this step for a professional.
2. Obtaining a provisional job offer: Employers must send a copy of a positive LMIA and a detailed job offer letter to the candidate. This letter is a formal employment contract that includes the job title, description, salary, and other important information.
3. Applying for Work Permit: Candidates can apply for Temporary Work Permit after receiving job offer letter and positive LMIA. This may include meeting with a visa officer who will determine whether the employment adversely affects employment for Canadian citizens. If the person qualifies for the position, they will receive a Canada Work Permit.
4. Obtaining a work permit: After working in Canada under a temporary work permit, individuals may be eligible for permanent residency based on their job classification and language skills.

Other important considerations

Some workers want to bring their family members to Canada. If the professional is a new immigrant to Canada, their spouse or dependent children can often be included in the work visa application. Other family members, such as grandparents, need to be permanent residents and sponsored by Canadian citizens.

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