How to Get a Canadian Work Visa: A Guide For Newcomers

Moving to another country for work can be a challenging experience. However, obtaining the right visa and meeting the necessary criteria can streamline the process and allow you to begin your new career sooner rather than later. Working in Canada requires that you meet specific eligibility criteria with regards to citizenship, previous work experience, education level, and more. The type of work visa that you qualify for depends on these factors. Read this article to learn more about the different types of Canadian work visas and which one is right for you!

Getting a Canadian work visa is the first step in securing employment in Canada as a foreign worker. There are several different types of work visas available, each with its own set of eligibility criteria.

The type of visa you choose will depend on your personal situation and what occupation you intend to pursue once you’ve moved to Canada. If you want to live and work in Canada long-term, you will need to apply for permanent residence after meeting certain eligibility requirements. Once you have been approved for residency, you can then apply for one of the many different types of work visas offered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Who is Eligible for a Canadian Work Visa?

Anyone who has found a suitable job and meets the eligibility criteria for the type of work visa they’re applying for may be able to move to Canada and begin working immediately. In most cases, you will need to have a valid passport from your home country and be willing to submit to a background check and medical exam. You may also be required to prove your language proficiency if English or French is not your first language.

If you’re applying for a work visa as the spouse or dependant of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, there is an additional set of criteria. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate, as well as proof that your partner is employed and earning a minimum amount each year. You may also need to go through a more in-depth medical examination if you’re applying as a dependant.

Working Conditions During Temporary Residency

If you’re granted a work visa, you’ll be granted temporary residency in Canada. This means that you will be permitted to remain in the country for a specific period of time. This can be anywhere from six months to a few years, depending on the type of visa you’ve been approved for. During this time, you will not be able to apply for any type of long-term immigration status. Instead, your visa will have a set expiry date, which you must make sure to abide by. At the end of your visa, you’ll have to return to your home country. If you decide to apply for a different type of work visa, you may be able to extend your stay in Canada by an additional amount of time.

How to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa

Depending on which type of visa you’re applying for, you may have different steps in the application process. Find out more about each type of work visa and the criteria you’ll need to meet by speaking with a representative at a Canadian immigration office. They can answer any questions you have about what documentation you will need to provide and how to apply once you’ve found a job. You’ll also be able to get a better idea of how much the application will cost. Visa fees may vary depending on your country of origin, but many of them are fairly affordable. If you’re applying as a dependant, your partner may be able to help cover the cost of the application.

Express Entry Visa

An Express Entry Visa is typically used by skilled workers who want to apply for permanent residence as soon as they’ve moved to Canada. You may be eligible for an Express Entry Visa if you have a job offer in Canada and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) showing that there’s a need for your skills. You may also be able to apply if you have a provincial nomination, such as a provincial nomination under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you’re granted an Express Entry Visa, you’ll be able to apply for permanent residence one year after being admitted to Canada on a work permit. This means you can begin working in Canada as soon as you’ve moved, rather than waiting for the lengthy application process to be completed.

LMIA Visa

An LMIA Visa is used for skilled workers who have been offered a job with a Canadian employer that can’t prove there’s a need for their skills. The employer will have to provide you with an LMIA before you can apply for a work visa, showing that they’ve put in the necessary effort to prove that there’s a need for your skills. You will also have to prove that you meet the requirements of the visa you’re applying for, such as having the necessary education or experience. There are two types of LMIA Visas – the LMIA-TS and the LMIA-ND. Your employer will determine which type they will apply for, as they are processed differently.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada to work may seem daunting, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. Getting a Canadian work visa is the first step in this process, and it’s something you can begin working towards as soon as you’ve applied for jobs in Canada and found a suitable employer. No matter which type of work visa you choose to apply for, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria and provide the correct documentation. You’ll also need to provide your employer with sufficient documentation that you’re eligible for a work visa. Check the link below to visit the official website of the Canadian immigration authorities.