Canadian work visas

Employer-specific work permit

This is the most common type of work permit. This type of permit is linked to a specific job with a specific employer. To be eligible for an employer-specific work permit, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must also have a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

The LMIA is used to assess the impact that hiring a foreign worker will have on the Canadian labor market. The employer must prove that they have tried to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first, but could not find anyone qualified for the job.

Once the LMIA is approved, the employer can then apply for a work permit on your behalf. If your application is approved, you’ll be issued a work permit that’s valid for the duration of your employment contract.

Open work permit

An open work permit allows you to work for any Canadian employer, and it is not job specific. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• You’re a student who has graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and is waiting for your confirmation of permanent residence.
• You’re the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student.
• You’re a temporary foreign worker who has completed your work contract.
• You’re a youth exchange visitor.
• You’re a refugee, protected person, or holder of a permanent resident who is subject to an unenforceable removal order.
• You’re a victim of human trafficking applying for a temporary resident permit.

If you meet one of the above criteria, you can apply for an open work permit. The application process is similar to that of a regular work permit, but you don’t need an LMIA. Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a valid work permit for the duration of your stay in Canada.

Post-graduation work permit

If you’ve graduated from a Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs), you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This type of permit allows you to stay in Canada and work full-time for up to three years. To be eligible, you must:

• Have a valid study permit at the time of the post-graduation work permit application.
• Have graduated from a Canadian DLI with a diploma, degree, certificate, or credential.
• Show that you are authorised to work off campus.

If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit. The application process is the same as that of a regular work permit for creating an account and completing the online form. You’ll also need to submit documents such as your study permit, passport, and proof of graduation.

Express Entry

The Express Entry system is used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers for the following programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must first create an online profile. You’ll then be entered into a pool of candidates where you’ll be ranked against others based on your age, education, work experience, and other factors. If you’re among the top-ranked candidates, you may be invited to apply for permanent residence.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled workers who want to live permanently and work in Canada. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time or equivalent work experience in a skilled occupation. You must also meet the minimum language requirements and have your credentials assessed by a Canadian organization.

Federal Skilled Trades program

The Federal Skilled Trades program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. To be eligible, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. You must also meet the requirements of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement or the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is for temporary foreign workers who have already worked in Canada temporarily, also known as temporary foreign workers. To be eligible, you must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent amount in part-time) work experience in Canada within the last three years.

You must also meet Canadian Language Benchmark level B’s language requirements. If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for permanent residence under the Canadian Experience Class.

Self-Employed Persons Program

The Self-Employed Persons Program is for individuals who are self-employed in cultural or athletic activities. To be eligible, you must have the intention and ability to be self-employed in Canada. You must also prove that you’ll make a significant contribution to the Canadian government and have the necessary financial resources to support yourself and your family.

If you meet the above criteria, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence under the Self-Employed Persons Program. The application process is similar to that of other programs, but you’ll also need to provide a business plan and health insurance cover.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Each Canadian province and territory has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs allow provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals who meet their specific economic needs. If a province or territory nominates you, you may be eligible for permanent residence.

To be eligible for a PNP, you must first apply to the province or territory where you want to live. Each province and territory has its own eligibility criteria, so you’ll need to check with the relevant authority to see if you qualify.