Due to the simplicity of the Canada work visa application process, foreigners find it easier to obtain employment in Canada compared to other countries.
Canada’s worker-friendly immigration policy attracts people from all over the world, making it one of the top countries for immigrants to find work.
Having the necessary documents can simplify the application process for a Canada Work Permit, which is required for foreign nationals seeking employment in Canada.
What Is a Canadian Work Visa?
A Canadian work permit is permission to take a job within Canada if you are from a foreign country. Once you receive a job offer or employment contract from a Canadian employer, you are required to apply for a Work Visa.
It is important to note that your employer must meet the eligibility criteria set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
There are two ways through which you can get a Canada work visa:
- Through Temporary Work Visas
- Through Permanent or Immigrant Work Visas
The first group of visas allows temporary workers to work in Canada for six months or less. The second category of visas is available to those who are immigrating to Canada because they have found a suitable job.
Types of Canada Work Permits
Canada has seven types of work permits and different types of visas through which candidates can apply to work there. These work permits are:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- Intra-Company Transfers
- LMIA Required
- LMIA Exempt
- Business Visitors
- IEC Canada
- Post-Graduation Work Permits
- Open Work Permits
Who is Eligible for a Canada Work Permit?
In order to get a Canada Work Permit, foreign workers from Nigeria will need to:There are specific requirements you need to meet depending on where you are when you apply for your work permit.
But regardless of where you apply or which type of work permit you apply for, you must
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires;
- show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home;
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate);
- not be a danger to Canada’s security;
- be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed;
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions;
- not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
- give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
Canada Work Visa Requirements
To obtain a Canada Work Visa, there are certain documents that you will need to provide as part of the application process.
These requirements may vary depending on the specific type of work visa you are applying for, but generally include:
Valid Passport :
You will need a valid passport that is not set to expire soon. It is important to ensure that your passport has enough blank pages for visa stamps.
Job offer in Canada:
A job offer from a Canadian employer is necessary to apply for a Canada Work Visa.
Employment contract:
A written contract between the applicant and the Canadian employer outlining the terms and conditions of employment.
Copy of the LMIA:
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment, and a copy of this assessment is needed to prove that the job offer will not negatively impact the Canadian job market.
LMIA number:
The applicant must provide the specific LMIA number assigned to their job offer.
Proof of Qualification:
Depending on the nature of the job, you may need to provide documents that prove your qualifications, such as educational degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
Language test results:
Canada has two official languages, English and French. You may need to demonstrate your language proficiency by providing test results from approved language tests, such as IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF for French. You will need to score 67 out of 100 or higher to qualify.
Provincial nomination (if applicable):
If the applicant has received a nomination from a specific Canadian province, they must provide proof of this nomination.
Police certificate:
A police certificate from the applicant’s country of residence is required to prove good conduct.
Medical Test:
A medical examination conducted by an approved panel physician is necessary to ensure the applicant’s health meets Canadian standards.
Proof of funds:
The applicant must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Canada.
Foreigners Who Do Not Require a Canadian Work Permit
If your place of work is outside Canada and you are in the country for a short period of time for work purposes, then you do not need a work permit.
Those who may not need a Canadian work permit are the following groups of visitors
- Foreign Government Workers.
- Foreign Government Representatives and their family members.
- Military personnel.
- Business visitors.
- Performing artists.
- Athletes and their team members.
- Judges, referees, or similar workers.
- Media crews and news reporters.
- Public speakers and convention organizers.
- Evaluators and examiners.
- Clergy.
- Health care students.
- Students who are working on campus.
- Civil aviation inspectors.
- Aviation accident inspectors.
- Emergency service providers.
- Expert witnesses and investigators.
- Researchers who have to work in Canada for 120 days only.
Canada Work Permit Processing Time
The processing time for a Canada work permit for overseas applicants varies from 5 to 6 months, depending on the type of work permit applied for. Canada also allows immigration for family members under the dependent work permit category.
What are the Fees for the Canada Work Visa?
You will have to pay an application fee when applying for a work permit and visa. The fee for a work permit is CAD$155. Whenever you apply for an extension, you will have to pay this fee again. CAD$100 is the fee for applying for an Open Work Permit.
