Work Permits Available to Foreign Nationals

Most foreign nationals need a work permit to work in Canada. There are 2 types of work permits available:

1. Employer Specific Work Permit
2. Open work permit

Continue reading for more information on both types of work permits.

Open work permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, Except for one that:

• Is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions or
• Regularly offers striptease, erotic dance and/or massages or escort services

You can only get an open work permit in specific situations.

Employer-specific work permit

An employer specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as

• The name of the specific employer you can work for
• How long you can work
• The location where you can work

Before you submit your application for an employer-specific work permit, the employer who wants to hire you must complete certain steps and give you either a copy of a labour market Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number to include in your application.

Eligibility requirements for all applicants

There are specific requirement you must meet depending on whre you are when you apply for your work permit. Inside and outside of Canada have different requirements but regardless of where you are apply from or what type of work permit you apply for, you must:

• 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 be a danger to Canada’s security
• Show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home
• Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires
• Obey the law have no criminal activity
• Be in good health and have a medic al exam if required

How to apply

Due to COVID-19, most applicants now need to apply online for a work permit

Processing your application

You application will be checked to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including biometrics.

If it’s incomplete, we’ll return your application without processing it.

An officer will also check

• The list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
• That you qualify for a work permit

You may also be asked to:

• go to an interview with our officials in your country, or
• send more information

 You might need a need exam to enter Canada. If you do, an officer will tell you and will send you instructions on what to do. A medical exam can add over 3 months to the time it takes us to process your application.

If your work permit application is approved

You will get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port entry letter of introduction.

You should bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. This letter is not your work permit.

You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.

The work permit will outline

• the type of work you can do
• the employer you can work for
• where you can work
• how long you can work

When you arrive in Canada

When you arrive, tell the border services officer (BSO) that you have come here to work.

They will check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.

If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the BSO will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada.

You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada. You’ll also have to convince the officer that you’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved stay.

Presenting your documents

You must show your Port of Entry (POE) letter of introduction to the BSO, along with:

• your passport
• your visa (if you need one), and
• any travel documents you’re carrying (such as airline tickets)

You should also have supporting documents, such as:

• proof that you meet requirements of the job, such as proof of work experienced and education
• a copy of your employer’s positive Labour Market Impact Assment
• the offer of employment number your employer received when they submitted the offer of employment through the Employer Portal (if you are LMIA-exempt and coming to work for a specific employer).

Once the BSO has checked your documents and confirms that you can enter Canada, the officer will print the actual work permit for you

Medical and health insurance, and workers’ compensation in Canada

The Employer must make sure you’re covered by medical and health insurance, and worker’s compensation, when you arrive in Canada.

Getting a social insurance number

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9 digit number that you will need to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits. You should apply for a SIN as soon as possible after you arrive in Canada.

Akrami and Associates

We have dealt with hundreds of Work Permit Application cases. We have helped our clients in their difficult situations and have guided them to draft a more effective application. We can help you draft your application and arrange the required documents. A well-planned and complete application will increase your likelihood of acceptance and will save your from hassle.

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!