If one wishes to go to Canada for work purposes, it will be essential to obtain a Canada Work Permit. There are few exceptions to the law. The Canadian government states that those requiring a work permit or visa may not start work until the proper paperwork is completed and accepted.
The definition of “work” in Canada is essentially defined as any position for which the employee will receive remuneration, even if self-employed. There are exceptions where non-paying positions (e.g. interns) may require a work permit.
In order to work in Canada, you must have a solid job offer. One may not go to Canada and begin to search for work. Work permits are attached to a particular employer. If you should change jobs while in Canada, a new permit should be obtained. As a general rule, permits are valid for one year but can be validated for two to three years, depending on the circumstances.
In other words, a job offer must be on the table for someone to apply for a work permit. The work permit application requires details about the offer, including: employee responsibilities, salary, duration of job, location of job, and the title of the job position the applicant has applied for with the Canadian company.
Additional information may be required if the job offer falls into one of several specific categories.
Here is a list of the documents needed to apply for a Canada Work Permit: a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and evidence of one’s academic and professional credentials. Processing time for the application can take up to 8 weeks.
Filed under: Canadian Visa, Immigration Regulations, Work Permit | No Comments »
