Work Visa
If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you'll likely need a work permit to work in Canada. This applies to most foreign workers, but there are some exceptions for certain types of work or specific situations. In general, if you're coming to Canada to work, it's a good idea to check if you need a work permit and apply for one if necessary.
A work permit is a crucial document that allows foreign workers to work in Canada legally. It is required for most foreign workers, except for certain situations such as business visitors, tourists, and some international students. Similar to a study permit, a work permit does not serve as an entry visa to Canada, and workers cannot enter the country with just this document alone. Depending on their country of origin, workers may be required to obtain a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) in addition to their work permit in order to enter Canada.
An Employer-specific work permit is a type of work permit that allows a foreign worker to work in Canada for a specific employer, for a specific job, and for a specific period of time. It is issued based on an offer of employment from a Canadian employer, who will need to provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases to demonstrate that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job, and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do so.
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The Employer-specific work permit is temporary and is typically issued for a period of up to 2 years, although it can be extended in certain circumstances. It is important to note that this type of work permit is tied to the employer who sponsored it, and the foreign worker cannot work for a different employer without first obtaining a new work permit.
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It is required for most foreign workers who want to work in Canada, except for certain situations such as business visitors, tourists, and some international students. To apply for an Employer-specific work permit, the foreign worker must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having a job offer from a Canadian employer and demonstrating that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job.
An open work permit is a type of work permit issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign workers to work for any Canadian employer, without having a specific job offer in place at the time of application. Open work permits are not tied to a specific employer or job and are usually issued to foreign workers who are in Canada on a temporary basis and are not eligible for other types of work permits, such as employer-specific work permits. With an open work permit, foreign workers are able to gain valuable work experience in Canada, which can help them to become eligible for permanent residency in the future.
