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Getting a Temporary Work Permit
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Canada admits over 90,000 temporary foreign workers each year. Temporary workers help fill Canada's labour shortage.
Most temporary workers require work authorization, but some do not.
To apply for a work permit, you must meet the following general requirements;
- Receive a job offer from a Canadian employer in a qualifying occupation
- Obtain a positive Labour Market Opinion (your employer must do this)
- Satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized period
- Show that you have enough money to support you and your family while in Canada
- Prove that you have no criminal history, or any serious medical conditions
Special Categories of Workers
Certain types of workers have specific requirements.
Click here for more information on the special categories of workers.
Eligibility to apply from inside Canada
You may only apply from within Canada for a work permit if;
- you have a valid study or work permit, or your spouse or parents have a study or work permit
- you have a work permit for one job but want to apply for a work permit for a different job
- you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six (6) months or more, or
- you are in Canada because you have already filed for permanent residence from inside Canada
In addition to the above, you must also meet the general requirements listed above.
What is a Labour Market Opinion?
A labour market opinion (LMO) is a document issued by Human Resources and Social Development Canada
(HRSDC). Employers who wish to hire foreign
workers must submit an application and receive confirmation before you may submit an application for a work permit.
Do I require a Labour Market Opinion?
People in the following categories need a work permit, but do not need an LMO.
- Workers covered under international agreements, professionals, traders, investors and business people coming to Canada
to work under certain international agreements
- Entrepreneurs and intra-company transferees, workers transfering within a company, and other types
of workers
- Participants in exchange programs, people whos employment in Canada will provide similar employment
to Canadians abroad, such as participants in youth exchange programs, teacher exchange programs, etc.
- Co-op students, foreign students who are studying in Canada and who need to do co-op work placements as
part of their study program
- Spouses, spouses and common-law partners of certain workers and of certain foreign students who are currently
studying or working under the Post-Graduation Work Permit program
Can my spouse obtain a work permit?
If you are married or in a common-law relationship, your spouse may be eligible to apply for an 'open' work permit.
An open work permit authorizes the foreign worker to work anywhere without the restriction of working for a specific employer.
How long does it take to obtain work authorization?
Obtaining a work permit is a 3 step process. Finding an employer in a qualifying occupation seems be the most time consuming.
Processing times vary depending on your country of nationality and the visa office processing your request.
Average times are anywhere between 3-6 months.
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