Work Permit
Work Permits
The Work Permits program issues work permits to eligible foreign workers who wish to work temporarily in Canada Each year, Canada welcomes over 90,000 workers on to fill job shortages in key areas of the economy. As the Canadian economy expands, it needs more workers to fill a variety of positions. In sectors such as health care, manufacturing, Hospitality care-giving, and the construction industry, there is already a shortage of workers.
A Work Visa (or Temporary Work Permit) is the best option for anyone who wishes to work in Canada, but does not want to apply immediately as a Permanent Resident. However, The Work Visa can be used to move toward Permanent Residency at a later date.
A Temporary Work Visa allows applicants to work and live in Canada, and gain Canadian work experience. You must generally have some previous experience and meet additional basic visa requirements, such as security clearance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
• have a valid passport or other travel document issued by their country of residence
• be in good health (a medical exam may be required)
• provide proof that they have sufficient funds to support their stay in Canada
• demonstrate that their stay in Canada is temporary and will not abandon his country of origin
• not have a criminal record, nor be considered a security risk
• should have experience in the related Occupation
• other criteria may apply
In most cases, foreign workers must have obtained a labour market opinion from their potential employer before applying for a work permit For the purpose of the TFWP, the employer must have an employment (employer-employee) relationship with the foreign worker who agrees to work for him/her for a specified or indeterminate period of time in return for salary or wages.
The employer:
• Can be a company, organization or individual.
• Has the authority to decide where, when and how the work will be done.
• Directly benefits from the work performed by the foreign worker.
• Is obligated to meet all the requirements of the labour market opinion and employment contract (in cases where a signed contract is required).
• Pays the workers wages or has hired a company to do so on his/her behalf.
The employment relationship provides some assurance that:
A genuine job exists with a set wage rate and clear working conditions.
• The worker will be employed full-time and will be covered by provincial labour laws, medical coverage and worker’s compensation.
• Deductions for Income Tax, Employment Insurance and Canada/Québec Pension Plan purposes will be made.
