Getting a Work Permit in Canada as a Temporary Worker

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Canada, like other parts of the world, allows foreigners to engage in work activities within its border so long as they are authorized to work and have the proper documentation to stay in Canada for a temporary period.

This set of foreign nationals are called temporary workers.

As a temporary worker in Canada, you do not have to be a citizen or a permanent resident to fill positions that are facing labour shortages and are not occupied by Canadians. However, you do need to apply for and obtain a work permit before you are permitted to work in Canada.

There are two types of work permits you can apply for:

• An open work permit
• An employer-specific work permit

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada except companies that are listed as ineligible. Also, companies that offer strip tease or erotic services are not eligible for applying for an open work permit.

An employer-specific work permit states the name of the employer you are working for and how long you are to work for them. For you to apply for this type of work permit, you need to collect a copy of your employment contract from your employer and a copy of a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

What is LMIA?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment is a document that states the status of a job – if foreign workers are required and if there are no Canadian workers or permanent residents to fill a job.

Eligibility Requirements for a temporary work permit

Regardless of the type of work permit you are applying for, there are requirements you need to meet before your application can be considered.

• You must prove that upon the expiry of your work permit, you will leave Canada.
• You must have no record of criminal activity.
• You must prove that you have enough money to take care of yourself or your family (if they reside in Canada) during your stay.
• You must be in good health.
• You must not be a threat to the security in Canada.
• If you’re applying from outside Canada, there may be visa requirements depending on your country of citizenship.

If you are applying from within Canada, there are special requirements you must meet. You can only apply for a work permit if you meet the following requirements:

• If you made a claim for refugee protection
• If your spouse or parents have a valid study or work permit
• If your study permit is still valid
• If you’re waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence within Canada

How can you apply for a work permit in Canada?

You must apply online for a work permit. However, if you have a disability that prevents you from working online, you are eligible to apply on paper.

You must however include a note in your application that tells the application centre that you are eligible to apply on paper. If you are not eligible, your application form will be returned to you.

After you apply, what next?

The waiting period for your application varies by country. All requirements will be checked to see if they’ve been met or not. If your application is rejected, it will be sent back to you.

If your permit is approved, you will get an approval letter that states that you are allowed to work in Canada. You will be given a letter. This letter is a Port-of-entry letter of introduction. Note that it is not your work permit. Your work permit will be handed to you at the port of entry when you get to Canada.

Opeyemi Kareem