How Can I Work in Canada as Foreign Worker

How Can I Work Legally in Canada as Foreign National?

If you like to work legally in Canada and you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident then you have to apply for a Work Permit and the employer may have to go through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) prior to offering the position to a foreign worker. As the foreign applicant you need to meet certain requirements set by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. If you do not meet the requirements set by the Canadian government than your application will result in refusal.

As a Foreign Worker do I need a Job offer to Work in Canada?

One of the requirements to work in Canada is that you need to have a Job Offer from an employer in Canada. Once you have the job offer you are eligible to apply for a Work Permit. Depending on your country of citizenship and your job title the employer may or not go through a Labour Market Impact Assessment. If your employer has to go through LMIA process, then the employer has to demonstrate efforts to Service Canada that he/she has attempted to hire a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident but was unsuccessful. If Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) believes you have taken every means to hire a Canadian or Permanent Resident then you will get an Approved LMIA. Once the employer has received the Approved LMIA, the foreign applicant can apply for the Work Permit. Ensure to include the Job Offer Letter, the Approved LMIA, the Employment Contract and the LMIA number with your Work Permit application.

Do I have to provide proof that I meet requirements for Work Permit?

When applying for any immigration application you would need to provide supporting documents to support your claim. So if you are applying for job in Canada, you need to meet the minimum requirements for that job you have applied for by providing the supporting documents. These documents can include a resume, work experience and education credentials for the job you have applied for.

Also, to be eligible to work in Canada, you need satisfy the following criteria:

• Prove that you will leave Canada within the valid period of your work permit
• Show that you have sufficient finances to support yourself (and family if they are accompanying you)
• Complete security and medical checks
• Should not work for an ‘ineligible” employer
• Not in the business of adult entertainment
• Should not have worked in Canada for more than 4 years in total after April 2011

Can I apply for a Work Permit from inside Canada?

Yes, you can apply for a Work Permit inside of Canada if you meet the following:

• You, spouse or parents have a valid study permit or work permit
• You have graduated from an educational institution recognized in Canada which could be a Canadian university, community college, CEGEP, technical school or an eligible school
• You have a temporary resident permit that is valid for 6 or more months
• You have applied for permanent residence inside Canada
• You have applied for refugee status
• You are a recognized refugee or one who cannot leave the country for reasons beyond your control
• You can work in Canada without a work permit but need one because you are planning to change jobs

What Identity Documents do I need to show to be able to Work in Canada?

When applying for Canadian Work Permit, you need to include identity documents with your application. These documents include a valid passport or travel document that is valid and has not expired. You need to include identity documents, because the immigration officer wants to ensure the applicant will return back home and not stay in Canada permanently. If you are applying from a country in which you are not a citizen then you must provide proof of your current status in the country you are residing in. If you have no status then your application can potentially refused due to know showing any ties to your current home country.

Documents to show when entering Canada with Approved Work Permit

Foreign Nationals must meet certain requirements for entering Canada for temporary basis. So, if you are coming to work in Canada you need to carry the following with you.

• Work Permit
• Approved LMIA (if applicable)
• LMIA number (if applicable)
• Job Offer Letter
• Employment Contract
• Valid Passport
• Valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if you come from non-visa exempt country

Do I need a Work Permit as Business Visitor to Canada?

Business Visitors do not need to obtain a Work Permit. So, if you are coming to Canada as a Business Visitor then you need to show ample documents to prove you are not entering the Canadian Labour Market. To be considered a Business Visitor you need to show one of the following:

• Attending business meetings or conferences
• Attending product and sales training
• Dealing with the After Sales Agreement
• Buying goods in Canada for the foreign company

Jobs that do not require a Work Permit

There are twenty categories or job profiles listed by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as below for which work permits are not required:

1. Athlete or coach of foreign team competing in Canada
2. Accredited agent or advisor working on an aviation accident or incident
3. Business visitor who is not part of the Canadian labor market
4. Civil aviation inspector for international flights
5. A member of the clergy (e.g. ordained minister)
6. A convention organizer for an international meeting or convention
7. Crew member such as airline or ships
8. Family member of a foreign representative
9. Foreign government officer or representative
10. News reporters or film/media crew
11. Emergency service provider
12. Expert witness
13. Working on Advertising shoot
14. Examiner and evaluator
15. Military officer under the Visiting Forces Act
16. Health care student
17. Performing artists
18. Student working on campus
19. Public speaker for an event no longer than 5 days
20. Student working up to 20 hours off campus

If your job profile does not fall under any of the categories above, then a work permit is required. Work permits are provided under four categories namely: temporary workers, caregivers, business people and students.

What are the Application Fees to Work in Canada?

Depending on the type of Work Permit you are applying for you need to pay the applicable fees. Usually, the government for the Work Permit is $155 for one applicant, if you are applying for group of three or more performing artist and their staff the maximum fee you pay is $465. When applying for any type of application you need to pay the government fees or else your application will not get processed. Most fees can be paid on the Canadian government website, so you can follow payment instructions from there.

Contact Akrami & Associates how you can Work in Canada as Foreign Worker

If you have job offer with an employer in Canada and you are not sure what step you need to take next then contact Akrami & Associates. Being able to work in Canada is not as easy as it seems. The Work Permit and LMIA process is a very complicated process because citizenship and immigration Canada wants to ensure there are no Canadians or permanent residents available who can fill the position prior to hiring a foreign worker. If you like to submit a strong LMIA or Work Permit application, then contact us today for higher chance success.

With Akrami & Associates there is always a way!!