Significant Benefit Work Permit in Canada

Steps in Obtaining a Significant Benefit Work Permit

Canada truly appreciates and values individuals that can contribute and add to the culture, society and economy of Canada. As a result, Canada has implemented a Significant Benefit to Canada Work Permit which allows individuals, such as entrepreneurs, artists and investors alike, to contribute their work to Canada. These individuals will only be allowed access and entry into Canada if they can sufficiently prove to Immigration that their work will indeed benefit Canada. Therefore, in this article, I will address what a Significant Benefit Work Permit is, who is eligible to apply, and how to apply for a Significant Benefit Work Permit in Canada.

What is a Significant Benefit Work Permit

A Significant Benefit Work Permit is defined as a type of work permit which allows individuals who can successfully demonstrate their ability to create and maintain a significant cultural, social, or economic benefit to Canada. As a result of their benefit to Canada, they are also able to provide opportunities for Canadian citizens and/or permanent residents of Canada. The Immigration officer assessing your project or intended goal in Canada will ultimately have to decide and be satisfied that your work will in fact contribute to Canadian society and that you are worthy of obtaining authorization to enter or work in Canada.

It is important to note that a Significant Benefit Work Permit may be renewed indefinitely. However, this is entirely dependent on the nature of your intended project or goal in Canada. Keep in mind, the Significant Benefit Work Permit does not lead to permanent resident status and is a temporary visa.

In addition, unlike other work permits in Canada, a Significant Benefit Work Permit does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is only provided that the individual applying for this specific work permit can satisfy the Immigration officer that they meet the criteria to apply.

Eligibility for a Significant Benefit Work Permit

In order to apply for a Significant Benefit Work Permit, there are specific categories that you must fall under to qualify. Below, I will explain in detail the specific categories.

Canadian Interests

This specific category primarily focuses on individuals who offer a more cultural or social benefit to Canada; economic benefits are not the focus. For instance, an individual who would fall under this category would be an artist that would like to showcase their art work in Canada. Similarly, a musician would also fall under this category if they would like to raise awareness in Canada of an important subject to them through their music.

Entrepreneurs & Self-Employed Candidates

This specific category primarily focuses on individuals who would like to establish a business within Canada and who may also qualify for a Significant Benefit Work Permit instead of a permanent resident application. These individuals will need to provide sufficient evidence and prove to Immigration that their intended business will create economic, cultural and social benefits to Canada. They must also show a benefit to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. It is extremely important to prove that their business will benefit Canada especially if their business is a provider of unusual goods or services.

The Intra Company Transferee

This specific category primarily focuses on individuals that are employees of a foreign company that also have a branch office of the parent company within Canada. These individuals must be within an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position when applying to transfer. Additionally, the individual must also meet all of the required job qualifications of the intended position in Canada. For instance, one of the most important requirements is that they must be employed for a minimum of one year prior to submitting this application.

The Emergency Repairs

This specific category primarily focuses on individuals who are foreign workers that make repairs on industrial equipment or machinery. This is done to prevent the possibility of disruption to Canadian workers. In most of these cases, a Canadian work permit would be issued. Conclusively, they will need to demonstrate their work in each and every one of the repairs they do.

Additionally, there are also specific cases where reciprocal opportunities exist for foreign workers that may be granted a work permit in Canada. These reciprocal opportunities are called Reciprocal Employment. Some examples of these reciprocal opportunities include: academic exchanges; cultural agreement; work related research; international youth exchange programs; and post-graduate employment.

How to Apply for a Significant Benefit Work Permit

Much like any other Immigration application, there are required documents and information that you must submit to Immigration in order for a higher chance of a successful application. You must meet the eligibility qualifications as well as prove that you are exempt from a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in order to apply for a Significant Benefit Work Permit. When applying for a Significant Benefit Work Permit, it is important to provide identification documents, proof of your qualifications, your past experience, a valid job offer (if applicable), and evidence that you will successfully benefit Canada. By providing all of these documents and information, you will allow Immigration to determine whether you are indeed eligible for a Significant Benefit Work Permit and thus contribute to Canadian society.

Contact Akrami & Associates

It is essential that you have taken all of the aforementioned important information in consideration prior to applying for a Significant Benefit Work Permit. Any work permit or temporary resident visa in Canada is a difficult task to apply on your own; therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the application. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many of our clients contribute and benefit Canadian culture, society and economy through receiving a Significant Benefit Work Permit. If you believe that you might be eligible, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advise.

With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!