Visa

Canada Work Visa Requirements: Your Go To Guide

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

Canada’s welcoming reputation and vast economy has made it a hub for thousands of migrants seeking job opportunities around the globe. Nevertheless, you cannot function as a legal worker in Canada without a work visa. Canada work visa process is quite challenging and would require adequate guidance. This blog post has been curated to ensure you fulfill your dreams of working in Canada. All the information you require to obtain your Canada work visa has been outlined in details.

Always remember that you need the tiniest piece of information for every stage during your work visa application process. Hang on as we dive into the details.

Types of Canada work visas:

Here’s a list of Canada work visas, this will help you understand the visa type that works for you.

  • Temporary Work Permit: This type of visa grants immigrants permission to work in Canada for a specific duration. The permit is employer-specific and would need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
  • International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit: IMP work permits are made for immigrants who have been excluded from the LMIA requirement due to specific international agreements, Canadian interests, or significant economic, cultural, or social benefits.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): This permit allows Provinces in Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills, and work experience.
  • Express Entry: The Canadian government created the Express Entry permit to facilitate skilled workers’ entry through federal economic immigration programs. Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Canada work visa Qualification Requirements:

To qualify for the Canadian work visa, you must meet all criteria required from an applicant. Qualifications, skills, experience.

  • Job Offer: You must demonstrate that you have received a valid job offer from a Canadian employee before you are able to apply for a work visa. Also, the position must reveal that it cannot be occupied by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): For certain jobs, your employers may need to acquire an LMIA to show the need for foreign workers. This process ensures that hiring foreign workers will not affect the Canadian labor market negatively. Before you begin your application process, your employer must check if the job requires an LMIA and apply for it. Once they have a positive result, they will then share a copy with you, which you will use to start your Work Permit application process.
  • Proof of Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is often required, this is dependent on the job and location. You may need to provide language test results, such as IELTS for English or TEF for French.
  • Qualifications and Experience: You must have the required qualifications, skills, and work experience relevant to your job offer. This includes; educational certificates, professional certification and proven work experience.
  • Medical Checks: You will be required to go for a medical examination if you are staying longer than six months, to ensure you meet the health requirements.
  • Police Clearance Certificate: Depending on the type of Work visa you are applying for, you may need to present a police character certificate as part of your visa application. You will be required to provide your fingerprints and picture to the Criminal Investigation Department, which will be used to run background check. You can be applied online or physically. You will present these for your clearance application; Your valid passport, two passport-sized photographs and the fees.

Application Process:

  • Submit an Online Application: Applicants primarily apply for Canadian visas online by visiting the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Create an account, complete your application form carefully and correctly then upload all required documents.
  • Attend your Biometrics Appointment (if applicable): You may need to visit a designated application support center (ASC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph during your biometrics appointment.
  • Pay your Application Fees: Pay the stipulated visa fees, this vary depending on the visa category and processing duration.
  • Attend Medical Examination (if applicable): Some visas would require applicant to undergo a fitness certificate. Undergo a medical check from recognized health facilities
  • Await your Visa Processing: After submitting your visa application, check its progress through your online account. Processing times vary depending on factors such as visa type, country of application, and the number of visa applications received.

Documents Required for Canada Visa:

  • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LIMA).
  • Completed application forms.
  • Valid passport.
  • Copy of your academic certifications.
  • Employment offer.
  • Proof of certifications and membership in professional bodies in your field.
  • Proof of visa application fees payment.
  • Proof of your current immigration status in Canada.
  • Proof of a relative in Canada and their status (If applicable).
  • Marriage certificate (If applicable).
  • Medical certificate.
  • Proof of funds.
  • Recent passport sized photographs.

Categories of Work Visa Application Forms:

IMM 5475 – Authority to Release Personal Information:

This form is required if you authorized the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Canada Border Services Agency (Canada Border Services Agency) to release information from your case file to another person. The individual can access updates on your case file, such as your application status. They can also monitor how the application progresses.

IMM 5476 – Use of Representative:

The form grants a representative the authority to complete the application on your behalf. The consultant/representative will complete the application on a consultant portal. You will sign Form 5476 to indicate that you are using a representative. The government of Canada authorizes certain qualified immigration experts to represent and advise applicants on their application process. This is because while the process looks easy on paper, the processes and documentation are daunting in reality and require some degree of professionalism and experience.

Working with these kind of experts, will help avoid errors that might lead to visa denial. Read here to see full visa application process.

Tips for your Visa Application:

Here are the some helpful tips to guide you before you begin your Canada work visa application.

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you know the best visa pathway that suits your qualification, skills, language proficiency and job offer.
  • Research Job Opportunities: Checkout job offers through legit job websites and networking. Getting a Job offer can fasten your work visa process.
  • Compile all Necessary Documents: Put together the documents that is specific to your visa category.
  • Language Proficiency Tests: This depends on the requirement of your visa type, take a recognized English language test such as: IELTS, TOEFL or TEF for French.
  • Collect LMIA Certificate: If your permit requires an LMIA, send a request to your employer to receive the necessary approval from the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).