Canadian Work Visa Applications
Canadian Work Visa Permits: How to Apply
Working in Canada is an attractive option for many skilled workers from all over the world. Canada accepts thousands of Canadian work visa applications each year. Canada boasts one of the strongest and stable economies in the world as well as the highest standard of living.
However, applying for a Canadian work visa is not that easy. The rules and regulations for obtaining a Canadian work visa make it difficult for even the most qualified applicant. Successful Canadian work visa applications require careful planning from start to finish. Documentation requirements and filing procedures must be perfectly followed in order to get an approval.
Our law firm has over 15 years of experience in handling Canada work visas applications. If you are interested in applying for a Canadian work visa, contact us for a comprehensive assessment of your case!
Canadian Work Visas for Americans
Americans are applying for Canadian work visas in record numbers! The Canadian economy is strong and is taking in many US Citizens looking for work. The good news is that we have the NAFTA Agreement. NAFTA makes getting a US work visa for Americans and Mexicans much easier.
What is required is a job offer from a Canadian company in a field listed in the NAFTA agreement, proof of qualifications including work experience and education as well as citizenship. However, while NAFTA makes getting a Canadian work visa easier for US Citizens, the application process nevertheless must be handled properly. Visas refusals are very common and its essential to properly prepare for your visa so you don’t become a statistic!
If you are American, contact us for an assessment for your Canadian work visa. We are here to help you get though!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Canada Work Visas
Do you plan to work in Canada? Do you have a Job Offer in Canada? Or are you an intercompany transfer applicant being transferred to your company’s Canadian office? Do you want to establish a new business in Canada?
A Canada Work Visa may be for you!
Canadian Work Visa FAQs
Question : What is a Canada Work Visa?
- Answer : A Canada Work Visa or Canada Work Permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreigner such as US Citizen to legally work in Canada for a temporary period of time.
Question : Do all foreigners require a Canada Work Visa?
- Answer : No. There are certain persons who are EXEMPT or do not require Canada Work Visas (subject to certain conditions).
- Foreign Diplomats
- Military Personnel
- Clergy
- Performing Artists (under certain circumstances)
- Athletes
- Artists
- Ship or Truck Personnel
- Designated Foreign Buyers and Sellers
Note : There are other exemptions that are found in the Canadian Immigration Regulations.
Question : If I work in Canada for a period of time, can I get Permanent Resident status?
- Answer : Possibly. If you work in Canada for two years under a valid Work Permit you may eligible for Permanent Resident status under the Canadian Experience Class depending on your job classification and your language proficiency.
Question : What if I need a Canada Work Visa? How Do I get a Work Permit for Canada issued to me?
- Answer : Generally, there is a two step procedure involved in obtaining a Canada Work Visa.
NAFTA List of Occupations for Canadian Work Visas
Remember if your job is NOT on the list, you may still have options.
Appendix 1603D.1 to NAFTA (Occupation List)
Medical Professionals :
- Dentist
- Dietician
- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Nutritionist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Physiotherapist
- Psychologist
- Recreational Therapist
- Registered Nurse
Scientists :
- Agriculturist
- Animal Breeder
- Animal Scientist
- Apiculturist
- Astronomer
- Biochemist
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Dairy Scientist
- Entomologist
- Epidemiologist
- Geneticist
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Horticulturalist
- Meteorologist
- Physicist
- Plant Breeder
- Poultry Scientist
- Soil Scientist
- Zoologist
Professionals :
- Accountant
- Architect
- College Teacher
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Disaster Relief Insurance Adjuster
- Economist
- Biologist
- Engineer
- Forester
- Graphic Designer
- Hotel Manager
- Industrial Designer
- Interior Designer
- Land Surveyor
- Lawyer (including Quebec Notary)
- Librarian
- Management Consultant
- Mathematician / Statistician
- Range Manager / Conservationist
- Research Assistant (post-secondary)
- Scientific Technician / Technologist
- Seminary
Labor Market Opinion (LMO) Work Visas for Canada
Before applying for a Canada Work Visa, in most cases, you need to obtain a Labor Market Opinion (LMO) from Service Canada (formally HRSDC).
Step 1: Get a A Labour Market Opinion (LMO) letter from Service Canada (formally HRSDC)
The procedure involved in obtaining an LMO from Service Canada is that the prospective Canadian employer applies for approval of the job offer to the foreign worker. Service Canada will issue the LMO approval or confirmation IF they are satisfied that there are no Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents who are qualified for and willing to fill the position offered by a foreign worker OR that the foreign worker will train Canadians during his or her employment in Canada. Typically, the prospective employer must demonstrate to Service Canada that it has made efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident for the position but had not been successful in finding a suitable Canadian candidate. The Canadian employer will often be required to advertise for the position offered to the foreign worker.
If Service Canada is satisfied that the prospective employer has made best efforts to hire a local worker, they will “Confirm” the offer of employment to the foreign worker and issue and LMO letter.
Step 2. Application for Canadian Work Visa after LMO issued.
Once the LMO has been issued by Service Canada, the foreign worker will be invited to apply for a Canadian Work Visa or Canadian Work Permit at a Canadian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission outside of Canada. In some cases, the foreign worker will be required to attend at an interview with a visa officer. If the visa officer is satisfied that the foreign worker’s employment will not adversely effect employment in Canada for Canadians, and that the foreign worker qualifies for the position, then a Canada Work Permit will be issued.
Note : In some cases, applicants from certain countries will be required to undergo medical examinations.
Are you an Employer Hiring a Foreign Worker? Do you need an LMO for your prospective employee?
Contact VisaPlace Legal Toronto Immigration Lawyers at 416-410-7484 or Toll Free at 1-866-929-0991 for more information about how we can get you that LMO letter!
Who does not need to apply for an LMO? Fast-Track for Canada Work Visas
Not everyone requires an LMO to get a Canada Work Visa. There are certain occupations which do not require an LMO from Service Canada such as:
- Certain computer professionals who qualify under the Software Development Workers Pilot Project (SDWPP)
- Foreign Students holding a Canadian Study Permit
- Citizens of the United States whose occupations fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This category is for US Citizens and Mexican Citizens.
- Spouses of Highly Skilled Workers who qualify under the Spousal Pilot Project
UPDATE: Accelerated LMOs: If you need an LMO, employers may be able to fast track you using the ALMO process.
Need more information about Canada Work Visas?
Given the wide range of offences caught by the criminal inadmissibility provisions, it is essential that you investigate the potential criminal history of all your nonimmigrant clients entering the US for business or pleasure before sending them to the US.
Call us at 416-410-7484 or Toll Free at 1-866-929-0991 or email us at [email protected], for more information about how we can get you that LMO letter or Work Visa for Canada.