Canada Work Permit

Working in Canada

A foreign individual (i.e., one who is not a Canadian permanent resident or citizen) who intends to work in Canada is typically required to possess a work permit or other authorization to legally do so. Such authorization may come in various forms, and often requires advanced approval prior to eligibility to enter Canada for work. Significant complexity may surround the process of securing the proper authorization to work in a foreign country. The goal of our organization is to provide answers about Canadian work permits and supply the expertise necessary for companies of any size to quickly and efficiently gain admission of foreign workers or business visitors.

There is a myriad of categories or provisions by which a foreign worker can seek a work permit in Canada. However, these usually fall within one of several general classifications that can be used to better understand the procedures. These are:

International Treaties such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), or the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS);
Situations in which there is evidence of a Significant Benefit to Canada;
The Facilitated Processing of Information Technology Workers "Pilot Project";
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada confirmed offers of employment (recently renamed Service Canada);

The selection of the proper classification under which an application is submitted will, of course, affect your eligibility for a Canadian work visa. However, it can also have a very significant bearing on the requirements of an application, and on the processing delays prior to issuance of a work visa.

There are also differing means by which to submit many applications. These differences can have a significant impact on the process and even the outcome of the application. As a general rule a case is processed at a Canadian visa office prior to arrival in Canada. In some cases, however, an application for a work permit can be made at a Canadian port of entry (i.e., airport, border crossing, etc.). In the latter case, pre-approval of an application is possible only in certain situations.

Some applicants for a Canadian work permit will be required to undergo medical examinations prior to issuance of a visa, which can also effect the duration of the application process. Situtations in which this is necessary depend on the duration of the work permit being sought, the residence of the applicant in the 12 months prior to the submission of a case, and the nature of the occupation (e.g., nursing and teaching occupations will always require medical examinations).

If you or an employee are seeking temporary eligibility to work in Canada, please complete a Canadian work permit eligibility assessment to determine which strategy is the best approach in your case.


	Temporary Work in Canada Discussions about obtaining a Canadian work permit. Permanent Work in Canada Discussions about obtaining a Canadian permanent resident visa.

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