1. Who can apply for a Canadian work permit?

With few exceptions, work permits are sought by those who have work arranged in Canada. This can include an offer of direct employment with a Canadian employer, contract employment in Canada, or some business activities in Canada. Such work must be described and documented in an application for a work permit.

In limited circumstances, some candidates can seek work permits without arranged work in Canada. Such circumstances are generally limited to youth mobility programs or some situations of a spouse/partner accompanying a foreigh worker or student to Canada.

2. Where should I apply for a Canadian work permit?

As a general rule, an application for a work permit is submitted to a Canadian visa office abroad if an individual requires a visitor visa in order to appear at a Canadian port of entry.

If the individual does not require such a visitor visa, then it may be possible to submit the application at a Canadian port of entry (i.e., an airport or border crossing). However, it is important to note that certain types of applications must be processed at a Canadian visa office, even in this latter case.

3. Can I apply while I am inside Canada as a visitor?

It is possible to submit an application while in Canada with valid visitor status. However, such an application will generally need to be submitted to a location outside of Canada such as a visa office abroad or a Canadian port of entry (see above). In such a case, the candidate may need to travel outside Canada to attend an interview, if requested, and will need to be present at a port of enty to convertany approval to the actual work permit.

4. What documents should I submit in support of the case?

Commonly, evidence of the purpose of employment in Canada (i.e., a job offer); statutory documents such as passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate; and evidence of professional and academic credentials are required to accompany an application. However, depending on the specific nature of the application, there is a wide range of additional documentation which may be required in support of an application.

5. How long will it take?

The process of obtaining a Canadian work permit varies in duration, depending on the the nature of the qualifications of the applicant, the nature of the job offer, the nationality and residence of the applicant, and the province of the applicant's destination.

Canadian work permit processing delays can range from a matter of hours to 8 weeks, on average, depending on the above factors. If HRSDC Confirmation of the job offer is a requirement, then an additional delay of 45 days to several months may be incurred while this process concludes.

6. Can I start work in Canda before I get the permit?

No, you cannot engage in work in Canada until the work permit is received. You may be able to engage in activities that are covered under the provisions of a business visitor visa during this time, however.

7. Will I need a medical examination?

Applicants who have been resident in a designated country within the past 12 months, and who are seeking a work permit for a period of six months or greater, are required to undergo medical examinations with a designated medical practitioner. The typical delay associated with the processing of these tests is two to four weeks.

Those who will be engaged in work directly with the Canadian public (i.e., a nurse or teacher) would generally be required to undergo medical examinations irrespective of the above.

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