Canada Work Permit FAQ > The Job Offer

1. Who can make a job offer?

 

A job offer is made by an employer that requires the services of a foreign individual in Canada. The most common situation, perhaps, is for the offer to be made by a Canadian company seeking to engage a foreign worker on a full-time basis as a direct employee. However, alternate situations may exist which may mean that the offer is issued under other circumstances. Examples may include:

 

- an offer made by a foreign employer seeking the employment of an individual at the location of a Canadian client site;
- an offer made by a foreign company seeking to transfer an existing employee to a new Canadian division;
- A request by a Canadian company to enlist the services of the employee of a foreign company through a contract for services.

 

2. What should be contained in the job offer?

 

The job offer should contain the details of the position being offered, including: the title of the position being sought in Canada; the responsibilities associated with that position; remuneration for employment; the duration of the position; and the location of employment.

 

Depending on the specific category of the work permit application, additional details or supporting documentation may have to be included.

 

3. Can I seek a work permit without a job offer?

 

The answer is almost always no. Although it may not take the form of a typical job offer, there must be a specific position of employment or business interest being pursued in Canada. It is not possible to seek a work permit for the purpose of seeking employment in Canada. If you do not have a job offer, then you may wish to consider immigration to Canada as a permanent resident in a different category.

 

Exceptions to this rule include Youth Program work permits such as the Student Work Away Program or Student Work Holiday Program. Examples of organizations operating such programs include BUNAC and IEC. In some cases, spouses of foreign workers in high skill positions may also be able to obtain a work permit without a job offer (open work permit).

 

Next > Job Offer Confirmation