Seeking a rewarding employment post-study is an individual’s prime priority in this ever-evolving world. Advancing one’s career requires meticulous planning and searching for lucrative job opportunities in countries that have prospered in economic and technological aspects. Canada comes high in consideration among all these countries.
Canada, being a land of diverse cultures and mesmerizing landscapes also offers individuals with immense employment possibilities. With relaxed work policies for skilled workers, the country’s work visa approval is high. With over 700,000 job vacancies in the country as per the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey (JVWS) from Statistics Canada, people from across the globe gravitate towards landing a job here.
One big pull factor is the high average salaries offered to degree-holding individuals here, along with more paid leaves compared to other developed countries. All these factors and significant work hours per week make Canada an ideal destination for international applicants.
However, even after finding a job, people find it hard to obtain a work visa to enter and reside in the country. In this article, we will highlight the accurate process to obtain a Canadian work visa along with all particulars associated with this process.
What Are the Necessary Documents to Submit for a Canadian Work Visa?
The particular documentation needed for a work visa to Canada might differ based on the kind of visa the individual is seeking. But here are some standard documents that are frequently required to be attached to the visa application form and are described below.
- A valid passport that has a validity of 6 months beyond the intended period of stay of the individual.
- Proof of a valid student residence permit or visit visa.
- Offer letter from the firm that is hiring the applicant, which contains the position the person is filling and the duration of employment. The employer must obtain this from ESDC which allows the arrival of immigrants in Canada for employment purposes and allows their issuance of work permits.
- An employment contract is another requirement for a Canadian work visa.
- Certificate of language proficiency test, which can be IELTS or TOEFL, showing at least a B2 level of clearance per CEFR.
- Diplomas and transcripts of previous educational records from respective colleges and universities need to be provided.
- Proof of financial means to support the individual during his stay in Canada.
- A valid health insurance is required during the person’s stay in Canada.
How Long Is the Processing Time for a Canadian Work Visa?
Visa processing time depends on country-to-country. After paying the visa application fee, which is CAD 155 for temporary work permits and CAD 100 for Open work permits, the individual can analyze the processing time of the visa.
The processing times for various types of Canadian visas might vary. For instance, in 80% of circumstances, Express Entry typically approves applications within 6 months. On the other hand, other types of permits, such as Open Work Permits, might take from 3 to 6 months.
Additional factors that may affect processing timelines include the complex nature of the application, the individual’s unique circumstances, and any other requirements. One reason for delays is applications that are either missing papers or have inadequate information.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is the visa processing authority. During times of high demand or backlog, they may also cause delays in processing for all types of visas. To check the processing time of different visas, you can look through their official website here.
Steps on Applying for a Canadian Work Visa
Canadian work visa comes with many perks and gives the applicant the possibility to grow in a rewarding work environment. However, obtaining this visa can be tricky. To streamline this, we have created a step-by-step guide below for our readers.
Step 1. Apply for jobs and get an LMIA (if needed)
Before applying for a work visa, the majority of foreign workers are required to undergo a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A Letter of Market Impact (LMIA) demonstrates that the employment market in Canada will not be negatively affected by the hiring of foreign workers. This LMIA application is to be filled out by the individual’s prospective employer.
Choose the work visa you want to apply for. Your employment type and intended length of stay in Canada will determine the kind of work permit that is appropriate for you. The most popular work visa is the four-year temporary work visa.
Step 2. Collect supporting documentation
Depending on the kind of work permit you’re seeking, the necessary paperwork can include a filled-out application form, a passport, proof of education and credentials, financial support proof, medical reports, a police clearance certificate, and some other essentials.
The applicant must be below 45 years of age before applying for a Canadian work visa. Make sure you collect all these documents and consider your eligibility before applying for the work visa to ensure a smooth princess.
Step 3: Sign up for an account online
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website directs you to create an online account to apply for your work visa online. Your application for a work visa will be uploaded to this account.
Step 4. Register by paying the fee
The required application fee for a work visa must be paid. Usually, the IRCC website is where payments may be made online. The specifics of the work permit, among other things, could affect the total cost.
Step 5. Biometric Information
The next step is to provide biometrics If required. Providing biometric information is essential if your nation or territory has such a requirement. A picture and fingerprint will need to be taken at a certain place.
Step 6. Fill out the application form
Fill out the application and then upload it to your IRCC account. Be sure to include all necessary documentation, including your LMIA, employment offer, and any other necessary supporting paperwork. Submit the application within the time frame and then wait for the response. View the most up-to-date processing timeframes on the IRCC website. Be patient during this process, as visa approval can take some time.
What Are the Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada?
The job market is booming in Canada, with the requirement of highly skilled individuals to support the economy of the country. The country is offering over a million jobs to domestic and international individuals.
With a saturation of degree-holding experts in the field, the Canadian government came forward with many job opportunities. This is in efforts to diversify the population, support internationalization, and build their economic graph.
Software developers, accountants, engineering project managers, business analysts, licensed doctors, cybersecurity analysts, sales representatives, human resource professionals, customer service representatives, and many others are some of the top jobs that are high in demand within Canada.
Many tech giants and big corporations are offering these jobs to foreign applicants readily. This is a great opportunity for fresh graduates to people their careers forward.
Canada, being the world’s second-largest country by area, is brimming with possibilities for fresh graduates from modern universities globally. Its flexible work policies make it easier for applicants to apply for temporary or permanent work visas. If fulfilling all the requirements, the applicant can start working in a reputable Canadian firm in no time. We hope the article helped you understand all the details regarding how to get a Canada work visa effectively.
We hope that this article on getting a work visa in Canada was helpful! If you are interested in studying in North America, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Canada for International Students.
