Do you have what it takes to immigrate to Canada and start a new life? Not only is Canada a spectacular country with breathtaking landscapes and endless activities to choose from, but it also welcomes foreigners looking for a unique experience or a better quality of life.
Canada also offers a wealth of job opportunities for a wide range of skills in the public and private sectors. According to SkilledWorker, a global recruitment agency for skilled professionals from around the world, Canada is currently short of 15 jobs. Jobs in the service sector, technology, healthcare, and various economic sectors are in high demand in Canada until 2022.
Immigrants are the backbone of Canada’s rapid economic recovery, as lost jobs were immediately filled by immigrants. It goes without saying that Canada is a highly developed country, which is why so many people are willing to immigrate to Canada in hopes of a better future for themselves and their families. It has recently been reported that the Canadian government is currently addressing the labor shortage in Canada.
Are you ready to start your journey and apply for a Canadian work visa? We’ll walk you through the steps to get you started.
The solution will be the implementation of Quebec’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program pilot program by December 31, 2023. The TFW program is currently admitting more skilled workers, although the upcoming introduction of Level C occupations from the NOC will come into effect on May 24, 2022. The addition of CNP level C occupations allows for greater flexibility in meeting staffing needs.
So, are you eligible for a Canadian work permit and wondering if your skills are in high demand in Canada?
Below are the best jobs in Canada for 2022, tagged with their specific NOC-C level jobs, which distinguish the different skill levels.
Best Job Opportunities in Canada For 2022
- Software Developer
- Marketing Manager
- Registered Nurse
- Delivery Truck Driver
- Customer Service Representative
- Welder
- Engineer
- Accountant
- Human Resources Manager
- Electrician
By now, you have now found your skills and are ready to find out what the next steps are for obtaining a Canadian work visa.
To obtain a Canadian work visa or work permit, individuals must provide proof of eligibility to immigrate to Canada. However, you cannot apply for a work permit until you have successfully obtained a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Step 1. Choose the Right Work Permit
In some cases, a work permit is not required to work in Canada. In this case, I will highlight the cases where a work permit is required to immigrate to Canada. First you need to decide which work permit is right for you. There are two main types of work permits:
(1) Employer-specific work permit: This type of work permit must correspond to the terms and conditions of employment, which contain the relevant information about the position.
*Tip: This work permit is more formal in that a foreigner must complete additional paperwork such as obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada. This document serves as authorization for the employer to hire a foreigner to fill the position. Although this step primarily applies to the employer, it is important to understand the process involved in applying for a Canadian work visa as a foreigner.
(2) Open Work Permit: This permit is a work permit that is not for a specific job. In fact, a foreign national can work for any Canadian employer as long as the employer follows the guidelines set forth by the Canadian government.
*Tip: If you qualify for an open work permit, you may not need an LMIA or proof of a job offer letter.
Step 2. Find Out if You are Eligible to Work in Canada
Depending on the country you are applying from, all applicants have certain requirements they must meet. If you are an international student or a foreign national planning a position in Canada, these are the requirements for all applicants:
- have proof that you intend to leave Canada after the time specified on your work permit;
- if you are an international student or the spouse or partner of a professional;
- have the opportunity to support yourself or a family member if they join you;
- provide a criminal record certificate showing that you do not have a criminal record;
- obey the law and refrain from criminal activity in Canada;
- pass a medical exam showing that you are in good health;
- Make sure you work only for Canadian employers who meet the guidelines (employers who are not involved in criminal activity or anything the Canadian government deems illegal or illegitimate for employers) and
- submit any other pending documents, such as an LMIA showing that you are authorized to enter the country.
Step 3. Apply for a Work Permit in Canada
Most applicants applying for a work permit in Canada must be fully vaccinated and exempt from COVID-9 restrictions. A good place to start would be with the Canadian government, where you must choose where to apply, either inside or outside the country. There will be certain documents online that you will need to read or submit and from there follow the instructions on the website.
Step 4. Post the application: What happens after you submit your work visa application?
If you are applying from outside of Canada, you will need to submit your biometric data, which consists of your fingerprints and a photo. Are there applications that do not require biometric data? Yes. According to the Canadian government, you do not have to provide your biometric information if:
- you are 17 years old or younger; 61 years or older or
- if you are someone who has already been approved for your Canadian visa.
Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process your application and verify the following information:
- the legitimacy of the Canadian employer and whether it has followed the employer’s policies established by the Canadian government;
- if you are entitled to a work permit, and
- if necessary, a medical examination must be submitted
Once the above information has been verified, you will receive an approval letter confirming that you are eligible to work in Canada. Do not confuse the approval letter with your work permit, as this letter must be presented by border officials at the port of entry. You will get your work permit at the border as soon as you arrive in Canada.
Step 5. Prepare for the day you arrive in Canada
It’s time for your arrival in Canada and you want to make sure all your documents are ready for the border agent. You should have the following important documents with you:
- passport
- work Visa
- Approval Decision,
- LMIA and
- any other outstanding documents showing that you are eligible to apply for a work permit and showing that your application has been accepted
Note: Your work permit will be printed after border guards check all your documents. It is important that you check your permit for errors before leaving the port of entry.
Step 6: What are the conditions of my work permit?
At this point, you have demonstrated your eligibility to apply for a work permit and have been approved by border authorities. You are now ready to start your new job in Canada, but before you do, you should consider the following:
- Make sure you understand and follow the terms of your work permit.
- Familiarize yourself with the Social Security Number (SIN), which gives you access to various government programs
- Make sure you understand Canada’s labor, contract and housing laws, which play a crucial role in making your stay enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take to Get a Work Permit in Canada 2022?
The wait time can be discouraging for foreigners wishing to immigrate to Canada. Different Canadian visas have different processing times depending on your skills or professional level. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes all the documents and it depends on the backlog of visa applications.
IRCC will improve its turnaround time in 2022 in hopes of reducing long delays. In the meantime, please be aware that certain factors may delay the processing of your visa application:
- Depends on the type of visa application
- The country you are applying from
- The accuracy of your request: for example, submitting all required documents
- Applicant Information Confirmation: If applications are already in the system and IRCC can process your application
- The applicant’s response time when tracked by IRCC
What is the Age Limit For a Work Visa in Canada?
Candidates in their thirties are usually at the peak of their careers and looking for career advancement. Canada’s Express Entry immigration system is based on a points system for those who want to immigrate to Canada for better financial gain. The aim of the point systems is to attract people between the ages of 18 and 30. This means you are more likely to be in demand in the Canadian labor market. Canada seeks to attract qualified young candidates who can add value to the Canadian economy.
According to the age of the candidate, the candidates are ranked according to their score. The candidate’s score is also known as the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, which can reach up to 110 points. In short, applicants wishing to immigrate to Canada should apply early to maximize their points, which could eventually result in an invitation to apply.
How Difficult is it To Obtain a Canadian Work Visa?
Applying for a Canadian work visa can be a lengthy process, but there are ways to speed things up. For your application to be recognized and successful, you must intend to work in Canada, as this will allow you to:
- A job offer letter
- A positive labor market impact assessment document or number
Tip: Both of the above documents require the endorsement of a Canadian employer who has made a job offer.
There are 3 easy ways to increase your chances of getting a work visa.
- receive employer support
- Do you have skills in demand?
- An LMIA may be required.
Wondering how to apply for a Canadian work visa without an LMIA? Don’t worry. There are ways around this problem through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which allows the foreign worker to apply without an LMIA.
