Canada is a top choice for many foreign nationals seeking employment opportunities, thanks to its strong and diverse economy, high standard of workplace safety, competitive wages, and ample chances for professional growth.
Additionally, working in Canada can be a great first step for those looking to eventually immigrate to the country permanently.
It’s important to note that anyone looking to work in Canada needs to obtain the proper authorization first. Working without the correct authorization can have significant consequences on future immigration applications.
There are several options available for those looking to immigrate to Canada as temporary or permanent workers. From the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to the International Mobility Program to Provincial Nominee Programs, there are many ways to obtain authorization to work in Canada. Each program has its own specific eligibility requirements and application processes, so it’s important to research and determine which program is best suited for your unique situation.
1. Open Spouse Work Permit:
An open spouse work permit is a type of work permit that allows the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign worker in Canada to work in the country as well. This work permit is not tied to a specific employer and allows the spouse or partner to seek employment in any occupation, location, or industry.
The open spouse work permit is available to spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers who hold a valid work permit in Canada, or who have been approved for a work permit but have not yet received it.
The open spouse work permit is issued for the same duration as the foreign worker’s work permit and can be renewed as long as the foreign worker remains employed in Canada. In addition to the open spouse work permit, the Canadian government also offers other types of spousal work permits, including employer-specific work permits and study permits that allow the spouse or partner to attend school in Canada.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for an Open Spouse Work Permit, the foreign worker must have a valid work permit and be employed in a skilled position, as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Additionally, the foreign worker’s employer must have obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), indicating that there are no Canadian citizens or permanent residents available to fill the position.
Once the foreign worker’s spouse is in Canada, they can apply for an Open Spouse Work Permit either at the same time as the foreign worker’s work permit application or at a later date. The work permit is usually issued for the same duration as the foreign worker’s work permit.
Having an Open Spouse Work Permit can be a valuable asset for spouses or common-law partners of foreign workers in Canada, as it allows them to continue their careers and contribute to the Canadian economy. It can also provide them with valuable Canadian work experience, which can help them to obtain permanent residency or citizenship in the future.
2. LMIA-Based Work Permit:
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before they can hire a foreign worker to fill a job vacancy.
- A positive LMIA indicates that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill a specific position and that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to fill the position.
- If an employer receives a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to work in Canada.
- The work permit will be issued for a specific duration, usually corresponding to the length of the job offer.
- To apply for a work permit based on an LMIA, the foreign worker must provide evidence of the positive LMIA, along with other supporting documents, such as a job offer letter, a copy of their passport, and proof of their qualifications or education.
- The foreign worker must also meet other eligibility criteria, such as demonstrating that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada and that they plan to leave Canada when their work permit expires.
3.LMIA Exempt Work Permit:
Certain foreign workers are exempt from the requirement to obtain an LMIA. This is known as an LMIA Exempt Work Permit. An LMIA Exempt Work Permit allows foreign workers to work in Canada without requiring their employer to obtain an LMIA.
There are several categories of workers who may be eligible for an LMIA Exempt Work Permit, including:
- International agreements: Workers who come to Canada through international agreements, such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), CETA (Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement), and GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services).
- Post-graduation work permits: International students who have graduated from a Canadian educational institution may be eligible for an LMIA Exempt Work Permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
- Intra-company transferees: Employees of a foreign company who are being transferred to a Canadian branch may be eligible for an LMIA Exempt Work Permit.
- Open work permits Workers who are not tied to a specific employer and can work for any employer in Canada. Examples include spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as refugee claimants and some international students.
It’s important to note that while an LMIA Exempt Work Permit does not require an employer to obtain an LMIA, it does not necessarily mean that the foreign worker is exempt from other requirements, such as obtaining a work permit or meeting certain qualifications or certifications.
4.Owner Operator LMIA:
The Owner-Operator LMIA program is designed to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to invest in Canada by setting up a business and creating jobs for Canadians. It allows foreign nationals who own and operate a business in Canada to obtain a work permit to manage their business.
- Under this program, the foreign national must first establish a business in Canada and provide evidence of full ownership of the business.
- They must also demonstrate their ability to make significant investments in the business and create employment opportunities for Canadians.
- Once the business is established, the owner can apply for a work permit under the Owner Operator LMIA program. The employer is not required to obtain a traditional LMIA, as they are considered to be self-employed. However, they will need to provide evidence that they have the necessary skills, experience, and financial resources to manage the business successfully.
- The owner must also demonstrate that the business will have a significant impact on the Canadian labor market, such as creating new job opportunities, increasing exports, or developing new technologies.
- If approved, the owner will receive a work permit allowing them to work in Canada and manage their business. The permit is generally valid for one to two years and can be renewed, provided the business continues to meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
The Owner-Operator LMIA program is a popular option for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start a business in Canada and obtain a work permit. It provides a streamlined process for obtaining a work permit and allows entrepreneurs to contribute to the Canadian economy by creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
Point Calculators:
CRS Calculator:
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to evaluate and rank candidates for the Express Entry program. The CRS calculator is an online tool that allows prospective applicants to determine their CRS score before applying to the Express Entry program.
The CRS calculator takes into account various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English and French, and other factors that can contribute to the success of the applicant in Canada. For each factor, a certain number of points are assigned, and the total score is then calculated.
The maximum CRS score is 1,200, and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. The minimum CRS score required for an invitation to apply (ITA) varies depending on the number of applicants and the government’s immigration targets for the year.
Canada 67 Point Calculator:
The Canada 67 Point Calculator is used to determine an individual’s eligibility for immigration to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The FSWP is a program designed for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada permanently and become economically established in the country.
To be eligible for the FSWP, an individual must score a minimum of 67 points on the Canada 67-Point Calculator. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and adaptability.
Once an individual has completed the Canada 67 Point Calculator, they will receive a score out of 100, and if they meet the minimum score of 67 points, they may be eligible to apply for the FSWP.