Work in Canada

Work Permit (LMIA) for Canada

Work Permit

            To work in Canada there is a work permit that is needed for anyone who was not born within the country. There are two types of work permits, the open work permit and the employer specific work permit. These permits apply to all people who have immigrated to Canada either temporarily or permanently.

            Canada has a welcoming employment market with jobs available in many fields and opening for those who are qualified. International workers who have a permit are protected from prejudice and are able work for any employer that is not on the ineligible employers list. You receive the same pay rate as others with the same job and the same benefits packages for health care, dental care, and in some companies eye coverage as well.

            There are many industries across Canada who have jobs ready and available to any workers who are properly qualified with education, experience, and are prepared to work the hours needed. The workplace health and safety regulations protect all workers from dangerous working conditions and ensure that all workplaces meet minimum standards for safety and care of their employees. The workplace standards within Canada are often higher than many other countries requirements and they are taken seriously with consequences for those companies who do not apply. Wage requirements are enforced to maintain a rate of pay that allows workers to build a comfortable life and to more then just survive each month. All employees are allowed and encouraged to report workplaces that operate against the standards set to maintain the safety of all employees.

            Employees are encouraged to socialize, and many businesses have parties and celebrations for holidays as well as team building opportunities. Many companies offer added benefits such as work clothing allowances or coupons, bonuses for high job performance, and rewards for meeting goals. Religious holidays are protected under Canadian law and there are provincial and federal holidays that are either a day off or are paid at a higher rate for working on the holiday. All workers are considered equal and can qualify for all the promotions, experiences, and rewards evenly.

Open Work Permit

            To work at any employer who is not listed on the list of ineligible employers apply for an open work permit. The list of ineligible employers are those who have not properly complied with the requirements for hiring international employees, as well as those who provide erotic massages or dancing. Only certain situations qualify for this type of permit including international students eligible for the post graduation work permit program, destitute students, have an employer specific permit that has evolved into an unsafe situation, have applied for permanent residence, are a dependant upon someone who has applied for permanent residency, a spouse or partner of a skilled worker or international student, have refugee status, hold a temporary work permit, or other situation specific exceptions.

 

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Employer Specific Work Permit

            These permits are made for those who have a job offer from a specific employer, it includes the time period that you can work there and the location of the workplace. For this permit there is a portion of the application that needs to be completed by the employer before the application can be completed and provide the potential employee with a copy of their employment number or a Labour Market Impact assessment to accompany your application.

            After your application you will be required to supply fingerprints and a photo and await a decision before beginning work at a new job. Your application will be processed to ensure all information is present, that your proposed employment is within the requirements, and that you can and will follow all rules and regulations as well as the federal and provincial laws for where you will be living and working. It is important to maintain your visa and permit status, and to keep track of your employment number as it will be required on all applications and when new information is requested or submitted. There may be a process of interviews for you and potential employers based on the type of permit that you have replied for.

Requirements for Applicants

            There are requirements that each of the applicants must meet for their application to be considered. These include proving that you will leave Canada upon expiration of your work permit, the ability to support yourself and others in your immediate family during your stay, a clear criminal record that allows your admittance into Canada, have good health and agree to a medical exam if requested, and are able and willing to provide any other required documents. When applying from outside of Canada may require a valid travel visa to allow entrance to the country. When applying from within Canada there must be a valid work or study permit or a partner or spouse with a valid permit, be eligible for a post graduation work permit while your study permit is valid, hold a temporary resident permit, or are awaiting a decision on an application or refugee claim.

After Arrival on an Approved Permit

            Once you have been approved and prepared to leave for Canada, you will receive your permit and must prepare to enter Canada. You will have your identity confirmed and checked, including fingerprints as needed. You must have all necessary documents with you upon arrival and they must be currently valid. Your work permit will be printed and provided upon arrival and you will receive medical and health insurance from your employer, and information on workers compensation. You can apply for a social insurance number soon after your arrival so you can work in Canada, as well as have proper taxes tracked and you will qualify for government programs when your SIN has been received.

Pre-approved LMIA's for

  1. Information Technology (IT) Specialists
  2. Truck Drivers and logistics manager
  3. Engineers (especially in software, civil, and electrical engineering)
  4. Skilled Trades (Carpenters, Electricians, Welders)
  5. Teachers and Educators
  6. Financial Analysts and Accountants
  7. Construction Managers
  8. Human Resources Specialists
  9. Business Analysts
  10. Mining and Petroleum Engineers
  11. Restaurant supervisor, manager, Cooks and Chefs
  12. Hotel/motel manager and many more

Schedule your appointment today and kickstart your Canadian career!

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LMIA F.A.Q. ?

What is lMIA ?

A Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a crucial document in the Canadian immigration system. It is an assessment conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. Employers in Canada often require an approved LMIA to hire foreign workers for job positions where there are labor shortages. The LMIA evaluates factors such as job availability and the employer’s efforts to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Successfully obtaining an LMIA paves the way for foreign workers to apply for work permits and contribute to the Canadian workforce.

How to apply for LMIA ?​

To apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in Canada, employers must submit a detailed application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The application includes job information, recruitment efforts, and a commitment to hiring Canadian workers. A successful LMIA opens the path for hiring foreign workers in specific positions.

How long does it take to get LMIA? Processing time for Canadian work permit?

The processing time for obtaining a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in Canada can vary. On average, it may take several weeks to several months. The timeline depends on factors such as the type of LMIA application, the specific region or province, and the volume of applications being processed. After receiving a positive LMIA, foreign workers can then apply for a Canadian work permit, which typically takes a few weeks to process, but this also varies. It’s advisable to check the most up-to-date processing times on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to get an accurate estimate for your specific case.

Is it possible to change jobs with an existing LMIA?

In most cases, the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is tied to a specific job and employer. If you wish to change jobs in Canada while holding an existing LMIA, you would typically need to apply for a new LMIA for the new position. The reason for this is that the LMIA is intended to evaluate the need for a foreign worker in a specific role with a particular employer. Changing jobs without obtaining a new LMIA may result in legal and immigration compliance issues. It’s important to follow the proper procedures and consult with immigration authorities or a legal professional for guidance when considering a job change in such a situation.

Can a foreign worker apply for a work permit with a positive LMIA?

Absolutely, a foreign worker can apply for a Canadian work permit with a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA serves as crucial support for the work permit application, demonstrating that the employer has made efforts to hire locally but requires a foreign worker to fill a specific job position due to labor shortages. With a positive LMIA in hand, the worker can apply for a work permit, allowing them to legally work in Canada and contribute to the Canadian labor market. It’s a significant step in the process of securing employment in Canada as a foreign national.