Canada work visa requirements in 2023: move from a resident to a citizen with our deep seater revelations
Many a people have been wondering how to get a visa to Canada. If you are one of them, then your worries are over. This article is a guide to getting a visa to Canada 2023.
We will also give you a double dose of adding you a guide which will also help you to move from a worker to becoming a citizen in Canada.
If you have been considering working in Canada, then you will need to obtain a Canada work visa.
Many get worried when it comes to getting a working visa to a foreign country. However, getting a working visa to Canada is not a difficult as it may think.
This is even simple especially when you are armed with the right knowledge and have a very well understanding of the process. With this two key parameters, then your quest to work or study in the North American country will be an easy task.
In this article,I will be discussing the different categories of work visas available in Canada as well as the application process. I will also include other important and vital information you will need to know in order to adequately equipped and prepare in getting a working visa to Canada.
Canada Work Visa requirement, 2023. How to Apply For a Working Permit
To relocate to Canada, you will require a work permit.
What is work permit?
“A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada on a temporary basis”.
Canada.ca has this to say about work permit in Canada.
“An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as. the name of the specific employer you can work for. how long you can work. the location where you can work”.
The following are the requirements one need to be eligible for a work permit:
- be a citizen or permanent resident of a country other than Canada;
- have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer;
- meet certain qualifications for the job;
- prove that you have enough money to support yourself and your dependents during your stay in Canada;
- obtain a medical exam from an IRCC-approved doctor;
- pass a criminal background check; and
- have valid travel documents such as a passport.
If your check list to these seven are positive, then you are on your way to beginning the application process. Your application for work permit can either be online or a paper application.
It is worthy to note that,the processing time for applications varies depending on the type of work permit and where you are applying from.
You also note that you may also be asked to supply them with additional information or documents at any point during the process. It is quite important to also keep track of your application that you can respond quickly to any requests from those processing the documents. Once the application process is complete and approved, you will receive your work permit.
Eligibility for Canada work permit
In order to be eligible for Canada work permit, you need to meet the following criteria. The requirements include you being a foreign national who is NOT “inadmissible to Canada, and having valid travel documents such as a passport, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, and meeting the minimum income requirement”.
Also read:
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To also qualify you for Canada work permit, then, you must have received a valid job offer from an employer in Canada. This job offer also need to meet the requirements of both the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) as well as the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Your valid job offer which which qualifies you for the work permit must also be from an employer who has been approved by “Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)”.
One of the eligible criteria for a work permit in Canada also including meeting certain income requirements. That is, you must have enough money in your account to support yourself and any family members who may be coming with you to Canada. This money is expected to fund your housing, food, clothing, transportation, medical expenses, and many more.
Lastly, you must NOT be inadmissible to Canada. This Inadmissibility criteria includes you not having a criminal record. It also being involvement in criminal activity, health problem that can put Canadians at risk.
If you ticked yes to these above listed, then you are ready to start the process of applying for a work permit in Canada.
Types of Canada Work Permits
There are several work permits in Canada. This part discusses the various work permits that are available
When applying for a work permit in Canada, there are several types of work permits available. These are as follows:
- Open Work Permits: “An open work permit is a general permit that allows you to work in any occupation and with any employer in Canada. It is the most common type of work permit and is typically valid for one year”.
2. Employer-Specific Work Permits: “This type of permit is restricted to the particular employer and the specific job for which you have been approved. It is usually valid for a shorter duration than an open work permit”.
3. Self-Employed People: “People who are self-employed may be eligible to apply for a work permit under certain conditions. If approved, they can work in Canada on their own account”.
4. International Experience Class (IEC): “The IEC program allows young people aged 18-35 from around the world to gain Canadian work experience. Those selected are eligible to apply for a work permit and live in Canada for up to two years”.
5. Working Holiday Visa: “The Working Holiday Visa allows young people aged 18-35 from some countries to live and work in Canada for up to one year. This visa is intended for those looking for temporary work, but not seeking to permanently immigrate to Canada”.
Irrespective of the type of work permit, one is applying for, it is very important to make sure that you meet the necessary eligibility criteria and you need to also ensure that the application is complete and accurate. A valid work permit will give you the permission which allows you to legally work in Canada, giving you the opportunity to learn about the Canadian workplace and culture, build new skills, and gain valuable experience.
Validity of Canadian work permit.
How valid, one’s work permit is dependent on the specific conditions imposed on it. This could include for example its duration, the employer, and even the type of work you are doing. It is very important that one check’s the expiration date of your work permit before you start working in Canada.
For instance,If you are applying for an open work permit, it usually has a maximum validity of three years. If on the other hand, you have a closed work permit, it will normally be valid for the period of time specified on your work permit. It is also worthy to note that in some cases, the validity of a work permit can be extended.
An example of such instances when a work permit can be extended is a student who has graduated from a Canadian college or university and hold a post-graduation work permit. That person can apply to have his work permit extended.
Similarly, if you have applied for permanent residence through one of the express entry streams, you can extend your current work permit until a decision is made on your application.
Another important issue to also consider is that, if your work permit expires and you do not apply for an extension, you must leave Canada. Once your work permit is expired, you are no longer allowed to stay in Canada or continue to work here.
How to apply for a Permanent Residence in Canada,2023.
Many are seeking to make Canada their permanent home. If you are one of them, then, you have come to the right place. I will be leading you to steps to becoming a citizen of Canada rather than being a resident.
If you want to make Canada your permanent home, then you have to apply for what is called a permanent residence.
What is permanent residence, you may ask?
Well,a permanent residence is “a form of immigration that provides an individual with legal authorization to live and work in Canada for an indefinite period of time”. You will be entitled to some benefits just like those born and bread in Canada.
This sounds interesting, is it not?
Firstly, for one to apply for permanent residence, he/she must be eligible for one of the available immigration programs.
Each of the many Canadian provinces has different criteria for permanent residency in them.
So you will need to determine which of the programs is best for you based on your qualifications as well as your goals.
Permanent residence application can be done at the comfort of your home through the online application or through a paper application. The one which seems faster and convenient is the online application process as it is less complicated as compared to the paper application.
One other requirements for the permanent residence application is the need for you to provide proof of your education, work experience, language ability, and other personal documents.
You will also be required to pay a processing fee and demonstrate your ability to support yourself financially.
Aside the above enumerated requirements, you will need to also pass a medical exam as well as complete an interview with immigration officials.
It is when all these are done and are through that you will be granted permanent residence status.
It worthy of note to know that if you already have a valid work permit, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residence without having to leave Canada.
This type of application is called an “inland” application. However, it must be emphasized that not all applicants are eligible for this option. You will also need to understand that it is very important for you to ensure that you meet all of the necessary requirements enumerated above, before submitting your application.
Once you go through these laborious, but necessary steps, you have become a permanent resident.
It comes with benefits like you being able to “live, work and study in Canada indefinitely and have access to government-funded health care, as well as other benefits”. You can also now be able to sponsor family members to come to Canada as permanent residents.
Applying For Canadian Citizenship
It is very important to distinguish between, a citizen of Canada and having a permanent residence. The two are not the same.
Our next part is on how to become a a Canadian citizen. This is even opened for those who have been living and working in Canada for a period of time . Here are some of the steps that you must take. First and foremost step is that you must obtain permanent residence status.
Obtaining a permanent residence status is a pr-requisite for applying for a Canadian citizenship.
It is when you get your permanent residence status, that you can now begin the processes towards attaining your Canadian citizen.
The application process is not cumbersome, but is like straightforward thing.
You will also be required submit other documents like a valid passport, proof of residence in Canada for a minimum of three years.
Other documents that will also be required include birth and marriage certificates.
There are other smaller requirements like passing a language test, as well as a knowledge test about Canada and its political system.
If you are through with your application processes and your application is approved, you may either be asked to attend an interview or “take part in a citizenship ceremony”.
If all these steps are completed and you are successful, you will be eligible to become a Canadian citizen and will be given your official Canadian citizenship certificate.
Though, the requirements are some what long, the fruits thereafter are rewarding and good to behold.
Being a Canadian citizen gives you other breath taking opportunities like the right to vote, travel freely, and benefit from all the rights and privileges.
