Applying for a Work Visa While Visiting Canada
If you are coming as a visitor to Canada, then you need a visitor or tourist visa. However, if you are looking to work in Canada, then a work visa is what you should get. It is also possible to enter as a visitor to Canada and then change your status to a work visa.
Ordinarily entering Canada as a visitor means that you cannot work and you are not allowed to take up any job vacancies except in special cases. The solution now is to convert your visitor or tourist visa to a work visa with a work permit.
The Documentation Required When Applying for a Work Permit in Canada
One of the most important things that you need to understand when applying for a work permit in Canada is that there are many different types of documents that you need to submit in order to process your application.
These include; a copy of your passport Proof of eligibility for working in Canada (recent employment contract or an offer letter from an employer), Proof of identity (either a valid passport or birth certificate), proof of residence (in case you are not Canadian), A detailed report from your previous employer detailing how much money you were paid and how long you were with the company.
You may be required to submit any one of these documents depending on the type of work permit you are applying for.
However, not all documents will be applicable to every type of work permit, which is why it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the different documents required by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) before you start your application.
For instance, if you are applying for a temporary work permit, then you may not need to submit any proof of eligibility or proof of residence. However, if you are applying for permanent residence in Canada, then you will need to submit these documents as part of your application.
There are also some exceptions to the rules regarding documentation requirements. If you are an Indian citizen and have lived in Canada for at least three years prior to submitting your application, then you do not need to submit any documentation as long as you can show that you have maintained legal status in Canada during this time.
However, this only applies to Indian citizens who have been living in Canada for at least three years prior to submitting their application. It does not apply to those who have only lived in Canada for less than three years, who must show legal status and good cause for entry into Canada before they can apply for a work permit.
These exceptions do not apply to those who are eligible for permanent residence under Canadian law. If you are eligible for permanent residence under Canadian law, then you will be required to provide proof of eligibility as part of your application.
Some other exceptions include being able to prove that you have enough money to support yourself while in Canada, or being able to prove that you have the right skills and knowledge for the job that you want to work in Canada.
It is important to understand the specific requirements that apply to your specific situation before applying for a work permit. This will ensure that you can successfully obtain a work permit in Canada and gain employment while here.
Steps on how to convert your visitor visa to a work visa in Canada include:
Step 1: Apply for a work permit through Express Entry Program:
To be eligible for the Express Entry Program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and additional factors such as Canadian connections. To qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must also submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the eligibility criteria of a minimum score of 60 points out of 100.
Once you receive an ITA, you can begin applying for your work permit through the application system.
Step 2: Once you have applied for a work permit, your employer must apply for an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
You must obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment before you can apply for a work permit.
Your LMIA will help ensure that Canadian workers will have access to available job opportunities in Canada.
To complete the LMIA application, your employer must provide proof that there are no Canadians who can fill the position you applied for.
Your employer must complete and submit the LMIA within 30 days of receiving your application.
After receiving your LMIA, your employer must send it to IRCC within three days. Your employer will then mail you a copy of the LMIA after IRCC has completed its review of your LMIA.
After receiving your LMIA, your employer must send it to IRCC within three days. Your employer will then mail you a copy of the LM IA after IRCC has completed its review of your LMIA.
If you do not receive your LMIA within 30 days, please contact IRCC by email or phone at 613-957-0075 or 1 -888-232-2322 (toll-free in Canada and the United States) or in writing at P.O. Box 9818, Case Postale 3146, Bureau d’immigration et de citoyenneté, L ‘Assomption, QC G4T 0A2.
The result of your LMIA will determine whether or not you can submit an application for a work permit to IRCC.
Can I look for a job in Canada with a tourist visa?
You may be able to find work if you are staying in Canada on a visitor visa or visitor record. If you wish to find work while in Canada, you will need to look for employment outside of Canada before you apply for a work permit.
Can I stay in Canada longer than six months on a visitor visa?
It is possible to extend your stay in Canada with a visitor visa if you need more time to get settled and make plans for your future. It is important to ensure that you meet the requirements of your current visa when you are considering extending your stay in Canada. You should contact the nearest Citizenship and Immigration Canada office if you are considering extending your stay in Canada.
How long do I have to wait for a work permit?
The time it takes to process your work permit application depends on several factors, including how many people are currently applying for work permits, how busy the office is, and how quickly your documents are processed. Your processing time may also depend on whether you have submitted any supporting documents.