Starting in 2023, visitors to Canada have the opportunity to convert their visitor visa into a work permit while staying within the country. This means they no longer need to exit Canada to obtain a work permit.
Foreign nationals who are currently in Canada on a visitor visa can now actively search for job opportunities, and if they receive a valid job offer, they are eligible to apply for a work permit. This new policy presents an excellent opportunity for future visitors as well.
The introduction of this temporary policy was prompted by the labour shortages faced by many employers in Canada during a period of economic expansion. To meet the demand for workers, Canada aims to bring in 500,000 immigrants by the year 2025.
As a part of this initiative, visitors with tourist visas can now secure work permits in Canada until February 28, 2025. For further information on the process of converting a Canada Visitor Visa into a Work Permit in 2023, additional details are provided below.
What is a visitor visa?
A visitor visa is a document that allows you to travel to Canada for a short period of time, usually up to six months. You can use a visitor visa to visit friends or family, sightsee, or attend a conference. However, you cannot work in Canada on a visitor visa.
What is a work permit?
A work permit is a document that allows you to work in Canada for a specific period of time. There are many different types of work permits, each with its own requirements. Some of the most common types of work permits include:
Open work permit: This type of work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
Temporary foreign worker permit: This type of work permit is for people who are coming to Canada to work in a specific occupation.
Student work permit: This type of work permit allows international students to work part-time while they are studying in Canada.
What are the benefits of working in Canada?
There are many benefits to working in Canada. Some of the most common benefits include:
High salaries: Canada has a strong economy and salaries are generally higher than in many other countries.
Affordable healthcare: Canada has a universal healthcare system, which means that you will have access to affordable healthcare if you are working in Canada.
A safe and welcoming country: Canada is a safe and welcoming country with a strong multicultural society.
What are the challenges of working in Canada?
There are also some challenges to working in Canada. Some of the most common challenges include:
The cost of living: The cost of living in Canada can be high, especially in major cities.
The language barrier: If you do not speak English or French, you may find it difficult to find a job in Canada.
The immigration process: The immigration process can be complex and time-consuming.
Eligibility requirements
There are a few general eligibility requirements that you must meet in order to convert your visitor visa to a work permit in Canada. These requirements include:
▪ You must have a valid visitor visa.
▪ You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
▪ The job offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt from the LMIA requirement.
▪ You must meet the language and education requirements for the type of work permit you are applying for.
In addition to the general eligibility requirements, there are also specific eligibility requirements for different types of work permits. For example, if you are applying for an open work permit, you must have a valid visitor visa and a job offer from a Canadian employer.
However, if you are applying for a temporary foreign worker permit, you must also meet the requirements for the specific occupation you are applying for.
You can find more information about the eligibility requirements for different types of work permits on the Canadian government website.
The application process
How to find a job in Canada
There are a few different ways to find a job in Canada. One way is to search online job boards. There are many different job boards that list jobs in Canada, such as Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder. You can also search for jobs on the websites of specific companies.
Another way to find a job in Canada is to network with people who are already living in Canada. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, or reach out to friends or family who live in Canada.
Finally, you can also contact a recruitment agency. Recruitment agencies can help you find a job in Canada that matches your skills and experience.
How to apply for a work permit
Once you have found a job in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit. You can apply for a work permit online or by mail. The application process can be complex, so I recommend that you consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant to help you through the process.
What documents are required to apply for a work permit?
The documents required to apply for a work permit vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. However, some of the most common documents required include:
▪ A valid visitor visa
▪ A job offer from a Canadian employer
▪ A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or proof that the job is exempt from the LMIA requirement
▪ A medical examination
▪ A police clearance certificate
▪ A passport
▪ Proof of education and/or work experience
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/visit-to-work.html
You can find more information about the documents required to apply for a work permit on the Canadian government website.
Tips for increasing your chances of success
How to make a strong application
Here are some tips for making a strong application for a work permit in Canada:
▪ Highlight your skills and experience. Your application should highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
▪ Proofread your application carefully. Make sure that your application is free of errors.
▪ Get someone else to review your application. Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to review your application and give you feedback.
How to prepare for your interview
Here are some tips for preparing for your interview for a work permit in Canada:
▪ Research the company and the position you are applying for. Be sure to research the company and the position you are applying for so that you can answer questions about them intelligently.
▪ Practice answering common interview questions. There are many common interview questions that you may be asked. Practice answering these questions so that you can give confident and clear answers.
▪ Dress professionally. First impressions matter, so dress professionally for your interview.
How to follow up after your application
Here are some tips for following up after you have applied for a work permit in Canada:
▪ Send a thank-you note to the interviewer. After your interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This will show your appreciation for their time and consideration.
▪ Check the status of your application. You can check the status of your application online or by calling the Canadian government.
▪ Be patient. The application process can take several months. Be patient and wait for the Canadian government to process your application.
NB: There are many online Job portals about jobs in Canada through the Working in Canada tool, labor market information, and job banks.