Canada is a hub not only in terms of education, medical, or safety facilities but also in terms of providing jobs to foreigners/migrants.
Canada is one of the top-ranked countries to migrate to and that is the reason why the Canadian government is actively making strategies in devising and implementing work visas.
Applying for a Canadian Work Visa for Indians can be a cumbersome job but the right information and right plan at the right time can turn this complex problem into a simpler one.
If you want to work in Canada, you need to have a Canadian Work Permit from a recognized/authorized employer. The work permit must be applied along with the visa application so that the gazetted officer treats your application as a work permit.
Routes through which you can get a Canada work visa:
1. Temporary Work Permits (TWP) –
Temporary Work Visa is a union of a short-term Resident Visa and a Work Permit.
A temporary work visa allows a person to stay for or less than 6 months whereas a Work Visa allows you to work there.
The maximum period available including reapplying and extension to this visa is 4 years, afterwards, you will be sent to your home country. (Variations can be there according to the type of visa and country).
Eligibility to apply for Work Visas for Indians:
Specific requirements need to be followed to apply for Work Visa-
Obeying the law and having no record of unlawful/criminal activity (they may ask you for a police clearance certificate).
Prove that when your work visa expires, you are willing to leave Canada and return to your home county.
Mention your type of visa, whether it is open (work for any employer) or specific (work for a single employer only).
Prove you are not a threat to Canada’s security.
Prohibit working under an employer who deals in erotic services or strip teasing regularly (ineligible status).
Proof of funds to ensure you and your family stay in Canada.
Provide a gazette officer the asked documents as and when required.
How to apply for a Temporary Work Visa?
The standard process for applying for this type of visa is-
The foremost step is to check your eligibility.
Fill out the application along with desired documents and fee payment.
Complete the process of interview and biometrics (asked to give fingerprints and pictures) following Canadian rules.
The processing of your application will take a period of 2 weeks to 2 months.
Keep yourself updated by checking your account regularly to see if any notifications popped up or not.
If your visa is approved, mail your passport and required fees to the designated officer.
The authorities will mail back your documents along with pre-paid return envelope which you have to enclose in paperwork.
Who can apply for it?
Anyone interested to enter Canada to work to get employed there.
You will get your salary from a Canadian-established company/business and it will be deposited in a Canadian bank account only.
Who doesn’t need a Temporary Work Visa?
These are as-
Researchers working in Canada for 120 days only
Expert Investigators
Aviation inspectors
News reporters
Judges or similar workers
Military personnel
Business visitors
Foreign Government Representatives
Artists and Athletes etc.
Documents to be gathered:
The following documents are required-
A valid passport along with photos of you accompanied by family members.
Application for Work Permit Outside Canada(IMM 1295)
Application for Temporary Resident Visa(Schedule 1)
Family information (IMM 5645)
Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM5475)
Use of representative form (IMM 5476) etc.
Types of Temporary Work Visa- These are as:
Open Work Permit- This permit allows migrants to switch employers in Canada i.e. it is not employer-specific.
Post-Graduate Work Permit-It is issued to students who have completed education at Canadian Institutes and want to stay there more than work.
Temporary Foreign Workers Program- It is issued to foreign workers who already have a job offer from a Canadian company that has already obtained LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) from the government.
Working Holiday Visa– It is based on the random selection of young people from 30 countries who can work and travel in Canada.
2. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) –
LMIA is a document that is required by a Canadian Employer before hiring a foreign migrant.
A positive LMIA, also known as a Confirmation Letter shows that a foreign worker is required and no Canadian is available to do that respective job.
The process of LMIA is supervised by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Requirements for applying under LMIA: Indians need the following documents to apply for a work visa in Canada under LMIA-
Job Offer Letter
Contract
A copy of LMIA
LMIA Number
Application Requirements – LMIA applications are submitted to the Department of Service Canada Processing Centre.
Applications must include-
Attempt to Recruitment- Employers must submit proof that they have done enough efforts to employ Canadian citizens to fill the vacancy before the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Wage Payment- Applications must include differentiation between low and high-paid workers’ positions and ensure payment is made following Canadian rules.
Fees- All LMIA applications include non-refundable fees even if the result is negative.
Legal Business-The employer should have a legitimate Canadian business to apply for LMIA.
Insurance- Employers should ensure the safety of foreign nationals by providing them with insurance and health coverage at the business location.
Cases when LMIA is not required – These are called LMIA Exempt Work Permits and include-
International Agreements such as NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), CETA (Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement), Intra- Company Transfers, etc.
Certain Permanent Residents in Canada
Interests serving:
Economic or Social benefits to Canada
Charitable or religious work
Foreign migrant students who came to Canada to fulfill work requirements
Youth/Teacher Exchange Programs etc.
To sum up, Indians migrating to Canada can either go on an employer-specific visa or an open work permit. While you work in Canada, your spouse or dependent children may be able to work, study or live with you. Just keep yourself updated by checking the online IRCC Account. Working in Canada is beneficial as it provides safety, security, medical facilities, pension plans, and flexible working hours.
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