Introduction
Welcome to Canada! As a newcomer, you may be excited to find a job and begin earning income. It is important to understand what you need to legally work in Canada, where to search for job opportunities, what to consider in a work agreement, and more.
Who can work in Canada?
In addition to Canadian citizens, individuals with permanent resident (PR) status can work in Canada without needing a work permit. To obtain permanent residency, you can apply through various immigration programs for skilled workers, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). The Canadian government offers an online tool where you can determine your eligibility for these programs by completing a questionnaire.
There are additional options for foreign nationals (who are not permanent residents) to work in Canada. They can enter the country as tourists and then convert their tourist visa into a work permit. Another option is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which offers various streams. For instance, under the caregiver stream, temporary caregivers may apply for permanent residency once they fulfil certain eligibility criteria, such as a specific amount of work experience. This process requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from an employer. These programs aim to tackle Canada’s current labor shortage. Various provinces may provide additional immigration programs, so be sure to consult the provincial government in the area where you wish to work.
As an international student, you can work in Canada while studying if you meet specific criteria, such as being enrolled full-time in a designated learning institution (DLI) in a program that lasts at least six months and leads to a diploma, certificate, or degree. After finishing your program, you can apply for a post-graduate work permit to gain Canadian work experience. You can then use the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program to apply for permanent residency, allowing you to work long-term.
The International Experience Class enables young people to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. Some work permits are specific to an employer, while others are open.
In summary, there are multiple options for working in Canada. Some pathways are straightforward, like the federal and provincial immigration streams, which allow permanent residents to work in Canada immediately without needing a work permit. Other paths may require an initial work permit, which can be renewed until the worker qualifies to apply for permanent residency.
How to obtain Canadian work permit?
You need to apply for a work permit online, although some applicants, such as those with disabilities, may submit a paper application. Canada’s immigration department offers an online tool to help you determine whether you need a work permit and which type: an employer-specific work permit (which specifies your employer and duration) or an open work permit (which allows you to work for any employer but is available only in certain circumstances).
The duration of work permits varies based on the job offer or, for international students, the length of the study program. If you aim to achieve permanent resident status, you’ll need to continue renewing your work permit until you fulfil the necessary criteria (such as having one year of full-time work experience in Canada). To extend your permit, it’s advisable to do so at least 30 days before it expires.
What do I need to work in Canada?
Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents all require a social insurance number (SIN) to work in Canada. Once you obtain your SIN, it’s important to keep it private; even though it’s necessary for employment, you should not share it when applying for jobs or housing. Only give your SIN to an employer after you’ve been hired, as they will need it for income tax purposes.
