Eligibility

Applying from outside Canada

For overseas national, who intend to obtain Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa, must have a valid employment offer letter from Canadian employer. The Canada work permit applicant must get a positive Labour Market Opinion (LMO) from Service Canada. If their occupation is exempted from LMO process, they do not need to provide any letter. The Labour Market Opinion should confirm that the employer is authorized to employ a foreign professional.

Other eligibility for Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa:

• Applicants should demonstrate that they would leave Canada at the end of the employment period.
• Canada work permit applicant needs to prove that that they have sufficient financial funds to support themselves as well as their dependents/spouses
• Canada work visa applicant should not have any criminal or felony records
• Canada work visa applicant has to demonstrate that they are not a risk to Canada’s security
• Canada work visa applicant should meet the health requirements specified by Canadian immigration department
• Canada work visa applicant should be able to submit any additional documents required by the embassy

Applying from inside Canada

Visa applicant for Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa who are applying within Canada need to meet the following criteria:

• You should have a valid and authenticate study or Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa or your spouse or parents should have a study or Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa
• You already have a Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa for one job. This should be the application for another Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa for a different job or another position in the same company
• You have a temporary resident permit valid for 6 months or more
• The Canada work permit/Canada Work visa applicant needs to have an job offer letter from a Canadian employer and obtain a positive LMO, unless your occupation is exempted
• Canadian Work Visa applicant also needs to prove their financial ability and that they can support themselves and their family
• Canada work visa applicant should meet the health requirements specified by Canadian immigration department
• Canada work visa applicant should not have any criminal or felony records

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)

The HRSDC assesses and evaluates the impact of employing an overseas professional for a specific position and ensures that the job offer is genuine and it will not affect adversely the Canadian job market.

Overseas workers intending to get a Canada Work Permit first need to apply for a Canada work visa from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, on obtaining a confirmation from the HRSDC. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the candidate holds necessary permits and documents and he/she complies with the conditions and limitations.

Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa Exemptions

A few temporary jobs do not need a Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa. A temporary resident visa will allow you to move to Canada for these jobs.

The following categories are exempted from Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa:

Business visitors

Foreigners who would engage in international business do not require a Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa. They are not allowed to directly enter the Canadian labour market. Their main place of business and source of payment should be outside Canada.

Foreign diplomats and representatives

Diplomats and official representatives of foreign countries or the United Nations can engage in work in Canada without a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa.

Staff and Family members of Foreign Representatives are also entitled to work without a Canadian Work Visa or Canada Work Permit on submission of a "no objection letter" from the Department of Foreign affairs and International Trade.

Military personnel

People working with the military do not require a Canadian Work Permit or Canada Work Visa, provided they have movement orders stating that they are moving into Canada under the regulations of the Visiting Forces Act.

Foreign government officers

If the foreign government officer submits an official letter of agreement from their country stating that their period of work is no longer than three months, they will be allowed to work without a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa. Government officials can work in government departments under the foreign exchange agreement scheme.

Students working on Campus

Canadian government under certain circumstances allows overseas student to work in Canada without a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa inside the campus of the institution where they are studying.

Performing artists

Artists who enter Canada can work without a Canadian work visa or Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa if only it is for limited period of time. The work strictly should not be in bars or restaurants or for any TV, motion picture or radio broadcast.

Foreign teams, athletes and coaches

They can compete and take part in competition in Canada without a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa

Foreign news reporter

Abroad reporters working for newspapers, television channels, news agencies or companies involved in reporting news events can work in Canada without a Canadian Work Permit or Canada Work Visa.

Public speakers

Public speakers can stay in Canada for not more than 5 days.

Organizers

International meeting or convention organizer and administrative staff do not need a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa, only if the meeting or event is in Canada.

Clergy

Religious workers or clergy can enter Canada to perform religious duties or can assist a religious group without a Canada Work Visa or Canada Work Permit.

Health-care students

Health care students can work in Canada for 4 months without a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa. The work should be for training purposes only.

Foreign members of crews

If you are working on foreign vehicles, you do not require a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa. The vehicle should be in Canada for international transportation of cargo or passengers.

Besides this list foreign nationals who are emergency service providers, investigators, examiners, expert witnesses and evaluators, judges and referees are permitted to work in Canada without holding a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa.

Temporary Resident Visa Exemptions

Temporary visas are not required for following to reside in Canada

• Nationals of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Republic of Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa
• Legally valid permanent residents of Canada and Canadians who hold their alien registration card or who can provide other evidence of PR
• Nationals of British and British Overseas who are permitted to re enter United Kingdom.
• Citizens of British dependent territories who gain their nationality through birth, descent, registration or naturalization
• The persons born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong and holding British National (Overseas) Passport issued by the Government of the UK
• People who hold Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
• People with passports or travel documents issued by the Holy See.

Extension of Canada Work Permit, Canada Work Visa

Applications for visa date extension of the Canada Work Permit/ Canada Work Visa is accepted only for the below circumstances.

• A change of condition of the Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa needs to be applied if employment period is extended. The change application should be submitted before the current permission expires
• Canada Work Permit applicant should have got a new job
• Only skilled worker category allows you to work and stay in Canada permanently
• If the applicant intends to re-enter Canada after expiry date of Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa, he/she has to hold a valid passport or travel document or a new Canadian Work Permit or Canada Work Visa.

Benefits

Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa are temporary visas and are not based on points system. The applicant is not required to satisfy any kind of eligibility criteria to obtain this visa and work in Canada.

Overseas professionals are eligible for the following benefits offered by employment insurance as Canadian permanent residents
 

• Regular benefits
• Sickness benefits
• Maternity benefits
• Parental benefits
• Compassionate care benefits

Dependents

Dependents of Canadian work visa holders are allowed to come along with the applicant, if they have applied along with the main applicant. If not, they need to file their application separately.

Spouse, common law partner, and children are known as dependents. They can enter Canada to stay here along with the main applicant. But if they are willing to work, they need to have a valid Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa

Applicants from a country whose nationals need a Temporary Resident Visa, usually known as a visitor visa, would also be required to apply for a visa application.

Special Conditions

Few occupations do not require a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa. These professions have their own eligibility requirements and get approval for Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa in a shorter time.

Sectors included are:

• Information Technology
• Live-in-caregivers
• Business People
• Academics
• Seasonal Agriculture
• Film and Entertainment
• Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training

Information Technology Worker Visa

Recruiting overseas information technology specialists helps the employer to bring skills and knowledge to their company as well as Canada. Canada has simplified the entry process for IT workers as their skills are in high demand. CIC fast-tracks the visa process of these workers. Information Technology Worker Visa does not require a HRSDC approval or a Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa. This allows the workers to come to Canada in a very short time.

Software Human Resource Council also has developed an organized and well facilitated process for hiring foreign IT specialists in high demand professions.

Eligibility:

• Qualified applicants need to meet certain requirements in terms of education and work experience in order to qualify for the IT worker visa. 
• Applicants need to submit evidence of relevant and sufficient job experience in the specified IT industries and specified products or technologies.
• He/she should be able to communicate in English or French.
• A valid genuine employment offer letter from a Canadian employer
   

Applicants can apply for an employment authorisation (EA) or work visa directly from CIC at a CIC Mission abroad or at a Port of Entry. Temporary employment authorization letter is issued by a Canadian immigration officer. This letter enables the holder to work and reside in Canada for a specified employer and for a specified period of time.

Applicants of the following occupations do not require a HRSDC approval, provided they are citizens of US and Mexico

• Computer Systems Analysts with a Bachelor's degree, or a post-secondary degree, or a post-secondary diploma and 3 years of work experience
• Engineers with a Bachelor's degree or state/provincial license
• Graphic Designers with a Bachelor's degree, or a post-secondary diploma, or a post-secondary certificate and 3 year of work experience

Features of IT Workers Visa:

• You will be allowed to reside and work in Canada for a span of 6 months to 2 years.
• Your spouse and children may be eligible to work and study during your stay (subjected to certain conditions).
• Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa is extendable for these workers if they wish or need to continue working in Canada
• IT worker visa can be converted to a permanent residence visa
• You can work and stay in Canada while you are submitting your permanent residence application
   

Overseas professionals who intend to work in Quebec must obtain a Québec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) in order to apply under fast-tracked processing.

Live-in Caregiver Program

Live-in caregivers are personnel who are qualified to offer care for children, elderly person or to persons with disabilities in private homes without any supervision. These individuals are required to stay in the private homes where they work in Canada.

This visa allows live-in caregivers to work and live in Canada for at least 2 years and if eligible can apply for Canadian PR.

Eligibility Criteria - Employer

• The employer must apply to HRSDC for a positive confirmation on the job offer. The positive labour market opinion (LMO) from the HRSDC/Service Canada centre will include information on acceptable wage standards, taxes, health insurance, workers’ compensation and employer responsibility.

• Make a job offer to the employee that has primary care giving duties for a child or an elderly or disabled person

An employer can recruit a foreign worker as live in- care giver only if he/she agrees to following conditions:

• Employer has sufficient income to pay a live-in caregiver

• Employer needs to provide acceptable accommodation in a private home

• Employer should give the caregiver a private and furnished room within their home

• Life care giver needs to be employed on a full-time basis

• Life care giver should meet the requirements set by CIC to function in the Canadian labour market

Eligibility Criteria – Employee

• Job confirmation letter from a Canadian employer –reviewed and approved by HRSDC and should meet provincial labor standards.

• Written contract with your future employer needs to be signed. Contract will include details of job duties, suggested pay, working conditions and legal responsibilities of the employer.

• Your education should be completed and at par with Canadian secondary school

• You need to give evidence that you had at least 6 months of training, or at least 1 year of full-time experience (including 6 months with one employer) during the past 3 years

• Good knowledge of English or French

• You need to obtain a Canada Work Permit, Canada Work Visa before you enter Canada

Extending the stay

Live-in care giver is permitted to stay for a period of 3 years and 3 months. The applicant should get his/her Canada Work Permit renewed before it expires. Applicant will be eligible to apply for Canada permanent residency or PR in Canada, once the applicant completed 2 years of his service in Canada.

Applicant is allowed to change the employer on personal grounds. The new employer who is recruiting the care giver should get positive conformation from HRSDC before they recruit.

With 2 years of Canadian work experience, live in caregivers can apply for an open Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa that will allow them to work with any employer.

Features of Live-in Caregiver visa

• This renewable visa can be renewed after the applicants have lived and worked in Canada for on1year

• Overseas live-in caregivers can change employers during their stay in Canada

• With minimum 2 years of Canadian work experience, caregivers can apply for open Canada Work Permit/Canada Work Visa allowing them to work for any employer

• Open Canada Work Permit can be converted to a permanent residence visa

• Spouse and dependent children can be included in the Canadian PR visa application.

Academics

To meet the staffing and teaching needs of Canada and to attract new knowledge and expertise to Canadian campuses, CIC has exempted overseas academics from the requirement of HRSDC confirmation or any need of Canada Work Permit and Canada Work Visa. This will benefit the degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in Canada.

Academics exempted are:

• Academic consultants and examiners
• Graduate assistants
• Self-funded researchers

Academics that require a Canadian Work Permit/Canada Work Visa but not the approval of HRSDC are:

• Post-doctoral fellows
• Research award recipients
• Eminent individuals in various fields
• Guest lecturers
• Visiting professors
• Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico appointed as professors under the university, college and seminary levels of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA);
• Citizens of Chile appointed as professors under the Canada Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA)

Criteria for Academics

Canadian educational institutions need to follow the below mentioned criteria before recruiting any foreign academics

• They need to advertise the vacant job position in Canada as well as abroad simultaneously for reasonable length of time (minimum of 1 month), in order to allow broad exposure of the vacancy to Canadian citizens and PR
• Institution should hire an effective medium of advertising to attract appropriate candidates for the position
• Advertisement should include a statement stating that: "All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.”
• Canadian educational institution should complete the Foreign Academic Recruitment Summary
• Canadian educational institution should prepare an annual summarized report on recruitment practices for Canadian academics and its results.

Visa Fee

Visa fee: $150/person

Disclaimer: Visa fees are subjected to change without prior notice

Fees, Costs & Refund Policy

Opulentus offers best services and has highly competitive and the best service fees. Our state-of-the-art Processing Centre processes over 5000 active cases from across the world at any given time. Opulentus offers best service in documentation and our processes are standard & process consultants are the best in the world.

Our service charges are standard and same across all our offices. We guarantee that you will be quoted a nominal and affordable price for the high class service we offer. Prices are determined by the company & are fixed for all clients, offices & cases without any discrepancies. Be assured of paying the right and best price – at par with all our 10000+ clients around the world.

OPULENTUS Duties

Opulentus offers advice and guidance for best possible documentation. We assist and guide you at each step till you get your visa.

• Expert advice on complete process stage wise
• Visa documentation*
• Provide you the document checklist stage-wise and assisting you with the requisites and the alternatives upon receiving the signed service agreement copy
• Provide documents samples and assist you with inputs wherever necessary
• Corresponding with the department, on your behalf, if required
• Post landing, traveling and settling assistance

Post Landing & Resettlement Services

Once the client receives his/her Canada Work Permit or Canada Work Visa to go to Canada for work, Opulentus offers services for smooth travel and stay.

• Relocation orientation
• Job search assistance ( additional cost)
• Accommodation and travel assistance
• Pick up at Airport – extra charges
• Information on various Indian communities
• Tips on how to settle and socialize with local crowd

Country Profile

Most of the foreign professionals consider Canada as their preferred destination to work due to the high salary and competitive work environment.

Factors influencing numerous overseas professionals to move to Canada are:

• Excellent and very competitive working conditions
• Exquisite and international lifestyle
• Secure and safe environment
• World class health care system and facilities