JOB SEEKERS FAQ
The type of visa or permit you need to enter Canada depends on various factors, including your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and how long you plan to stay. Here are some common types of visas and permits for entering Canada:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV): If you are from a visa-required country, you may need a Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings. The TRV allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., the United States, European Union countries) may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Visitor Visa to enter Canada by air. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for multiple short visits over five years or until your passport expires.
Study Permit: If you plan to study at a Canadian educational institution for a program longer than six months, you will need a Study Permit. This permit allows you to stay in Canada temporarily as a student.
Work Permit: If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may need a Work Permit to work legally in Canada. There are different types of work permits, including those based on employer-specific job offers, open work permits (not tied to a specific employer), and permits under international agreements (e.g., NAFTA, CETA).
Permanent Resident Visa: If you intend to immigrate to Canada permanently, you will need to apply for permanent residency through one of the immigration programs managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These programs include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, and refugee resettlement.
Transit Visa: If you are transiting through Canada on your way to another country and your layover is longer than 48 hours, you may need a Transit Visa, even if you do not plan to leave the airport.
In general, you need to apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a Canadian visa before you come to Canada. For these work permits:
You need to get a job offer from a Canadian employer before you apply.
The employer must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Upgrade Your Skills: Identify the skills and qualifications that are in demand in your field or industry in Canada. Consider enrolling in courses, workshops, or certification programs to upgrade your skills and stay current with industry trends.
Obtain Canadian Credentials: If your education, certifications, or licenses are not recognized in Canada, consider obtaining Canadian credentials or equivalents. This may involve getting your credentials assessed and recognized by Canadian regulatory bodies or professional associations.
Gain Canadian Work Experience: Canadian work experience is highly valued by employers in Canada. Consider gaining Canadian work experience through internships, co-op programs, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to your field.
Network Professionally: Networking is essential for finding job opportunities and building professional relationships in Canada. Attend industry events, job fairs, and networking meetings to connect with professionals in your field, learn about job openings, and expand your network.
Enhance Your Language Skills: Strong communication skills, including proficiency in English or French, are important for success in the Canadian job market. If English or French is not your first language, consider improving your language skills through language courses, language exchanges, or language immersion programs.
Yes, you can use your foreign work experience to immigrate to Canada through various immigration programs that recognize and value international work experience. For example, Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
The main difference between an open work permit and a closed work permit lies in the flexibility and restrictions regarding employment. An open work permit allows the holder to work for any employer, while a closed work permit restricts the holder to work only for the specific employer named on the permit. The eligibility criteria and application process also differ between the two types of permits.
