Canadian Work Visas

Canada has many great temporary work opportunities for foreign workers. Thousands of people apply for the Canada Work Permit for a variety of jobs, but not all the applicants have the right tools for success.

In particular, applications need to be filled out properly. If any details are missing or incorrect, the immigration case could be delayed or denied.

To avoid this, it is recommended for applicants to hire an immigration attorney to help prepare the application package.

Niren & Associates has more than 30 years combined experience in assisting foreign workers to come to Canada. With our extensive knowledge in all Canadian immigration matters, we know exactly what is needed for an application to be approved.

Contact our Montreal immigration lawyers for help with your work permit application

Thank you for assisting me with my Temporary Work Visa. I could not have done it without your law firm. Thank you so much for being helpful in this process. – Bea L.

Why You Need a Work Visa

A Canada Work Visa or Canada Work Permit is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreigner to legally work in Canada for a temporary period of time.

How to Get a Work Visa or Work Permit

Generally, the process for obtaining a Work Visa or Work Permit takes place in two stages:

Step 1.

Get a A Labour Market Opinion (LMO) letter from Service Canada

The prospective Canadian employer applies for approval of the Canadian job offer to the foreign worker.

Service Canada will issue the LMO approval or confirmation if they are satisfied that there are no Canadian citizens or Canadian permanent residents who are qualified for and willing to fill the position offered by a foreign worker OR that the foreign worker will train Canadians during his or her employment in Canada.

Typically, the prospective employer must demonstrate to Service Canada that it has made efforts to recruit a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident for the position but had not been successful in finding a suitable Canadian candidate. The Canadian employer will often be required to advertise for the position offered to the foreign worker.

If Service Canada is satisfied that the prospective employer has made best efforts to hire a local worker, they will “Confirm” the offer of employment to the foreign worker and issue and LMO letter.

Step 2.

Application for Canadian Work Visa

Once the LMO has been issued by Service Canada, the foreign worker will be invited to apply for a Canadian Work Visa or Canadian Work Permit at a Canadian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission outside of Canada.

In some cases, the foreign worker will be required to attend at an interview with a visa officer. If the visa officer is satisfied that the foreign worker’s employment will not adversely effect employment in Canada for Canadians, and that the foreign worker qualifies for the position, then a Canada Work Permit will be issued.

Note: In some cases, applicants from certain countries will be required to undergo medical examinations.

LMO Exemptions

Some people would not need an LMO in order to get a Canada Work Visa. There are specific occupations which do not require an LMO from Service Canada. These occupations are:

• Certain computer professionals who qualify under the Software Development Workers Pilot Project (SDWPP)
• Foreign Students holding a Canadian Study Permit
• Citizens of the United States whose occupations fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This category is for US Citizens and Mexican Citizens.
• Spouses of Highly Skilled Workers who qualify under the Spousal Pilot Project

Work Visa Exemptions

Not all foreigners require a Canada Work Visa. The following individuals are exempt (subject to certain conditions):

• Foreign Diplomats
• Military Personnel
• Clergy
• Performing Artists (under certain circumstances)
• Athletes
• Artists

NOTE: For Applicants designed for Quebec, they will need to apply for a CSQ. 

Working Temporarily in Canada Helps Your Permanent Residence Case

If you work in Canada for two years under a valid Work Permit, you may be eligible for Permanent Resident status under the Canadian Experience Class depending on your job classification and your language proficiency.

With Assistance From Our Montreal Immigration Lawyers, Your Chances Of Success Are Increased

If you have the qualifications to work in Canada, don’t let mistakes on your application cause your immigration case to be denied. The immigration process can be complicated and full of challenges.

We specialize in helping applicants overcome obstacles because we’ve seen it all, and we know what you’re in for.

Once you’ve found work, leave the legal logistics to us. We’ll help guide you to your new job, and your new (temporary) home.

Contact our Montreal immigration law office for a no-obligation, professional assessment