Work Permit vs Work Visa Canada

Key Highlights

• A work visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a paper that lets you travel to Canada.
• A work permit is a paper that says you can work for a Canadian boss in a legal way.
• You will often need to get both a work visa and a work permit if you want to work in Canada. But, some people from other places do not need a visa.
• The application process for a work permit often starts with a valid job offer from a boss in Canada.
• The eligibility requirements for these papers are not the same. A work permit is about your job offer. A work visa is about if you can enter and stay in Canada.
• Knowing the difference between the work permit vs work visa canada helps a lot. It makes the application process easy and your work in Canada legal.

Introduction

Do you want to work in Canada but are confused by words like “work permit” and “work visa”? You are not the only one. A lot of foreign workers find the rules hard to understand. This guide helps make these ideas simple. We will talk about the main differences, who needs a work visa or work permit, and how to ask for them. When you finish reading, you will know what steps you need to take to get started working in Canada. It does not matter if you are new to your job or have many years of experience.

This guide is for all foreign workers who want to learn more about a work permit vs work visa canada.

Work Permit vs Work Visa Canada: What’s the Difference?

In summary, a work visa facilitates entry into Canada, while a work permit is necessary to engage in employment within the country. Most foreign nationals must first secure a work permit before obtaining a TRV to travel to Canada and begin working.

Who Needs a Work Permit or Work Visa in Canada?

Nearly all foreign nationals who want to work in Canada need a work permit. This paper lets you work in the country and is needed for most jobs. If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you have to apply for and get a work permit before you can start working.

You may also need a work visa, which is sometimes called a TRV, and this depends on what country you are from. Many foreign nationals who are from countries that need a visa must get a TRV to come into Canada. People from countries that don’t need a visa don’t need a TRV, but they will still need a work permit. Let’s look at the eligibility requirements for both.

Eligibility for Work Permits

If you want to get a work permit for Canada, you must meet key requirements. You need to show you will follow the rules of your stay and leave Canada when your work permit expires. You must also prove you have enough money for yourself and your family, and that you are not a safety risk or a health concern. Usually, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer is required. Here are the main Canada work permit requirements:

• Prove you will leave Canada when your work permit ends.
• Show enough money for yourself and your family.
• Have a clear police record; be admissible to Canada.
• Be healthy and ready for a medical exam, if required.

Submit all required documents, such as your job offer and job description, with your application.

Eligibility for Work Visas

Eligibility for a work visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) depends on your citizenship and purpose for coming to Canada. If your country requires a visa, you must get a TRV even if you have a valid work permit. When applying for a work permit from outside Canada, your TRV is processed together, so no separate application is needed. The requirement for a work permit or work visa is based on your situation. Key points include:

• Your country of citizenship will decide if you need a TRV.
• You need to have a valid passport.
• You have to show the immigration officer strong ties to your home country.
• You must have a valid work permit or another reason to enter Canada.

Types of Canadian Work Permits

Canada has more than one kind of work permit. There are two main types. The employer-specific work permit and the open work permit. The employer-specific permit lets you work for one company only. The open work permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada.

Each type of work permit has its own use. Some work permits are made for temporary work. For example, the International Experience Canada program uses this kind. Others help people who have finished school in Canada and want to work. Knowing which type of work permit fits you is important. Next, we will talk more about these two main types.

Employer-Specific Work Permit Explained

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for only one employer in Canada. It’s the most common type of work permit and includes important details like your employer’s name, job location, and duration of employment. Getting this permit depends on your job offer, and your employer often needs to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which proves no Canadian can fill the position. You must follow strict rules; changing jobs requires a new permit. The key details on your permit include:

• The name of your specific employer.
• The period of time you can work there.
• The location of your job (if it is written).

This permit suits those with a job offer for a set period.

Open Work Permit Explained

An open work permit offers significant flexibility, allowing you to work for almost any employer in Canada without needing a job offer first. However, not everyone is eligible; this permit is generally available to certain groups linked to specific immigration statuses. For example, international students who complete studies in Canada may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which is an open work permit. Spouses or partners of skilled workers or students may also qualify. This permit is ideal for gaining Canadian work experience with no employer restrictions. The most common recipients include:

• Eligible international students finishing school in Canada.
• Dependent family members of some temporary foreign workers.
• Spouses or partners of some permanent residence applicants.

How to Apply: Work Permit vs Work Visa Canada

The application process for a work permit and a work visa can look hard to follow. But, it is often done together as one step. If you apply for a work permit from outside Canada, your eligibility for a work visa (TRV) is checked at the same time. You do not need to fill out a new visa application form. The main thing you need to focus on is the work permit application.

The Canada work permit application process asks you to collect some documents about your job offer and personal situation. On the other hand, when looking at your TRV, they check if you can enter Canada. Let’s break down the basic steps for each, so you know what to expect in this journey.

Step-by-Step Work Permit Application Process

The work permit application process in Canada starts with securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. If required, your employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Next, gather your supporting documents such as your job offer letter, passport, and proof of qualifications. Complete the work permit application forms, pay the necessary fees, and submit your application online or at a Visa Application Centre. You will then need to provide biometrics and wait for a decision from IRCC.

Step-by-step work permit application process:

Step 1: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Step 2: Employer obtains a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if required.

Step 3: Gather your documents, including job offer letter, passport, and qualifications.

Step 4: Complete the work permit application and submit it with the required fees.

Step 5: Provide biometrics at a designated collection point.

Step 6: Await a decision from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 7: If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction.

This letter is not your work permit; you will receive the actual permit from an officer when you arrive in Canada.

Step-by-Step Work Visa Application Process

Step 1: Submit your work permit application online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 2: Your application will be checked to determine if you are eligible for the work permit and the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Step 3: If your application is approved, you will receive a TRV sticker in your passport.

Step 4: You will also be issued a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction for your work permit.

Step 5: You can now travel to Canada and must show both the TRV and the POE Letter of Introduction when you arrive at the port of entry.

Note:
When you apply for a work permit from a country that requires a visa, the work visa (Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) is included in the same process as your work permit application. If you are approved, you will receive both a TRV counterfoil in your passport and a POE Letter of Introduction. Upon arrival in Canada, present the POE letter to the border officer to receive your printed work permit.

Required Documents for Each

• To apply for a work permit or work visa in Canada, you must provide key documents such as a valid passport and completed application forms.
• A job offer letter or contract is usually the most important document for a work permit application.
• Proof of financial support and proof of qualifications or work experience are required to show you meet all the rules.
• If applicable, you may need to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and medical exam results.
• Once approved, you will receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which is necessary for entry into Canada.

Conclusion

To sum up, it is important to know the differences between a work permit and a work visa in Canada if you want to work there. Each one has a different purpose. They both have their own eligibility requirements, steps to apply, and paperwork.

If you are a foreign worker who wants new work options, or you are a Canadian boss hoping to hire people from other countries, it helps to know how work permits and work visas are not the same. This can help you avoid mistakes and make it easier when you want to work in Canada. If you need more help or have questions, reach out to get advice on your options and learn which way is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I Need Both a Work Permit and a Work Visa to Work in Canada?

Yes, you need a work permit for work authorization and a work visa (TRV) to go to Canada if your country needs a visa. If you are from a country that does not need a visa, you only need a work permit and an eTA to fly to Canada.

2. What Happens If My Work Permit Expires?

If your work permit runs out, you are not allowed to work in Canada anymore. You have to stop working right away. If you want to keep working, you need to apply for a new permit before your old one ends. If you stay in Canada without a valid work permit, it can hurt your chances with future immigration jobs or forms.

3. How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Permit vs a Work Visa in Canada?

The processing time for a work permit and visa is done together. When you apply for a work permit, the visa is handled with it too. It can take a few weeks, or sometimes many months. The time depends on what type of application you send in and what country you are from. When you get approval, you will get a port of entry letter. The visa will also be stamped right in your passport at the port of entry.