Canada Work Permit
If you are a foreign national and you would like to work in Canada, you have to apply for a Canada Work Permit, also known as a Work Visa. This permit allows foreign nationals to come to Canada and work there for a specific period of time.
To receive assistance with your Canada Work Permit application, call us today on +1 844 290 6312.
Page Contents
- What is the Canada Work Permit?
- What are the eligibility requirements for US citizens?
- What supporting documents do US citizens need to submit?
- What are the two types of the Canada Work Permit?
- How can US citizens apply for the Canada Work Permit?
- How can US citizens bring dependents on the Canada Work Permit?
- How can Total Law help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canada Work Permit?
The Canadian Work Permit allows foreign workers, including US citizens, to work in Canada. Permanent workers, temporary workers, business owners, and students are amongst the people who might be eligible for it. Under the Canada Work Permit, US citizens can:
- Work in Canada for the employer they stated in their application for the Canada Work Permit
- Bring their dependents to Canada with them, provided that their application for Dependent Visas is successful
- Receive payment from a Canadian employer
- Travel around Canada
- Apply for permanent residency in Canada in the future.
US citizens who want to come to Canada on the Canada Work Permit have to have a job offer or an employment contract from a Canadian employer at the time of submitting their work permit application.
"We used this service for the spouse visa extension application to assure that all the information was valid and correct."
Nabil Anwar
Posted 3 years ago
"Thanking you so much for helping me and my wife live together for now and the distant future. We are grateful for your help and patience. "
Shamrez Ali
Posted 3 years ago
"Spouse visa uk application was successful after working with your staff. I recommend this company the IAS for immigration services. "
Lisa Olaodae
Posted 3 years ago
What are the eligibility requirements for US citizens?
All US citizens who want to apply for the Canada Work Permit need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have a job offer or an employment contract from a Canadian employer
- Have no criminal record
- Not be a danger to Canada’s security
- Have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada
- Intend to leave Canada after their work permit expires
- Be of good health.
You will have to provide documents that prove that you fulfil these requirements. If you are not sure whether you are eligible for the Canada Work Permit, contact our immigration lawyers. They will analyse your situation and will determine whether this permit is the right choice for you. If so, they will help you submit your application.
What supporting documents do US citizens need to submit?
In addition to the application form, all US citizens wanting to receive the Canada Work permit have to submit a number of supporting documents. These include:
- Passport valid for at least six months past the planned arrival in Canada
- Two passport size photographs
- Documents proving educational and professional qualifications
- Proof of having enough finances to support themselves during their stay in Canada
- Proof of having attended a medical examination
- Receipt for the work permit application fee.
The failure to submit some of the required evidence can lead to delays in the processing of your work permit application. To avoid that, hire one of our immigration lawyers. They will help you prepare an extensive portfolio of evidence.
What are the two types of the Canada Work Permit?
US citizens might be eligible either for the open work permit or the employer-specific work permit in Canada.
If you are granted an open work permit, you will be able to work for any Canadian employer. If, however, you get the employer-specific work permit, you will only be able to work for a specific Canadian employer.
Not everyone is eligible for an open work permit visa. Individuals who can apply for it include:
- Those applying for permanent residence in Canada
- Spouses of individuals who came to Canada as skilled workers
- Spouses of international students
- Foreign citizens who are currently in Canada and whose existing work permit is about to expire
- Refugees and their families
- Those who come to Canada to participate in working holiday programs
- International students who completed their university degrees in Canada.
Keep in mind that even if you receive the open work permit, there might be restrictions regarding the type of work you can do, the place where you can work, or the duration of your work activities.
How can US citizens apply for the Canada Work Permit?
You have to apply for the Canada Work Permit before you enter the country. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can submit your work permit application online on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. After you fill and submit all the required forms and attach supporting evidence, you have to get your fingerprints and photo taken.
All work permit applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 have to schedule and attend a biometrics appointment. You only have to give your biometrics once every 10 years so if you are applying for a different visa to Canada in the future you might not have to do it again. When you submit your application you also have to pay the biometrics fee. You will not be able to proceed with your application until you do it.
When you complete these steps the government of Canada will process your application and will inform you about the decision. If your work permit application is approved, you can start preparing for your journey to Canada. Make sure to bring your travel documents with you as officers working at the border will not let you enter Canada without them.
When you arrive in Canada, the Canada border services agency official will check your biometrics to verify you are the same person who applied for the work permit. If you pass the identity check, you will be able to enter the country and stay there for as long as your visa is valid.
How can US citizens bring dependents on the Canada Work Permit?
If you are coming to Canada on the Canada Work Permit and you want to bring your loved ones with you, you have to sponsor them for a Dependent Visa for Canada. To be able to sponsor them, you have to prove that you are financially stable and capable of supporting your dependents once they join you in Canada.
Moreover, if you want to sponsor a child, they have to meet the following requirements:
- Be younger than 22 years of age
- Be financially dependent on you
- Be your biological or adopted child.
You will have to submit a birth or adoption certificate to prove your relationship. If you are applying on behalf of your spouse, you will have to submit a marriage certificate.
To be able to join you in Canada on the Dependent Visa, your spouse and children will also have to undergo a medical examination and a criminal test.
Your spouse will be able to apply for a Canadian work permit so that they can work in Canada, and your children will be able to attend Canadian educational institutions.
How can Total Law help?
Canadian work permit holders are able to enjoy a host of benefits and rights in Canada.
If you’re an American citizen looking to relocate to, or work, in Canada, Total Law can help.
Here at Total Law, our immigration lawyers are experts in Canadian immigration. They can assess your eligibility for the Canada Work Permit and can guide you through each step of the application process. Thanks to their help, you can be sure that you completed all the forms correctly and submitted all the required supporting documents. This way you can increase the chances of your work permit application being accepted.
If at any stage of the application process you have any questions or doubts, your immigration lawyer will be around to assist you. We offer continuous support, expert advice and the highest quality services.
We also understand how important family is so we can help you submit the application for the Dependent Visa for Canada for your loved ones, as well as help you and them apply for permanent resident status or to become Canadian citizens.
To find out more about how our lawyers can help, get in touch today by calling +1 844 290 6312.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply for the Dependent Visa for Canada for your family as soon as you receive your work permit in Canada. The processing of visas for dependents of work permit holders is relatively quick. If they meet the eligibility criteria, your loved ones will receive their dependent visa within three months from submitting the application and the required documents.
The validity of the Canada Work Permit depends on the type of job offer or employment contract you have. The majority of work permit holders can stay in Canada for 1 or 2 years. Nevertheless, the maximum validity of the Canada Work Permit is 4 years. If your work permit is about to expire and you want to stay in Canada for longer, you can apply for an extension.
Receiving your Canada Work Permit is the first step if you want to work in Canada. Nevertheless, you will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada and to access government benefits and programs.
You can apply for SIN right after you arrive in Canada.
The Dependent Visa for Canada allows your family to come to Canada with you. However, if they would like to work, they have to apply for their own Canada Work Permits. They have to meet all the requirements and go through the application process as you did.
Your spouse might be eligible for the open work permit.