In 2022, Canada welcomed a record-breaking 437,180 immigrants to its country to work and live. Canada currently has a high demand for foreign workers as job opportunities increase.

 

Are you ready to make the move? If so, continue reading about the process to work legally in Canada.

 

In order to work in Canada, you will have to apply for and be granted a work visa. There are two different types of visas you can request. If you know which company and what job you will have, you can ask for an employer-specific visa. If you are moving to Canada without a job, you would need to apply for an open work visa.  

 

Benefits

 

There are several benefits to working in Canada. Firstly, you will be able to earn competitive wages in a country with strong labor laws that protect workers. After one year of continuous work experience with a legal visa, you can apply for Express Entry to become a permanent Canadian resident. Canada is a safe country with high standards of living. There are numerous employment opportunities and resources to start your own business. Once you are in Canada, you will have access to publicly funded schools and first-class healthcare.

 

Requirements

 

You will have to:

 

• leave Canada once your work contract expires
• prove you have enough money to cover financial expenses for you and your family before you move
• not have a criminal record or a threat to Canadian national security
• obey Canadian laws
• be in good health
• prepare any necessary documents that the immigrations officers need ahead of time

 

If you applied for an employer-specific visa, you will also have to provide your work contract.

 

Steps to Getting a Visa

 

1. Check if you are eligible to work in Canada. You can do this through the easy to navigate Canadian immigration’s website.
2. If you have all of the requirements, you can begin applying for positions. If you are offered a contract with a Canadian company or if you would prefer to apply for an open work permit, you should begin compiling all of the necessary documents early in order to avoid any delays in the process.
3. You can submit all of your documentation through the online platform. Be sure to check you have everything on the checklist uploaded before submitting for final review.
4. Then you can pay the fee depending on which visa you are applying for. You can do this online or in person at the Canadian embassy in your country.
5. The process will take about two weeks for officials to review your application. Depending on which country you are a citizen of, you may have to visit your home country’s Canadian embassy for an interview and/or to provide your biometrics. Your approval or rejection will be sent through the online platform so be sure to check in often.
6. Once you are approved, you will have to send your passport to the Canadian embassy and pay another fee. They will stamp your passport with the visa and mail it back to you.
7. The whole process should take about one month to complete. After these steps are taken, you are allowed to travel to and work legally in Canada.