Work Visa for Canada: Did you know that there aren’t enough jobs in some businesses in Canada? To stop this from happening, the Canadian government looks for foreign workers to fill jobs that are in high demand and help the Canadian economy.
This is a great chance to live in one of the countries with the most stable economies and use your skills to help the country grow. If you want to start the new year in a new country, you should think about going to the Great North. In 2023, let’s talk about how to get a work visa for Canada.
Join the workforce in Canada
If you want to work in Canada, you will need a Canadian work pass or permanent resident status more than anything else. In order to make it easy for people to move to Canada, the government has set up a number of immigration and work permit programs through which you can apply.
If you need to know how to get a Canadian work visa in 2023, we’ve laid out five great choices to think about to make the process easier.
1. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a part of the Express Entry system. Express Entry is a popular way to immigrate because it can take as little as six months to process an application. The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for people who have the education, skills, or work experience to help the Canadian economy.
So how do you know if you should join this program? Let’s take a look at what you need to do to be eligible for the FSWP.
- Have skilled work experience in one of these National Occupation Classification (NOC) roles.
- Managerial
- Professional
- Trade/technical occupation
Those who are accepted will get permanent residence in Canada, which lets them live and work there.
2. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for people who work in skilled trades and want to stay in Canada permanently. Here are the things you have to do to be eligible for the FSTP:
Skilled Work experience
You must have skilled work experience in one of the following National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories:
- Industrial, electrical, and building trades make up the Group 72.
- Maintenance and machine operation trades make up Group 73.
- Group 82, which includes supervisory and technical work in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
- Processing, manufacturing, and utilities managers and central control operators make up the major Group 92.
- Chefs and cooks, Minor Group 632
- Butchers and cooks make up Minor Group 633.
You have to:
- You must meet the language level requirements for each of the following:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program might be for you if you are still looking for ways to get a Canadian work visa in 2023. The Temporary Foreign Worker Program was made so that businesses in Canada could hire foreign workers for a wide range of jobs.
A key part of the TFWP is applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is because the program was made to help businesses fill jobs that are in high demand.
An LMIA shows that the job couldn’t have been taken by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If you want to hire a temporary worker as a boss, the person you want to hire must send you a copy of their LMIA or their LMIA number along with their application for a work permit.
Through the International Mobility Program (IMP), you can hire a foreign worker who doesn’t need an LMIA.
For the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, you need to meet the following requirements in addition to getting an LMIA.
- You must be offered a job in Canada.
- You have to show that you’ll leave Canada when your work permit runs out.
- You must show that you and your family have enough money to stay in Canada and that you have enough money to get back to your home country.
- You must show that you haven’t done anything wrong.
- You have to be healthy.
4. The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program could be the way for you to get a job in Canada if you have finished your studies there and now want to work here.
The Post Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) is made to help foreign students who have finished a qualification from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) live and work in Canada.
With this program, international PGWP students in Canada can get a work permit that lets them work anywhere. With this work permit, graduates will be able to work full time, part time, or anywhere in Canada.
To be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have finished an 8-month or longer course of study that led to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You must have gone to school full-time every semester without taking any time off.
- For distance learning, you must have finished at least 50 percent of your program in Canada. This is based on the number of courses you took in Canada.
- You must have finished at least 50 percent of your program in-person
5. Atlantic Immigration Program
The Atlantic Immigration Program is a great option for anyone who dreams of a life by the water and wants to make that dream a reality. This program is meant for skilled workers who are seeking permanent residence in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces, namely:
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island
- New Brunswick
- Nova Scotia
The pilot is also open to foreign graduates who have finished their studies in one of these four provinces.
There are three groups within the Atlantic Immigration Program namely:
- The Atlantic International Graduate Program
- Atlantic High-Skilled Program
- Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
To apply for each school, you must meet these requirements:
Atlantic International Graduate Program
Due to its great success, the former Atlantic Immigration Pilot has become the Atlantic Immigration Program.
- This program is for individuals who have earned a qualification from a publicly-funded institution in one of the Canadian Atlantic provinces
- You will need to have lived in the province for a minimum of 16 months in the 2 years before earning your qualification
- You will have to take a language test, regardless of the language you finished your studies in, and
- You must be able to show you will be able to support yourself as well as any dependents that will be staying with you.
Atlantic High-Skilled Program
- To apply for this school, you must have at least 1 year of experience working in management, professional or skilled job
- You need a report called an Educational certificate Assessment (ECA) to show that your foreign degree or diploma is the same as a Canadian certificate.
- To live and work in Canada, you will need to take a test that proves you can speak English or French well enough.
- You must show proof that you have enough money to support yourself and any children, regardless of whether they are coming to Canada with you or not.
Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program
The Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program is part of the Atlantic Immigration Program. It is for people who want jobs that require a high school diploma and/or training for that job.
- Candidates must have an offer of a full-time, permanent job from an employer who is part of the AIP.
- One year of work experience (1,560 hours, or 30 hours a week) within the past three years is required. Work schedules are flexible as long as they total 1,560 hours.
- The work must be paid and must be in the same field, though it can be done for different companies.
- You can get the training in Canada or somewhere else.
- A certificate, diploma, or degree from a high school or college in Canada,
- OR
- A foreign degree, diploma, certificate, or title from a trade school or apprenticeship. An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is needed to make sure that a candidate’s credential is acceptable and the same as a Canadian credential. The ECA must show that your schooling is the same as a Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree from high school or college. When you apply, your ECA can’t be older than five years.
- Score at least a level 4 on the Canadian Language Benchmark test in English or the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens test in French.
- Candidates must show that they will have enough money to support themselves and their families after they move to the United States. A candidate’s amount is based on the size of his or her family and includes money for family members who aren’t coming with them.
FAQS on Work Visa for Canada
1. How can I apply for a Canadian work visa in 2023?
You can apply for a Canadian work visa through various programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), or the Atlantic Immigration Program. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, so choose the one that best suits your qualifications and goals.
2. What is the Express Entry system, and how does it relate to Canadian work visas?
The Express Entry system is a popular way to immigrate to Canada, including for work purposes. It is closely related to programs like the FSWP and FSTP and allows for faster processing of immigration applications, often taking as little as six months. Eligible candidates are ranked based on factors like education, skills, work experience, and language proficiency.
3. What is an LMIA, and why is it important for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)?
LMIA stands for Labor Market Impact Assessment. It is a crucial document for the TFWP as it demonstrates that the job you’re applying for couldn’t be filled by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Employers in Canada typically need to obtain an LMIA to hire temporary foreign workers for certain jobs in high demand.
4. Can international students in Canada apply for work permits after completing their studies?
Yes, international students who have completed their studies at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP). This program allows them to obtain a work permit and work in Canada after graduation.
5. How can I qualify for the Atlantic Immigration Program?
The Atlantic Immigration Program is designed for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces. There are three streams within this program: the Atlantic International Graduate Program, Atlantic High-Skilled Program, and Atlantic Intermediate-Skilled Program. Each stream has specific requirements related to work experience, education, language proficiency, and the ability to support oneself and dependents.
6. Do I need to take a language test to work in Canada?
Yes, language proficiency is often a requirement for Canadian work visas. You may need to take an English or French language test, such as the Canadian Language Benchmark test or the Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadiens test, depending on the program you’re applying for.
7. How long does it take to process a Canadian work visa application in 2023?
Processing times can vary depending on the program and individual circumstances. Some programs, like Express Entry, aim to process applications in as little as six months, while others may take longer. It’s essential to check the specific processing times for the program you’re applying to and be prepared for potential delays.
8. What happens if my work permit expires, and I want to stay in Canada longer?
If your work permit is about to expire, and you wish to stay longer in Canada, you may need to apply for an extension or explore options for permanent residency. It’s crucial to follow the immigration regulations and consult with immigration authorities or legal experts for guidance on your specific situation.
9. Can my family members join me in Canada on a work visa?
In some cases, yes. Depending on the program you’re applying for, you may have the option to include your spouse or dependent children on your application. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria and requirements for family members when applying for a Canadian work visa.
10. Where can I find more information and guidance on the Canadian work visa application process?
You can find detailed information, application forms, and guidance on the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Additionally, consulting with immigration professionals or lawyers can provide you with personalized advice and assistance throughout the application process.
