Working in Canada can be a great way to gain valuable experience, improve your skills, and earn a good living. However, there are two main types of work permits in Canada: temporary and permanent. Each type of work permit has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the one that is right for you.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of temporary and permanent work permits in Canada. We will discuss the different types of work permits available, the eligibility requirements, and the application process. We will also compare the benefits and drawbacks of each type of work permit so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What is the difference between a temporary and permanent work permit?
The main difference between a temporary and permanent work permit is the length of time that they allow you to live and work in Canada.
A temporary work permit allows you to live and work in Canada for a specific period of time, typically up to three years. After your work permit expires, you must leave Canada unless you are able to renew it or obtain a different type of status.
A permanent work permit allows you to live and work in Canada indefinitely. Once you have a permanent work permit, you can eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.
Types of temporary work permits in Canada
If you plan to visit Canada for a short period of time, you can apply for a TRV. Here are the different types of TRVs that you may be eligible for:
Visitor Visa
A Visitor Visa is for people who are traveling to Canada for a short period of time, typically up to six months. Visitor Visas can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:
- Tourism
- Business
- Visiting family and friends
- Medical treatment
- Attending a conference or event
To apply for a Visitor Visa, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
- Show that you have ties to your home country and that you intend to leave Canada after your visa expires
Business Visa
A Business Visa is for people who are traveling to Canada specifically for business activities, such as to meet with clients, attend conferences, or negotiate contracts. Business Visas are typically valid for up to six months, but they can be extended in some cases.
To apply for a Business Visa, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Show that you have a legitimate business purpose for traveling to Canada
- Show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
- Show that you have ties to your home country and that you intend to leave Canada after your visa expires
Student Visa
A Student Visa is for students who are planning to study in Canada. Student Visas can be valid for the duration of your studies, plus an additional three months.
To apply for a Student Visa, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Have been accepted to a designated learning institution in Canada
- Show that you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses
- Show that you have ties to your home country and that you intend to leave Canada after your studies are complete
Super Visa
A Super Visa is a special type of Visitor Visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. Super Visas are valid for up to 10 years, and they can be renewed multiple times.
To apply for a Super Visa, you must:
- Be a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Have medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 CAD
- Show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
A WHV is a special type of Visitor Visa that allows young people from certain countries to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. WHVs are typically available to people between the ages of 18 and 30.
To apply for a WHV, you must:
- Be a citizen of a country that has a WHV agreement with Canada
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Show that you have enough money to support yourself during your first few weeks in Canada
- Show that you have a return ticket home or enough money to buy one
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is a special type of work permit that allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada to work in Canada for up to three years.
To apply for a PGWP, you must:
- Have graduated from a designated learning institution in Canada
- Meet the basic eligibility requirements, such as being in good health and having no criminal record
- Have completed a full-time study program of at least eight months
Types of permanent work permits in Canada
If you plan to move to Canada permanently with your family, you can apply for a PR visa through one of a number of different programs. Here are the most common PR visa programs:
Express Entry
Express Entry is a points-based system that selects skilled workers as PRs based on their age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
- You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or be eligible for a PNP.
- You must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation.
- You must meet a minimum language proficiency requirement in English or French.
If you are eligible for Express Entry, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is based on your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to be selected for PR status.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
PNPs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers for PR status. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria, but most PNPs require candidates to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Some PNPs also offer points-based systems similar to Express Entry.
Business/Entrepreneur Programs
Individuals who want to start or invest in a business in Canada may be eligible for a PR visa through a business/entrepreneur program. There are a number of different business/entrepreneur programs available, each with its own eligibility criteria. Some of the most common business/entrepreneur programs include:
- Start-Up Visa Program: This program is for entrepreneurs who want to start a new business in Canada. Applicants must have a viable business plan and enough money to support themselves and their families while their business gets started.
- Self-Employed Persons Program: This program is for individuals who want to work as self-employed persons in Canada. Applicants must have at least two years of experience in self-employment and enough money to support themselves and their families while they get established in Canada.
- Investor Visa Program: This program is for individuals who want to invest in a Canadian business. Applicants must have a net worth of at least C$1 million and be willing to invest at least C$800,000 in a Canadian business.
Family Sponsorship
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their close family members for PR status. The sponsored family members must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as passing a medical exam and security check. The most common types of family sponsorship are:
- Spousal Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses or common-law partners for PR status.
- Parent Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their parents or grandparents for PR status.
- Dependent Child Sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their dependent children (under the age of 19) for PR status.
Refugee Protection
Individuals who are fleeing persecution in their home countries may be eligible for PR status as refugees. To be eligible for refugee protection, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be outside of your home country and unable or unwilling to return because of a well-founded fear of persecution.
- You must not be inadmissible to Canada on other grounds.
If you are granted refugee protection, you will be allowed to live in Canada permanently and will have access to all of the same rights and benefits as Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
How to apply for a temporary work permit?
To apply for a temporary work permit in Canada, you must follow these steps:
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Meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible for a temporary work permit, you must:
- Have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Meet the minimum requirements for the job, including education, skills, and experience.
- Be admissible to Canada. This means that you must not have a criminal record and you must be able to pass a medical exam and security check.
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Gather the required documents. The required documents for a temporary work permit application vary depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. However, some common required documents include:
- A valid passport
- A completed work permit application form
- A job offer from a Canadian employer
- A letter of support from your employer
- Proof of funds to support yourself in Canada
- Proof of ties to your home country
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Submit your application. You can submit your temporary work permit application online or by mail. If you are submitting your application online, you will need to create an account with the Government of Canada.
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Pay the application fee. The application fee for a temporary work permit is C$150. You can pay the application fee online or by mail.
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Wait for a decision. It can take several weeks or months for the Government of Canada to process a temporary work permit application. You will be notified of the decision by email or mail.
How to apply for a permanent work permit?
There are two main ways to apply for a permanent work permit in Canada:
- Through Express Entry: Express Entry is a points-based system that selects skilled workers for permanent residency based on their age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
- You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or be eligible for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- You must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation.
- You must meet a minimum language proficiency requirement in English or French.
If you are eligible for Express Entry, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is based on your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to be selected for permanent residency.
- Through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate skilled workers for permanent residency. Each PNP has its own eligibility criteria, but most PNPs require candidates to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. Some PNPs also offer points-based systems similar to Express Entry.
Benefits and drawbacks of temporary vs. permanent work permits
Temporary work permits
Benefits:
- Easier to obtain than permanent work permits
- Can be a good way to gain work experience in Canada
- Can be a good way to test the waters before applying for permanent residency
Drawbacks:
- Not as secure as permanent work permits, as they can be revoked at any time
- May have limited travel and work restrictions
- May not be eligible for certain benefits, such as healthcare and social security
Permanent work permits
Benefits:
- More secure than temporary work permits
- No travel or work restrictions
- Eligible for all of the same benefits as Canadian citizens and permanent residents
Drawbacks:
- More difficult to obtain than temporary work permits
- May require a significant investment of time and money to apply
Which type of work permit is right for you?
The best type of work permit for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking for a short-term work opportunity, a temporary work permit may be a good option for you. However, if you are planning to stay in Canada for the long term, you may want to consider applying for a permanent work permit.
