Converting a Canada visitor visa into a work permit is a process that allows visitors to Canada to change their status to workers. This can be a great option for people who have found a job in Canada and want to stay in the country to work.
There are a few eligibility requirements for converting a visitor visa to a work permit. First, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Second, you must meet the general requirements for a work permit, such as having a valid passport and being in good health.
The process for converting a visitor visa to a work permit is relatively straightforward. First, you need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that shows that there is no Canadian worker available to fill the job you are being offered. Once you have obtained an LMIA, you can apply for a work permit.
The processing time for work permit applications varies, but it is typically a few months. Once your work permit is approved, you will be able to live and work in Canada for the duration of your permit.
If you are considering converting your Canada visitor visa into a work permit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to start the process early, as it can take several months to complete. Second, it is important to make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements. Third, it is important to have all of the required documentation ready before you submit your application.
This article will walk you through the step-by-step process of converting a Canada visitor visa into a work permit. We will also cover the eligibility requirements, the required documentation, and the processing times.
How to convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit in 2023
- Meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible to convert your visitor visa to a work permit, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Meet the general requirements for a work permit, such as having a valid passport and being in good health.
- Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is a document that shows that there is no Canadian worker available to fill the job you are being offered. You can apply for an LMIA through your employer or through a designated organization.
- Apply for a work permit. Once you have obtained an LMIA, you can apply for a work permit online or by mail. You will need to include the following documents with your application:
- A copy of your LMIA.
- A copy of your job offer.
- A copy of your passport.
- A copy of your visitor visa.
- A copy of your medical exam results (if required).
- Pay the application fee. The application fee for a work permit is CAD$150.
The processing time for work permit applications varies, but it is typically a few months. Once your work permit is approved, you will be able to live and work in Canada for the duration of your permit.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to convert your Canada visitor visa into a work permit, you must:
- Have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Meet the general requirements for a work permit, such as having a valid passport and being in good health.
- Be physically present in Canada at the time of your application.
Your job offer must be for a full-time position (at least 30 hours per week) and must be for a position that is not on the Temporary Restricted Occupations (TRO) list. You must also be paid at least the prevailing wage for the position you are being offered.
In addition to the above requirements, you may also need to meet additional requirements depending on the type of work permit you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you must have a valid passport from an eligible country and you must meet the age requirements for the program.
Documents Required
To apply for a work permit from inside Canada on a visitor visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A completed work permit application form (IMM 1295)
- A copy of your valid passport
- A copy of your valid visitor visa
- A copy of your job offer
- A copy of your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) (if required)
- A copy of your medical exam results (if required)
- Payment of the application fee
You may also need to submit additional documents depending on your specific circumstances. For example, if you are applying for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, you will need to submit a copy of your IEC participation agreement.
How to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
To apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), you must first create an account and log in to the ESDC-Service Canada Employer Portal. Once you are logged in, you can start a new LMIA application.
The LMIA application process consists of the following steps:
- Step 1: Select the type of LMIA you are applying for. There are two types of LMIAs: a regular LMIA and a fast-track LMIA. A regular LMIA is for employers who are hiring foreign workers for a variety of positions. A fast-track LMIA is for employers who are hiring foreign workers for certain high-skilled positions.
- Step 2: Provide information about your company and the job offer. You will need to provide information such as your company’s name, address, and contact information, as well as the job title, salary, and working conditions of the job you are offering.
- Step 3: Demonstrate that there is no Canadian worker available to fill the job. You can do this by providing evidence such as job postings, resumes, and interviews with Canadian workers.
- Step 4: Pay the application fee. The application fee for a regular LMIA is CAD$1,100. The application fee for a fast-track LMIA is CAD$1,650.
- Step 5: Submit your application. Once you have completed all of the steps above, you can submit your application.
The processing time for LMIA applications varies, but it is typically a few weeks. Once your LMIA is approved, you can start the process of hiring a foreign worker.
How to submit your work permit application
To submit your work permit application, you can either apply online or by mail.
To apply online:
- Go to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create an account if you don’t already have one.
- Once you have created an account, log in and select the “Apply to come to Canada” option.
- On the next page, select the “Work permit” option.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to complete your application.
- Once you have completed your application, pay the application fee and submit your application.
To apply by mail:
- Download and print the work permit application form (IMM 1295) from the IRCC website.
- Complete the application form and sign it.
- Gather all of the required documents, such as your passport, job offer, and LMIA (if required).
- Place the application form and all of the required documents in an envelope and mail it to the IRCC processing center.
Can I stay in Canada as a visitor while waiting for work permit?
Yes, you can stay in Canada as a visitor while waiting for your work permit application to be processed. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- You must have a valid visitor visa.
- You must not start working until your work permit is approved.
- You must maintain your visitor status while waiting for your work permit. This means that you must follow all of the conditions of your visitor visa, such as not staying in Canada for longer than the period of time that is stated on your visa.
Can I extend my visitor visa in Canada?
Yes, you can extend your visitor visa in Canada. To do so, you must apply to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at least 30 days before your current visitor status expires.
To apply to extend your visitor visa, you will need to complete the application form (IMM 5769) and provide the following documents:
- A valid passport
- A copy of your current visitor visa
- A letter explaining why you need to extend your stay
- Proof of funds to support yourself during your extended stay
- Any other supporting documentation that may be required
You can submit your application online or by mail. If you are submitting your application by mail, you must send it to the IRCC processing center in Mississauga, Ontario.
The processing time for visitor visa extensions varies, but it is typically a few weeks. You can check the status of your application online using your IRCC account.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Canada?
The processing time for a work permit in Canada varies depending on a number of factors, including the type of work permit you are applying for, the country you are from, and the time of year you apply.
In general, most work permit applications are processed within 2 to 8 weeks. However, there may be delays during peak times, such as the summer months. If you are applying for a work permit from outside of Canada, the processing time may be longer.
You can check the current processing times for work permit applications on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Can you apply for a Canadian work permit without a job offer?
Yes, it is possible to apply for a Canadian work permit without a job offer, but it is more difficult. There are a few ways to do this:
Express Entry program
The Express Entry program is a points-based system that allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. You do not need a job offer to enter the Express Entry pool, but you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a valid language test score and work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
PNPs are programs run by individual provinces and territories that allow them to nominate skilled workers for Canadian immigration. Some PNPs have streams that do not require a job offer.
Self-employed work permit
If you are self-employed and can show that you can support yourself financially in Canada, you may be eligible for a self-employed work permit.
❊ If you are applying for a work permit without a job offer, it is important to have a clear plan for how you will find employment in Canada. You should also be prepared to demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support yourself while you are looking for a job.
Can I go to Canada on a tourist visa and find a job?
Yes, it is possible to go to Canada on a tourist visa and find a job, but it is not recommended. Visitors are not allowed to work in Canada, and it can be difficult to find a job without a valid work permit.
If you are caught working in Canada without a work permit, you could be fined, deported, and banned from entering Canada for up to five years.
If you are serious about finding a job in Canada, it is best to apply for a work permit before you travel to the country. There are a number of different types of work permits available, depending on your skills and experience.
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for a work permit from inside Canada on a visitor visa
- Not meeting the eligibility requirements. Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements for the type of work permit you are applying for. You can find the eligibility requirements on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Not completing the application form correctly. The application form is complex and there are many different sections to fill out. Make sure that you complete the form accurately and completely.
- Not providing all of the required documentation. You will need to provide a number of documents in support of your application, such as a copy of your passport, job offer, and LMIA (if required). Make sure that you provide all of the required documentation.
- Submitting an incomplete application. If your application is incomplete, it will be delayed or even rejected. Make sure that you have completed all of the required sections of the application form and that you have provided all of the required documentation.
- Not being patient. The processing time for work permit applications can vary, but it is typically a few months. Be patient and wait for your application to be processed.
October 16, 2023
