Foreign nationals who enter Canada and do not have Permanent Residency must file for work permits if they want to hold a job while they reside in the country.
You cannot get a job in Canada without some proof of the right to work within the country. If you’re interested in working in Canada while you visit temporarily you should examine this guide to work permits.
In this guide we’ll give you some general information about how work permits work and some other useful tips that you might not think of right away. We’ve scoured the CIC (Citizenship and Immigration Canada) for all the pertinent information on the topic to be presented in this short form here.
Applying for a Work Permit
Most of the time, you should apply for a work permit within your own country with the local Canadian visa center. You will apply for a visa and work permit at the same time in most circumstances.
Sometimes you can apply at Canada’s border, but it’s safer to file your application before you approach Canada’s shores.
Can Your Spouse Work while You Work?
Generally they can, but they have to file for their own work permit much like you will be doing. One of the ways in which you can have your spouse work is to have them come with you on the initial visa to Canada and then while there they can apply for a specific job. First they will have to apply for a work permit for that specific job with Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Work Permit Fees
Citizenship and Immigration Canada is primarily funded by the fees they collect from applications. In the case of a work permit the fee is a flat $150 Canadian.
Open Work Permits
Really, there are two kinds of work permits. The kind which is for a specific job is easier to get because Canada is more likely to grant a work permit to someone who already has a job lined up. Then there are open work permits which are granted to individuals before a job offer has been obtained. The second type is slightly more difficult to obtain because there is always the risk of you entering Canada and not being able to find a job forcing you to rely on Canada’s social services.
Worker’s Rights in Canada
As a worker in Canada you are entitles to the same rights of anyone else in the country short of a few rights reserved for full citizens. You are entitled to the sick leave allowed in the province in which you work and your employer cannot force you to work if you are sick.
You may also be entitled to Employment Insurance sickness benefits, but it is a good idea to check the local government to see if this applies to you.
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