Immigration topics for Work Permit Holders

  • Generally speaking, a Visitor to Canada cannot work without a Work Permit. Work is defined as any employment, paid or unpaid, which could normally be taken by a Canadian.
  • There are some exceptions:
    • Nationals of certain countries (Australia, Japan, UK, New Zealand, France) can get a Working Holiday Visa, good for one year that allows them to work at any job.
    • Church ministers and other religious workers do not require Work Permits to carry out religious duties for their church or congregation.
    • There is a long list of other individuals who are exempt from having a Work Permit including diplomats, personal servants, arbitrators, referees, sales people, repairmen, and guest speakers. Consult us for more information.
  • A Work Permit is normally obtained at a Visa Office outside Canada, but some Work Permits can be obtained at a port of entry to Canada or through the Canadian Immigration Center in Vegreville, Alberta. Extensions are obtained through Vegreville, Alberta.

  • Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) Approval for Work Permits

    Usually a Work Permit is the result of an application by a Canadian employer made to Service Canada/ Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and approved, after the employer has proven that he has advertised the job locally, offering fair wages and working conditions and found no suitable Canadian for the job. The application is for a particular foreign worker and that worker is then interviewed at a Visa Office overseas, and if found to have the necessary education, work experience and language abilities required by the employer, given their Work Permit.
  • A Work Permit is usually valid for one or two years and can be extended within Canada. Spouse and children can accompany, spouse can work and children can go to school free of charge.
  • Some job offers are HRSDC exempt. The best-known are Work Permits issued under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Any US or Mexican citizen with a job offer in a selected list of occupations, who has the appropriate university degree can get a Work Permit at the border.

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