Can you work in Canada without a work permit?

Congratulations! You have landed a job in Canada and are all set to move to the country. But there are some doubts on your next step. You aren’t sure if you need a work permit to move to Canada. If you are not a permanent resident and need to work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you will need a work permit. However, there are certain jobs that do not require one. This may sound confusing, read this post for further information.

 Different types of work permits:

There are two types of work permits given by Canadian authorities- open work permit and an employer-specific work permit. An open work permit basically allows you to work for any employer. This visa is not job-specific, so applicants do not require the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer letter from an employer who has paid the compliance fee.

With an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada except for those companies that do not comply with labor requirements or are involved in services like escort services, erotic massage or exotic dancing.

The employer-specific work permit as the name suggests is a permit that allows you to work for a specific employer.

Conditions on the work permit:

While the employer-specific work permit pertains to a single employer, the open work permit can come with certain conditions which will be written on it. These include:

• Type of work
• Places where you can work
• Duration of work

Jobs that do not require a work permit:

There are certain jobs that do not require a work permit, here is their list:

Athlete or coach

Aviation accident or incident investigator

Business visitor

Civil aviation inspector

Clergy

Convention organizer

Crew member

Short-term highly skilled worker

Short-term researcher

Student working off-campus

Student working on-campus

Military personnel

News reporter or film and media crew

Producer or staff member working on advertisements

Performing artist

Emergency service provider

Examiner and evaluator

Expert witness or investigator

Family member of foreign representative

Foreign government officer or representative

Health care student

Judge, referee or similar official

Public speaker

Short-term highly skilled worker

Short-term researcher

Student working off-campus

Student working on-campus

 When you need a job to get a work permit:

Certain jobs in Canada require entry to the country only on a valid work permit. Two of these jobs are caregivers and agricultural workers. Caregivers who take care of the elderly, disabled children need to have a work permit before taking up a job in Canada. The same goes for agricultural workers.

Eligibility requirements to apply for a work permit from outside Canada:

Irrespective of the work permit you are applying for, there are certain eligibility requirements you must meet, these include:

• Provide proof to the immigration officer that you will leave Canada on the expiry of your work permit
• Proof of financial resources that can support yours and your family’s stay in Canada during the work permit validity
• Proof that you have no history of a criminal record
• Proof that you are in good health and are willing to undergo a medical examination
• Must prove that you are not a danger to Canada’s society
• Willingness to adhere to the conditions of your work permit
• Meet eligibility conditions such as language skills, biometric data, and insurance to prove that you can enter Canada

Eligibility requirements to apply for a work permit from inside Canada:

 In order to apply for a work permit from inside Canada, you must meet certain conditions. These include:

• Having a valid study permit
• Your spouse or common-law partner or parents have a study or work permit
• You are a graduate from a program at a Canadian University
• You have a temporary residence permit that is valid for six months
• You have made a PR application from inside Canada and waiting for a response
• You have made or intend to make a claim for refugee protection
• You have been recognized as a refugee by the IRCC
• You are a trader, investor, under intra-company transfer or are a professional under NAFTA

Work permit for students:

Students who have found a part-time job on campus while doing their full-time course can work without a work permit.

A work permit is not required for off-campus jobs either provided students do not work for more than 20 hours.  But students who are planning to take up an internship must have a study permit as well as a work permit.

The spouse or common-law partner of a student can apply for an open work permit and work on a full-time job.

 Temporary status of work permits:

Remember work permits are only temporary and cannot be used to immigrate to Canada. You can apply for a PR visa based on your skills and experience, provided you are qualified to apply as a skilled worker.

 You can apply for a PR visa under the following immigration programs:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Opportunities Ontario: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

To work in Canada, you will need a work permit, except for certain jobs. Applying for a work permit should be in your plan if you want to move to Canada after finding a job. An immigration consultant can help you with the application process and help you get your work permit.

Start your Canada work permit process by contacting an experienced consultant today.