In order for foreign nationals to work and engage in economic activity in Canada, they must obtain a work permit. While there are many different pathways to obtain a work permit, one of the most common is to obtain approval to hire a foreign national through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to obtain a work permit. However, there is a wait time for LMIA approval, which as of August 2024 is approximately six to seven months. This is adding to the time and cost burden, so many organizations are asking if there is an alternative. Some examples of work permits that can be obtained without an LMIA are the International Experience Canada (IEC), the Intra-Canadian Citizenship (ICT), the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), and the Religious Worker Visa. Each pathway has different features and application requirements, so you can choose based on your situation. In this column, we'll take a closer look at these work permits.
First, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from abroad to travel and work in Canada, and is divided into three sub-programs: Working Holiday, Next Generation Professionals, and International Internship. The program is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, as long as they are citizens of South Korea, and requires a minimum of $2,500 CAD for living expenses, round-trip airfare, and health insurance. The program offers a variety of job and cultural experiences, language skills improvement, and the opportunity to network and make new international connections. However, you cannot bring your family with you.
Second, an in-country temporary worker visa (ICT) is a visa that allows employees of a company headquartered abroad to be seconded to work in a Canadian branch or subsidiary. Applicants must have worked for the company for at least one year and be a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge. This visa allows for career advancement, is issued without an LMIA, and does not require proof of language proficiency. It also allows for family members to be brought with them, open work permits for spouses, and free education for children.
Third, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a visa for international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, allowing them to work in Canada after graduation to further their careers. This visa requires you to complete a full-time program of at least eight months, apply within 180 days of graduation, and hold a valid student visa. It's valid for up to three years and gives you the freedom to work for an employer of your choice, making it a great way to gain valuable work experience. It also helps you apply for permanent residency, so it's a good idea to plan ahead as you prepare to study in Canada. However, it's unclear if this visa will continue to be available in the future, as revisions to the program are currently being considered. You'll have to keep an eye out for government announcements.
Fourth, the Religious Worker Visa (RWV) is a visa that allows you to work as a religious worker.
In order for foreign nationals to work and engage in economic activity in Canada, they must obtain a work permit. While there are many different pathways to obtain a work permit, one of the most common is to obtain approval to hire a foreign national through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to obtain a work permit. However, there is a wait time for LMIA approval, which as of August 2024 is approximately six to seven months. This is adding to the time and cost burden, so many organizations are asking if there is an alternative. Some examples of work permits that can be obtained without an LMIA are the International Experience Canada (IEC), the Intra-Canadian Citizenship (ICT), the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), and the Religious Worker Visa. Each pathway has different features and application requirements, so you can choose based on your situation. In this column, we'll take a closer look at these work permits.
First, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program allows young people from abroad to travel and work in Canada, and is divided into three sub-programs: Working Holiday, Next Generation Professionals, and International Internship. The program is open to young adults between the ages of 18 and 35, as long as they are citizens of South Korea, and requires a minimum of $2,500 CAD for living expenses, round-trip airfare, and health insurance. The program offers a variety of job and cultural experiences, language skills improvement, and the opportunity to network and make new international connections. However, you cannot bring your family with you.
Second, an in-country temporary worker visa (ICT) is a visa that allows employees of a company headquartered abroad to be seconded to work in a Canadian branch or subsidiary. Applicants must have worked for the company for at least one year and be a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge. This visa allows for career advancement, is issued without an LMIA, and does not require proof of language proficiency. It also allows for family members to be brought with them, open work permits for spouses, and free education for children.
Third, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a visa for international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, allowing them to work in Canada after graduation to further their careers. This visa requires you to complete a full-time program of at least eight months, apply within 180 days of graduation, and hold a valid student visa. It's valid for up to three years and gives you the freedom to work for an employer of your choice, making it a great way to gain valuable work experience. It also helps you apply for permanent residency, so it's a good idea to plan ahead as you prepare to study in Canada. However, it's unclear if this visa will continue to be available in the future, as revisions to the program are currently being considered. You'll have to keep an eye out for government announcements.
Fourth, the Religious Worker Visa (RWV) is a visa that allows you to work as a religious worker.