This detailed step will guide you to obtain your open work permit legally. Yes, it is possible to find a work in Canada without involving any agent. This article entails an essential guide on how to apply for a Canadian Work Visa online without paying more than the visa fee.
How To Apply For A Canadian Work Visa
The Canadian work visa allows foreign nationals to travel and be able to work in Canada legally. There are two main types of the Canadian work visa; the open work permit and LMIA work permit.
The Labour Market Impact Assessment, LMIA requires you to have a job offer from an employer in Canada. Also, the employer must obtain the LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada. Basically, the LMIA is an approved hiring foreign workers. On the other hand, the Open work permit allows foreign workers to work in Canada for any employer of their desire, but for a specific time. Note that, you cannot apply for both at the same time.
Below, you will find all the required details and steps on how to obtain an open work permit.
How To Obtain The Canadian Open Work Permit
The International Mobility Program which is also known as the Open Work Permit is a type of Canadian Work Visa that is not tied or linked to a specific job. The open work permit allows the jobseeker to change employers as long as their permit is valid. The work permit can be valid for two years and after that, one can also apply for permanent residence. The temporary work permit allows you to stay and work for not more than 6 months.
For the open work permit, you do not need the LMIA document, and any related proof that your employer has extended a job offer to you. Also, there are three categories of the open work permit;
- Restricted work permit which allows you to change employer but not your occupation
- Unrestricted work permit which allows you to change employer, occupation, and location.
- Restricted work permit, which allows you to change employer but not location.
Upon your application, the visa officer will decide which category fits you in regard to the documents you submit during the application.
What Are The Required Documents?
You will need the following general documents upon application;
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Certificates and Degrees
- English Language Proficiency Tests (IELTS or TOEFL)
Note that, you will need a job offer from an employer without a LMIA before you can proceed with your work permit application. Do not know how to get a job offer? Don’t worry, below are some legit and approved websites to find job offers.
How To Find A Job Offer For An Open Work Permit
Job Bank: This is the official website for the Canadian government. You can get jobs from employers without LMIA. Sample job offers from their website;
- IT Manager Job
- IT Support Technician
- IT Business Analyst
- Truck Driver
- Restaurant Manager
- Delivery Driver
- Retail Store Supervisor
- Graphic Designer
- Carpenter
- Kitchen Helper
- Bartender
Glassdoor: Has a variety of approved Canadian jobs
After you’ve gained a job offer from an employer, now proceed to apply for the open work permit.
How To Apply For The Open Work Permit
Follow these basic steps and apply for your Canadian Open Work permit without involving any agent. The sad truth is, all agents will take huge sums of money but will follow this same procedure and apply for you. Note that, an agent applying for a work permit for you does not guarantee its approval.
- Log on to the official Canadian Visa Application website
- Create an account using your legal credentials
- Proceed to submit the applications forms IMM 1295, Schedule 1, IMM 5645 E, IMM 5409, IMM 5476, and IMM 5475. After creating the account all these document codes will be in order for you to fill so do not worry.
- Also proceed to submit your supporting documents like your passport, photocopy of the passport and its pages, valid job offer confirmation from the employer, two passport pictures, police records, marriage certificates (if you’re married), and other documents the consulate will demand.
- Complete your medical examination before you attend the visa interview. Go along with the doctor’s report as well.
- Attend the visa interview on the given date and time.
- Wait for processing time, which may be at least 3–27 weeks.
The cost of the Canadian Open Work permit is CAD $255.
I hope the above steps help you in your application. You can apply for your own visa without involving any agent. All you need is grace, laptop, internet connection, and your documents.
