Canada Work Permit Fees
The fees for obtaining a Canada work permit vary depending on the type of permit and the applicant’s situation. Here are the key fees:
- Work permit (including extensions) – per person: $155.00
- Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists): $465.00
- Open work permit holder: $100.00
- Restore your status as a worker: $355.00 (includes $229 to restore status and $155 for the new work permit)
In addition to the work permit fees, applicants may need to pay other fees such as biometrics ($85 per person) or a right of permanent residence fee ($575) if applying for permanent residence.
Eligibility for Working in Canada
To be eligible to work in Canada, foreign nationals typically need:
- Valid Job Offer: A job offer from a Canadian employer that meets certain requirements.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): A positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada, unless the applicant is exempt.
- Work Permit: A work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The specific eligibility criteria can vary depending on the work permit program the applicant is applying under, such as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or the Global Talent Stream.
IELTS Requirement for Canada Work Permit
IELTS is not universally required for a Canada work permit. However, some work permit programs, such as the IEC, may require applicants to provide language proficiency test results, including IELTS, to demonstrate their English or French language skills.
The IELTS requirement and the minimum score needed can vary depending on the specific work permit program and the employer’s requirements. Applicants should check the eligibility criteria for the program they are applying under to determine if IELTS or another language test is required.
In summary, the fees for a Canada work permit range from $100 to $465, depending on the type of permit and the applicant’s situation. Eligibility for a work permit typically requires a valid job offer, a positive LMIA (unless exempt), and a work permit issued by IRCC. IELTS may be required for certain work permit programs, but it is not a universal requirement for all work permits in Canada.
What are the main differences between a closed and an open work permit in Canada
Here is a summary of the key differences between closed and open work permits in Canada:
Closed Work Permits
- Tied to a specific employer – the permit holder can only work for the employer named on the permit
- Require a job offer from a Canadian employer
- Employer usually needs to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless exempt
- Valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 2-4 years
- Provide a guaranteed job for the permit holder
Open Work Permits
- Allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada (except those offering erotic services)
- Do not require a specific job offer or LMIA
- Provide more flexibility to change jobs
- Typically valid for 1-2 years
- No guarantee of employment – the permit holder must find their own job
The main differences are that closed work permits tie the holder to a specific employer, while open work permits provide more flexibility to work for any eligible employer. Closed permits require a job offer and LMIA, while open permits do not. Open permits offer more freedom to change jobs, but no guaranteed employment.The choice between an open or closed work permit depends on the applicant’s circumstances and goals. Closed permits are better for those with a confirmed job offer, while open permits suit those who want more flexibility in finding work in Canada.
Which type of work permit is easier to obtain, open or closed
Based on the search results, the key differences between open and closed work permits in Canada are:Open Work Permits:
- Allow the holder to work for any eligible employer in Canada (except those offering erotic services)
- Do not require a specific job offer or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Provide more flexibility to change jobs and employers
- Typically valid for 1-2 years
Closed Work Permits:
- Restrict the holder to work only for the specific employer named on the permit
- Require a valid job offer and usually an LMIA from the employer
- Tie the holder to that specific job and employer
- Valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of 2-4 years
The search results indicate that open work permits are generally more difficult to obtain, as they are only available under certain circumstances like being a recent graduate, spouse/partner of a worker/student, or refugee/protected person. In contrast, closed work permits are more commonly issued to foreign workers who have a confirmed job offer from a Canadian employer.So in summary, closed work permits are generally easier to obtain than open work permits, as they have less stringent eligibility criteria and are tied to a specific job offer. The trade-off is less flexibility for the worker.
What are the eligibility criteria for a closed work permit
To be eligible for a closed work permit in Canada, the main requirements are:
- Valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- The job offer must include details like job title, description, duration, location, salary and benefits
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer
- The employer usually needs to obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada, unless exempt
- The LMIA process ensures there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and no local workers are available
- Meet the job requirements
- Possess the necessary education, experience and language skills for the specific job
- Admissibility to Canada
- Have a valid travel document like a passport
- Be admissible to Canada (no criminal record, security concerns, etc.)
- Sufficient funds
- Prove ability to support yourself (and any family members) during your stay in Canada
- Pay required fees
- Work permit fees range from $155-465 depending on the type of permit.
In summary, the key eligibility criteria are a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, an LMIA (unless exempt), meeting the job requirements, admissibility to Canada, sufficient funds, and paying the necessary fees. The closed work permit ties the worker to that specific job and employer.
How does the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process work
Based on the search results, here is an overview of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process for hiring foreign workers in Canada:
LMIA Overview
- The LMIA is a document that an employer in Canada may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker.
- The purpose of the LMIA is to ensure the hiring of the foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labor market.
- The employer must demonstrate there is a genuine need for the foreign worker and that no qualified Canadian workers are available for the job.
LMIA Application Process
- Employer Applies for LMIA: The employer submits an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), providing details about the job, the wage, and efforts to hire Canadians.
- ESDC Review: ESDC reviews the application to determine if hiring the foreign worker will have a positive or neutral impact on the Canadian labor market.
- LMIA Decision: ESDC issues either a positive or negative LMIA decision. A positive LMIA confirms the need for the foreign worker.
- Validity Period: A positive LMIA is valid for 6 months, during which the foreign worker can apply for a work permit.
LMIA Requirements
- The job offer must meet federal and provincial/territorial labor standards.
- Employers must show they tried to hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first.
- Wages and working conditions for the foreign worker must be the same as for Canadian workers in similar jobs.
- Additional requirements for low-wage positions, such as providing transportation, housing, and health insurance.
Expedited LMIA Processing
In certain cases, employers may qualify for expedited 10-day LMIA processing if they:
- Are hiring for high-wage or in-demand occupations
- Are paying at or above the provincial/territorial median wage
- Meet other criteria related to wages, job duration, and Express Entry
So in summary, the LMIA is a key step for most employers looking to hire foreign workers in Canada, requiring them to demonstrate the need and lack of available Canadian workers. The process involves an application review and decision by ESDC.