Canada is a beautiful, diverse place, and there are many reasons for wanting to stay there. Of course, this will require you to get an adequate visa or, if you are planning on working there, a work permit.
A visa process may seem a bit complicated, but with enough research and preparation, you should not have any problems whatsoever. Be sure to inform yourself properly before you apply. Furthermore, start the application process early enough, just in case some complications ensue.
So what do you need to do to get into Canada?
Types of work permits
If you plan on working in Canada, you will need a work permit. First of all, you should know that in Canada, there are two types of work permits:
1. Employer-specific work permit
2. The open work permit
When it comes to the employer-specific work permit you should already have the information on who your employer is, how long will the employment lasts, and the location of where you can work. Other than that, before you apply, your future employer must complete a separate process too. They will need to give you certain information to make your application complete. You should discuss this with your future employer before you apply.
The open work permit lets you work for any organization in Canada. This permit can be obtained only in certain situations. You should inform yourself about those situations at the Canadian embassy or via other official sources to confirm if you are eligible or not.
Requirements for getting a work permit
All applicants have to fulfill a set of requirements to be eligible for a work permit in Canada.
First of all, you have to prove you will leave the country once you stop working. If you want to move to Canada and start living there permanently you will need more than just a work permit. The best way is through the Express Entry program. We will cover this a bit more later in the article.
The second requirement is that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family while in Canada. Besides that, you have to have enough money to eventually leave the country.
The third requirement is that your record is squeaky clean. All past criminal activity can lead to your application getting rejected. Besides that, you have to prove you are not a threat to the country in any way.
You could also be asked to do a medical exam, and you should be of good health. Additionally, some employers could be ineligible to hire you as a foreigner, and you could be asked to provide further documentation.
The interview
In many cases, after you apply, you could be asked for an interview at the local Embassy. In this interview, you can expect to be asked tons of different questions. The most important thing is being honest and answering everything truthfully. Be well prepared, dress up adequately, and be natural. Interviews can be stressful, but what’s important is that you are well-informed about the country and the visa process itself.
You will probably be asked to provide biometrics and photos as well, so keep that in mind.
Permanent working visa
If you want to get a permanent working visa, you will have to qualify as a skilled worker and enter the Express Entry system.
To apply for one of those skilled worker programs, you will need to prepare a lot of documentation. This documentation includes your passport, language assessment, education credentials, the medical exam, proof of funds, and some other additional documents. The important thing to know is that when you are applying to one of those programs, your eligibility will be decided through CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System). To qualify, you will have to score at least 67 out of 100 points. The points depend on your age, education, experience, knowledge of English or French, whether or not you already have a legitimate work offer in Canada, and lastly, adaptability.
There are also the Self-Employment Visas for artists and athletes.
Family Visas
Of course, if you are moving to Canada on a work permit, you are probably asking yourself: „But what about my family?“
Yes, your family could be eligible to move to Canada along with you. Of course, there are some requirements to be fulfilled first. The most important thing is that you can prove you will be able to financially support your family while staying in Canada. Naturally, you have to be over the age of 18. The family members you can bring with you are your spouse and dependent children. If your children are under 19 years of age, they can be included in your application. Additionally, if your older children are disabled or in a need of special care, you can include them too.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Now, if you plan to visit Canada for business, like meeting a client for example, but you are not planning to enter the Canadian job market as a worker, you do not need a work permit or a working visa.
If you are eligible, you will have to apply for Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA. This authorization lasts for 5 years and it lets you visit Canada for any number of trips during that period. The longest you can legally stay during one trip is six months. You can check if you are eligible and if you need it on this website. The application process is very simple and completely online.
If you are not eligible for ETA, then you will have to apply for the visitor visa instead.
The Conclusion
Entering the visa process can be a bit intimidating at the beginning. There are many rules and requirements you must be aware of before you actually apply for the visa. This is no different when it comes to Canada. Nonetheless, if you follow all the rules and inform and prepare yourself well, this process shouldn’t be problematic at all.
The best course of action is to pay a visit to your local Canadian embassy so you can inform yourself properly.
After you’ve done your research you should choose the right visa option for you and start the application process. Make sure you fulfill all requirements and be ready to submit any additional information necessary.
Good luck!
