Working in a foreign country has become the goal of many, and for different reasons, including economic ones, Depending on the economic strength of a country, it can either be a good country to work in or not.
This is why so many internationals choose to work in Canada and other well-to-do countries out there in order to not only secure employment but also be paid very well for it. Another reason might be schooling; international students struggle to keep up with the financial demands of schooling without jobs to keep them afloat.
There are numerous reasons why people decide to work abroad, and in Canada, to be specific. In this article, we shall be providing you with all the needed information on the important documents needed to apply for a work permit in Canada.
Before we jump right in, you might ask, “Do I really need a work permit?
Yes, you do. You need a valid work permit before you can move to Canada and work there. This enables an entrepreneur, a student, or a temporary worker to be able to make money and pay their bills and taxes while in the country.
Foreigners are generally issued work permits that expire after a particular amount of time, which is solely dependent on the type of job you do and how long it will last.
The number one process is to first get your work visa in Canada. Before this, you have to first compile a comprehensive number of documents, including a valid employment offer letter and proof of funds, before you can begin to apply for the visa.
Now back to the question: what are the important work documents needed? Here is the list of documents needed for this process:
Identification
The number one thing you’ll need is identification. Your passport can be used for this. Also, take note that your passport has to be valid throughout the time you’re going to be employed in Canada; this is because the work visa cannot exceed the expiration date of your passport.
The information below should be included in the photocopy of your passport information page.
- Passport number
- Issue and expiration date
- Picture, name, date, and place of birth
To add, you need two pictures that pass the visa application’s photographic standards of yourself and any accompanying family members.
In aspects of education, the following documents are required:
- Degrees, certificates, and diplomas are all accepted.
Work Experience
To show that you’ve garnered quality work experience, you’ll need different types of documents, like copies of current and past employment letters and relieving letters, as well.
- Copies of payslips
- Bank statements
- Reference letters, which include the amount of time the job will last and the kind of job it is,
- Letters from employers
- Letters from your employers that give a detailed explanation of your job obligations and duties
- The location, name, and mobile number of your previous employee or employers
Proof of funds
You have to show evidence of the personal money you’ve gathered to support yourself, like:
- Income tax return for the past two years
- Your bank statements for the past two months
- Documents showing ownership or evidence of property, income, or investments
Dependents and family information
If you intend to move to Canada with your spouse or family, here are the following documents that you will need:
Different copies showcase marriage certificates and birth certificates for the dependents who intend on joining you there.
A completed, signed, and specifically dated form consisting of the information of the family (IMM 5707)
Fee payment
You will have to present evidence of fees that are related to your work permit application. You will also have to present proof of payment for the charges incurred during processing and the biometric or open work permit holder fee.
Concrete documentation of current legal status:
You will have to provide proof of the legal status of your country if it is different from your citizenship.
Job offer
Before you can apply for a work permit, there has to be a valid job offer already.
For your permit to be approved, you must present the legal documents or requirements for the actual position that you are applying for. Examples of this are a legitimate Canadian provincial or territorial trade certificate, educational prerequisites, or prior work experience.
If you intend to apply for an LMIA work permit, you also have to submit a labor market impact assessment (LMIA). This work permit is specifically given by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Reports
Submit the following reports:
By presenting or submitting a police clearance certificate.
Concrete evidence showing that you are very healthy and are willing to submit to a medical examination.
Forms
Here are the different forms you have to fill out for this process to be completed:
Application for work payment made while you’re not in the country (Canada), (IMM 1295)
The legitimacy of releasing personal information to a particular or designated individual (IMM 5475)
Checklist Document (IMM 5488)
Details and information about the family (IMM 5645)
Schedule 1: Applying for a resident visa that is temporary in nature
Statutory Declaration of a Common-law Union (IMM 5409)
Use of representatives (IMM 546)
Certified copies and translations
Do take note that you have to or must certify every photocopy that you provide as part of your paperwork. Someone who is authorized must compare the original to that of the photocopy and go ahead to submit their office stamp, which must be dated, in order to fully certify the photocopy of the document.
Unless it is specified on your document checklist, for translations, you have to submit a certified copy of the actual document, an official English or French translation, and an affidavit from the translator if they are not a professional trainer.
If you intend to get a work permit in Quebec, also know this:
To be able to get a work permit in Quebec is quite different than in Canada. This is because you have to first get a Quebec acceptance certificate (CAQ) from the minister of immigration before you can go ahead and apply for a work visa.
Before you can work in Quebec, your employer has to contact both the ESDC and the MIFI.
