Canada has presently chosen its way into the list of most preferred countries for skilled workers, international students, and professionals desiring to gain global exposure and a quality of life. Canada draws 1000s of applicants owing to its stable economy, open immigration policies, and more opportunities for employment. If you are planning to work in Canada, study in Canada, or settle in Canada, then by all means learn about the Canadian Work Visa process, Canada Immigration Express Entry, and also how to get Canadian permanent residence. An extension of a study permit is also important for students to understand.
Canadian Work Visa: An Overview
A Canadian Work Visa (sometimes called a work permit) allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a given employer and during a specified period. There are two major categories of work permits:
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Probably the most common of work permits, it authorizes you to work only with the employer who has been designated on the permit.
Open Work Permit
This one is not particular to a job; you are free to work for practically any employer within Canada.
Some of the popular streams under which you can apply for a Canadian Work Visa include:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
International Mobility Program
Post-Graduation Work Permit for students
Intra-Company Transfers
Global Talent Stream
The Canadian work experience increases your eligibility while applying later for Canadian permanent residency.
Canada Immigration Express Entry: A Fast-Track Route
Canada Immigration Express Entry is a common immigration pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence status in Canada. This is a points system by which applications are managed under three federal programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class
Key highlights of Express Entry:
Applicants in the Express Entry Pool are ranked on the basis of the Comprehensive Ranking System.
The CRS awards points for age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
Candidates with the highest scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in regular draws.
Working or studying in Canada can also provide a big advantage in terms of the CRS score.
Application for Canadian Permanent Residency: Main Goal for the Long Term
After accumulating some work or study experience in Canada, one may apply for Canadian permanent residency. The pathways are:
Express Entry (already explained above).
Provincial Nominee Programs, whereby each province selects candidates based on its labor market needs.
Family Sponsorship if you have family members in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class Applicants with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Atlantic Immigration Program for persons moving to the Atlantic Provinces.
Once you become a permanent resident, you shall acquire the freedom to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada, receive healthcare, and then carve out an application for Canadian citizenship thereafter.
Extension of Study Permit: Stay Longer and Learn More
If studying in Canada and your current study permit expires shortly, you would have to renew the study permit before it expires. What you should know:
Apply at least 30 days before the date upon which your permit expires. The DLI must register you. Make sure your passport is valid for the period of extension.
You are permitted to stay in Canada during the processing phase under status-implied. The extension of study permit may enable an extension of eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), whereas that itself can provide entry to permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?
Yes. Though a job offer will form part of a candidate’s CRS score, it is not a mandatory requirement for all Express Entry programs.
What are the eligibility criteria for Express Entry?
You need to have the minimum language score, credentials for education, and skillful work experience as per the requirements of a particular program.
When can I apply for my extension of study permit?
One must apply for renewal of the study permit at least 30 days before its expiration.
Can I work during the extension process for my study permit?
Implied status will result if the application for the extension was made before the expiry of the original permit, to enable the person to continue studying and working under the conditions laid down in his/her original permit.
Conclusion
Canada offers multiple pathways for those who wish to work, study, and settle in the country. Having a Work Visa Canada application, Canada Immigration Express Entry, Canadian permanent residency application, or extension of study permits must be done with information in the applicant’s favor to have a smooth processing time.
