Study or Work Permits

In order to apply for a Canadian work permit, an applicant requires a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, there are a number of exemptions to this rule. Here is a list of programs that are exempted from the LMIA requirements known as International Mobility Programs.

International Free Trade Agreements – This category provides Canadian work permits for investors, traders, business visitors, and other professionals who come under agreements such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Entrepreneurs/self-employed candidates seeking to operate a business – Private entrepreneurs who want to operate a business in Canada can get eligible for an LMIA-exempt work permit if they meet the following requirements:

• Must have sole or majority ownership of the company
• Businesses should contribute to Canada’s economy
• Demonstrate that the work performed in Canada will be temporary

Entrepreneurs who seek Canadian permanent resident status may also qualify for LMIA exemption.

Intra-company transferees – Foreign workers who have been working in a branch or parent Canadian company abroad and coming to join a managerial position are exempted from labor market opinion.

International Experience Canada – International Experience Canada (IEC) is a great opportunity for both personal and professional growth by traveling and working abroad. Foreign nationals can participate in the program under three categories:

• Working Holiday
• Young Professionals
• International Co-op (Internship)

Academic exchanges – Certain academics may be exempt from an LMIA, including researchers, visiting professors, and guest lecturers.

Performing arts – Allowing entry of foreign nationals working in dance (e.g., ballet, contemporary), opera, orchestra and live theater.

Work that is related to a research, educational or training program – Foreign nationals are exempted from LMIA when they come to Canada for a research, educational or training purpose and meet all the required criteria.

Public policy, competitiveness and economy – Under this category, various other programs are included such as post-graduation employment, spouse of skilled workers and more.

Charitable or religious work – Foreign workers in Canada who are working for a charitable organization or religious institution.

STUDY PERMIT CANADA

Millions of applicants around the world are dreaming about being accepted into one of the Canadian colleges or universities and receiving study permits. Studying in Canada is an exciting and rewarding experience for many international students. Once you’ve decided what to study, you need to consider entry dates, application deadlines, student visa processing times and English language requirements. Aside from BA, MBA, PhD, certificate and diploma programs, Canadian colleges and universities have a variety of short-term summer language courses, continuing education and exchange programs. The main intake is in September each year, though many colleges and universities have a smaller intake in January or summer term. Most foreign nationals require a study permit to study in Canada.

If your course is less than 6 months long, you’ll only need a visitor visa to come to Canada. However, if you plan to study for more than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a student visa. To apply for study visa first of all you need to obtain an acceptance letter from the educational institution. There are more than 98 universities and colleges in Canada, however, the school of your choice must be approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. If you plan to apply to college or university, this is the first thing you should check.

To apply for a study permit, you need:

• an acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• a valid passport or travel document
• prove that you have enough money to pay for your: tuition fees, living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
• be a law-abiding citizen with no criminal record and not be a risk to the security of Canada. You may have to provide a police certificate.
• be in good health. You may need to complete a medical exam.
• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.

Working in Canada as a Student:

While studying in Canada, it is possible to work in Canada, under any Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s work programs for students. Under the following categories, a student is allowed to work in Canada:

• On campus without a work permit
• Off campus with a work permit
• In Co-op and Internship Programs, where work experience is a part of the curriculum, with a work permit.

Additionally, spouses and common-law partners of foreign students are eligible for a work permit for a duration similar to the study permit.

Upon graduation, a student is allowed to apply for a work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Under this program, you may get a work permit up to a maximum of three years.