Canada has opened its doors to an exciting opportunity for visitors in 2023 – the chance to seamlessly transition from a visitor visa to a work permit, without having to leave the country. This unique policy, which remains in effect until February 28, 2025, offers a pathway for individuals to explore employment opportunities while already in Canada. In this article, we present a straightforward guide on how to navigate this process and turn your visit into a working adventure.
Convert Canada Visitor Visa into Work Permit in 2023
Step 1: Find Your Dream Job in Canada
Your journey towards obtaining a work permit begins with securing a job offer in Canada that matches your qualifications and skills.
To explore potential opportunities, you can utilize various online resources such as job portals, the “Working in Canada” tool, labor market information, and job banks.
Another avenue to explore is the assistance of Recruitment Agencies in Canada for Foreign Workers (2023), which can help connect you with prospective employers.
Step 2: Acquire a Job Offer with LMIA or LMIA-Exempt Status
Once you’ve identified a job that aligns with your aspirations, the next step involves receiving a job offer from an employer who holds either an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or LMIA-exempt status.
An LMIA is an essential document that demonstrates the need for a foreign worker due to the absence of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position.
Conversely, an LMIA-exempt employer is one who can hire you without requiring an LMIA, typically due to certain reasons such as international agreements, Canadian interest categories, or provincial nomination programs.
For a comprehensive list of authorized and approved LMIA employers in Canada, you can refer to the Approved LMIA Employers in Canada.
Step 3: Applying for Your Work Permit
With a job offer in hand from an LMIA or LMIA-exempt employer, you’re ready to embark on the process of obtaining your work permit. This can be done either online or through a paper application.
Essential documents, such as your passport, visitor visa, job offer letter, proof of funds, and medical exam results, need to be submitted. Additionally, the work permit fee must be paid during this stage.
Also Check: 7 Steps to Apply for Canadian PR from Your Home Country 2023
Step 4: Optional Interim Work Authorization
If you’ve held a work permit within the last 12 months, you have the option to request interim work authorization while awaiting your new work permit. This facilitates an earlier start to your employment with the new employer.
To initiate this process, furnish a copy of your previous work permit, your new job offer letter, and evidence of payment for the work permit fee.
Applying for a Visitor Visa (TRV) if You’re Outside Canada
For those not yet in Canada but aspiring to work there in 2023, initiating the journey involves applying for a visitor visa, also referred to as a temporary resident visa (TRV). This visa allows you to explore Canada as a tourist for a span of up to six months.
Visitor Visa Application Requirements
To initiate the visitor visa application process, follow these steps:
- Complete the online application form and submit all required documents.
- Make the visitor visa fee payment online.
- Undergo biometric data collection at a designated service point.
- Await the visa decision, which will be communicated via email.
You can apply for a visitor visa online through this link: Visitor Visa Application
Upon securing your visitor visa, you can set your sights on Canada and start your job search for roles that are either LMIA-approved or LMIA-exempt.
Once a suitable job offer is obtained, you can proceed to apply for your work permit using the previously outlined steps.
In Conclusion
Canada’s visitor-to-work permit policy for 2023 offers a remarkable chance for individuals to explore employment opportunities without having to leave the country. By following these steps, you can make a seamless transition from a visitor to an employed worker in the vibrant Canadian landscape.
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