Navigating Canada’s Immigration Path: From Visitor Visa to Work Permit in 2024
As of 2024, more than 50 million people live in Canada, and over 500,000 new immigrants live in the country. But do all of them have work permits? Do you know how to convert visitor visa to work permit in Canada? In Canada, any visitor can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and gradually acquire a Work Permit, allowing them to change their status from visitor to worker.
Workers who do not have a Work Permit are not permitted to stay and work in Canada. Visitors and temporary residents can extend their stay only if their visas are still valid. Let’s understand the difference between Canada visitor visa & work visa.
Difference Between Canada Visitor Visa & Work Visa
| Feature | Canada Visitor Visa | Canada Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and family. | For legally working in Canada. |
| Work Authorization | Not permitted to work in Canada. | Allows employment with a specific employer or self-employment. |
| Job Offer Requirement | No job offer required. | A valid job offer is typically required. |
| Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) | Not applicable. | Often requires an LMIA to demonstrate the need for foreign workers. |
| Duration of Stay | Generally valid for up to six months. | Valid for varying lengths, typically one to two years, and may be renewable. |
| Pathway to Permanent Residency | Does not lead to permanent residency. | Can be a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. |
| Eligibility | Must demonstrate intent to visit temporarily. | Must have a job offer and meet specific eligibility criteria. |
| Application Process | Simple application process for temporary entry. | More complex application process requiring job offer and supporting documents. |
| Family Inclusion | No provisions for family to work. | Spouses and dependents may be eligible for work permits. |
Eligibility Criteria to apply for the Canadian work permit
- A valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport photographs
- The application fee
- The letter of introduction
- Proof of financial support and
- A job offer letter in Canada
- Normal Processing Time: The processing time for a Canadian Work Permit typically ranges from 5 to 36 weeks. This range depends on whether the application is submitted from inside or outside Canada and the completeness of the application.
- Processing from Within Canada: If applying for a work permit while already in Canada, the processing time is generally around 5 weeks.
- Processing from Outside Canada: For applicants submitting their work permit applications from outside Canada, the processing time can take up to 5 to 6 months.
- Country-Specific Times: For applicants from India, the processing time can take approximately 20 weeks when applying from India, while the processing time for applications made from within Canada is around 106 days.
How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Permit Visa In Canada : Fees Structure
- Work visa- CAD $155 (per head)
- Open Work Permit- CAD $100 (per head)
- Work Permit for Group (3 or more) artists and respective staff, given they apply together- CAD $465
- Restore Work Permit- CAD $355
How to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit Visa in Canada
Get A Job Offer
Wondering How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Permit Visa In Canada? The first step is to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. This job offer must be approved by the government through a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt from the LMIA requirement.
Collect Required Documents
- A valid passport
- The job offer letter from the employer
- An LMIA approval letter from the employer (if applicable)
- Proof of qualifications and work experience
- Police certificates
- Medical exams (if required)
Apply for the Work Permit
Wondering How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Visa In Canada? You can apply for the work permit either from outside Canada or from within Canada, depending on your eligibility. The application can be submitted online or by mail.
Wait for the Work Permit Approval
After submitting the application, you will need to wait for the processing time, which varies depending on the type of work permit and the applicant’s country of origin.
Receive the Work Permit
Once the work permit is approved, you will receive it either by mail or at the port of entry when you arrive in Canada. It’s important to note that converting a tourist visa to a work permit is not an automatic process. You must meet the eligibility criteria for the specific work permit category and provide all the required documents. If you are already in Canada on a visitor visa and have found a job, you will need to leave Canada and apply for the work permit from your home country.
Conclusion
Summing up with this dilemma of How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Permit In Canada? If you have a valid job offer than it’s viable option for you to convert Canada visitor visa to work permit. Most essential condition is obtaining a job offer supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer, and applying for the work permit before February 28, 2025, under the current temporary policies.
While the process allows you to apply from within Canada, it is important for you to understand that success rates can be low due to the competitive job market. Additionally, you must maintain valid visitor status and be prepared for potential legal implications if you wish to overstay. Effective networking and strategic job searching are key to increase prospects for securing employment and successfully transitioning to a work permit.
FAQs
How To Convert Visitor Visa To Work Permit In Canada
Yes, it is possible to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada if you have a valid job offer and meet specific criteria, including applying before February 28, 2025.
Can I apply for work permit Canada if I have a visitor visa?
Yes, individuals on a visitor visa can apply for a work permit from within Canada, provided they have a job offer that meets the requirements.
Is Canada giving work permits to visitors?
Yes, Canada has temporary policies allowing visitors with valid job offers to apply for work permits without leaving the country.
Can I get a job in Canada with a visitor visa?
Generally, visitors cannot work in Canada unless they convert their visitor visa to a work permit by securing a job offer and applying for the permit.
How long does it take to receive a work permit after approval in Canada?
The processing time for a work permit application from within Canada can take approximately 101 days.
How much does it cost to convert visitor visa to work permit in Canada?
The fee to apply for a work permit is CAD $155 per application.
