How to Find a Job in Canada

Applying for a Work Permit

1. Find out if you're eligible for a work permit. You can apply for an employer-specific permit if you only plan to work in Canada for a limited period of time, or an open work permit if you're staying longer or applying for permanent residence.^[4] Certain occupations (like foreign representatives, emergency service providers, and media crews) don't require a work permit, but may still need to acquire a temporary resident visa (see http://Immigration.ca for specifics).^[5] You're eligible if you:

   1. Prove that you'll leave once your permit expires;
   2. Provide proof of adequate income to take care of yourself (and your family) while in Canada and in order to leave;
   3. Have no criminal record (immigration officials may ask for a police clearance certificate);
   4. Are not a danger to security in Canada;
   5. Are in good health (a medical exam may be required);
   6. Do not plan to work for an employer who has failed to comply with immigration policy in the past;
   7. Do not plan to work for an employer who offers erotic or illicit services;
   8. Comply with requests for documents to prove you're allowed to enter the country.^[6]

2. Ask your employer to submit an LMIA if you need one. Determine if your prospective employer needs to submit an LMIA. A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that your prospective employer must obtain in order to hire you as a temporary worker before you can apply for your work permit.^[7]

   1. An LMIA shows that there is a need for a temporary foreign worker and that no Canadians are able to do the job.^[8]
   2. Thanks to the North American Fair Trade Agreement, citizens of America or Mexico can obtain a temporary work permit without having to obtain an LMIA which greatly simplifies the process.^[9]
   3. You may qualify for an exemption code from the International Mobility Program depending on the type of work that you do and your country of origin.^[10]
   4. If you are not exempt, all you need to do is tell your prospective employer to submit an LMIA request online to Employment and Social Development Canada as soon as possible.
   5. If you don't have a job lined up yet and know that you're not exempt from the LMIA, focus on your job search first and foremost! You'll need the LMIA in order to apply for a work permit.

3. Collect all of the necessary documents. In addition to the application, you'll need to provide documents to verify your identity and intent to work in Canada. Necessary documents include proof of identity, proof that you're eligible for the job (or jobs that you'll be applying to), proof of relationship (if applicable), proof of immigration status (for non-citizens), and other documents as needed.^[11]

   1. Your proof of identity should be a valid passport and 2 additional passport-regulation photos of yourself.^[12]
   2. To prove you're eligible for the job, you'll need to either submit a Canadial Provincial Trade Certificate or your educational requirements and past work experience (outlined in a resume).
   3. If you're bringing family members with you, you'll need to provide a marriage certificate as well as birth certificates for each person.
   4. If you're not a citizen of the country or territory to which you're applying to work, you must send proof of your current immigration status as well!
   5. Apply for a work permit before you come to Canada either during your job search or after you've found work.^[13]

4. Apply online or via mail and pay the fees in full. Applying online (at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html) is going to be the faster, easier route, but you must have a scanner or quality digital camera to upload all the necessary documents. You'll also need to pay a few application fees in full (listed in Canadian dollars):

   1. $155 fee per person (including extensions)
   2. $465 fee for 3+ persons who are performing artists (including extensions)
   3. $100 fee open work permit holder fee (refundable if declined)
   4. If you pay online (via credit or Canadian debit card), you must print out the receipt and attach it to your application as proof of payment. It's wise to make a second copy to keep for your records.
   5. If you're in the United States, send your complete application and accompanying documents to:
      Canadian Visa Application Centre
      W 45th St. 4th floor
      New York, NY 10036^[14]

5. Wait for processing and approval or refusal. It usually takes about 3 weeks to process work permit applications (and longer if you're outside of the US).^[15] If your application is approved, they'll send you an introduction letter as well as any documents that you sent in with your application (like your passport).^[16] If your application is refused, they'll return all of your application documents as well as a letter explaining why your application was declined.^[17]

   1. If you have any changes in your contact information (like your mailing address, phone number, email, or fax), tell them as soon as possible.
   2. Processing may take longer if you have a medical condition that requires more testing or if more information is needed in regards to a criminal record.