OTHER TYPES OF WORK PERMITS

OTHER TYPES OF WORK PERMITS

There are other types of work permits that Canada offers to foreigners who are interested to work in Canada. The programs are distinguished mainly into 3 different categories; Students, International Experience Canada (IEC), and Business People under North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). 

STUDENTS

International students can legally work in Canada while they are studying full-time in a designated learning institution. They are allowed to work a maximum 20 hours/week (part-time) while studying full-time. Moreover, the students are allowed to work full-time during scheduled post-secondary school breaks such as a reading break. 

Upon graduation, they are eligible to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit, which may give them 1 to 3 years of open work permits to work in Canada. If they graduate from a 1-year certificate program, then they’re entitled to apply for a 1-year open work permit. If they complete a 2-year diploma or 4-year bachelor program, then they are eligible for a 3-year open work permit. 

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CANADA (IEC)

There are 3 categories under IEC program; Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op. In order to qualify under this program, the applicant’s age must be between 18 to 35 years old. Also, the open work permit will be given up to 1 year. LMIA is not required for this program. 

BUSINESS PEOPLE UNDER NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (NAFTA) 

There are 4 main categories under this program; Business Visitors, Professionals, Intra-company Transferees, and Traders & Investors. 

Business Visitors are eligible to get up to 6 months of visitor visa. They are required to have international activities with Canada, must not have an intention to enter Canadian labour market, and their primary principal business must remain outside of Canada. 

Professionals can get a work permit up to 3 years if they are qualified to work in 1 of over 60 occupations listed in the Canadian government. There must be a pre-arranged employment with a Canadian employer. 

Intra-company Transferees are eligible to get a work permit up to 3 years. They must have a continuous employment with the same or affiliated employer for over 1 year out of 3 years before applying. Also, they must be transferred to work for the same or affiliated employer. 

Traders and Investors can acquire a work permit up to 2 years in Canada. Trades are mainly (over 50%) between US, Mexico, and Canada (North America). Minimum over 50% of investments in Canada must be made to develop and direct an enterprise. The trader or investor applying must have a position in supervisory, executive, or essential skills.