Canada is popular for its diverse nature, exotic food, and welcoming environment across the world, and that’s why thousands of people visit Canada to either explore its natural beauty or meet their family. Individuals must obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada. But there were some strict rules, like the visitor visa holders cannot look for jobs in Canada during their stay.
But the good news is that rules have changed, and now you can get a job without any legal obligations. This temporary policy was about to expire in February 2023, but the Canadian government has extended the time for another 2 years. Visitors now convert their visitor visas to work permits even from inside Canada. How so? Read this article to learn details about the procedure.
How to Convert Your Visitor Visa to a Work Permit?
Canada has offered this temporary policy to foreign nationals due to the labor shortage in Canada because of economic expansion. According to the latest report, visitors can obtain work permits in Canada until February 28, 2025.
Search for Job
If you are in Canada with a visitor visa, search for a job as soon as possible through several websites. Try to filter the jobs by LMIA approval. You can also contact your immigration consultant to get professional guidance.
Note: You should match your NOC code with the jobs in the area you live in.
Get a Positive LMIA Offer Letter
Keep in mind that after entering Canada on a Visitor visa, you have a limited time to get a job with a positive LMIA or Labour Market Impact Assessment. LMIA-approved means Canadian employers are allowed to hire foreign skilled nationals.
There is a higher chance of not getting a job in Canada because the Canadian employer has to fill up LMIA requirements, and many of them are not interested in hiring temporary visitors. It would be best if you apply for jobs that don’t require LMIA.
Apply for Work Permit
You can get an open work permit without an LMIA. If your spouse has a work permit or is studying in Canada, you can submit an application for a work permit while on a visitor visa. Also, if your spouse is waiting for PR, you may apply for a work permit.
Convert Your Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada
From February 28, 2023, foreign nationals with a visitor visa can receive a work permit without leaving the country. But in that case, they must wait 132 days to receive the work permit. Remember that individuals cannot work under a Canadian employer unless their work permit is approved.
Call for Professionals!
If you are in Canada on a visitor visa and want to convert your visa to a work permit to work legally, contact an expert immigration consultant. To convert your visitor visa to a work permit, call us at MODE IMMIGRATION.
