Working Temporarily in Canada
      Overview
      Every year over 90,000 foreign workers enter Canada working temporarily to help Canadian employers address skill shortages in Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) ensure that these workers will support economic growth in Canada and create more opportunities for all Canadian job seekers.

      In almost all cases you must have a valid work permit to work in Canada.

      These steps must be followed before you apply for a work permit:

        1.. An employer must first offer you a job.
        2.. HRDC must normally provide a labour market opinion or 'confirmation' of your job offer. However, some types of work are exempt from this process.
        3.. After HRDC confirms that a foreign national may fill the job, you apply to CIC for your work permit.
      You cannot immigrate with a work permit. If you want to come and live in Canada as a permanent resident based on your work skills or experience, see if you qualify for the Skilled Worker Program.

      Foreign workers may do some jobs in Canada without a permit. Check to see if you can work in Canada without a permit.

      Because of certain free trade agreements, business people may work in Canada without a work permit.

      The Worker's Role: Temporary workers must also meet the requirements that apply to all temporary residents in order to come to Canada. Find out what you must do before working in Canada.

      The Employer's Role: Before a foreign national may work in Canada, you, as an employer, must check with HRDC to confirm the job offer you have made to the foreign worker. Find out what you must do before you can hire a foreign national.

      What HRDC will do: HRDC's role is to provide advice to CIC regarding the impact on the Canadian labour market that the entry of a foreign worker will have.

      The Live-In Caregiver Program:
      A live-in caregiver is someone who provides care to children, the elderly or the disabled in a private household. After working two years as a live-in caregiver you can apply to be a permanent resident in Canada. Learn how you can apply for the Live-In Caregiver Program.
     

         



 Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker
           
            Find information on:

            Amendments to the transitional regulations

            The new passmark

            Changes to submission of family class applications 

      Skilled workers have education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French and other abilities that will help them to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada.

      Applying to come to Canada as a Skilled Worker is not difficult. Consult this section to find all the information and forms you need to make your application.

      Refer to this site often. The rules for applying as a Skilled Worker can change. Before you apply, make sure you are following the current rules. After you apply, check back for information about the steps that follow. You can also check the status of your application.

      Canada welcomes skilled worker immigrants, and we hope that this Web site will provide you with helpful information about living and working in the various provinces and regions of Canada.



           Will You Qualify as a Skilled Worker?
            There are minimum application requirements and selection factors to come as a Skilled Worker.

              a.. Find out if you can apply as a Skilled Worker;
              b.. Read about the six selection factors;
              c.. Learn how to assess your language skills;
              d.. Use our on-line Self Assessment tool to see if you qualify as a skilled worker.
           
           Working in Canada
            Learn more about:

              a.. regulated and non-regulated occupations;
              b.. assessment of credentials;
              c.. The labour market and "job banks"; and
              d.. employment by province and territory.
           
           Things to Consider Before Applying

              a.. Application Fees
              b.. Funds required to settle in Canada
              c.. Medical Examinations
              d.. Whether you should hire someone to represent you
              e.. Choosing a destination in Canada
           
           How to Apply
            Once you have decided that you want to bring your skills to Canada, make sure that you follow the right steps to apply.
           
           What Happens After Applying
            Learn more about what will happen after you submit your application:

              a.. How your application is assessed.
              b.. Checking the status of your application.
              c.. What happens when you arrive in Canada.
           
     
         
      Last Updated: 2004-06-11  Important Notices 



 
      Application to Study in Canada: Study Permits
      This application is for persons who are outside Canada who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada and who wish to study temporarily in Canada. A study permit is issued if the application is accepted.

      A temporary resident visa to visit Canada may also be required. Check the list of countries and territories whose citizens need a visa.

      Submit the application to a visa office at a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate abroad.

      Prior to submitting your application, contact the visa office to see if you need to fill out any additional forms or provide any additional documents.



           This application includes the following items:

              a.. Guide [IMM 5269]
              >>> also in HTML format
              b.. Application for a Study Permit [IMM 1294]
              c.. Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409]
              d.. Authority to Release Information [IMM 5476]
              e.. Document Checklist [IMM 5483]
           
     

         


 
      Who Needs a Study Permit?
      Most foreign students will need a Study Permit to study in Canada. There are some exceptions:

        a.. If you wish to study in a short-term course or program:
        You do not need a Study Permit if you are planning to take a course or program in Canada with a duration of six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.
        b.. If you are a minor child already in Canada:
        You do not need a Study Permit if you are a minor child already in Canada, and your parents are not "visitors" in Canada. For details, see Minor Children Studying in Canada.
        c.. Foreign representatives to Canada:
        If you are a family or staff member of a foreign representative to Canada accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, you do not need a Study Permit to study.
      Benefits of Having a Study Permit

      You should apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada if you think you may wish to continue your studies in another program after you complete the short-term course or program.

      If you do not have a valid Study Permit and wish to continue your studies, you will have to leave Canada in order to apply for one!



      Frequently Asked Questions

      Q. Why should I get a Study Permit?

      There are benefits to having a Study Permit, even if you do not require one. If you have a valid Study Permit, you can:

        a.. work part-time on campus at the college or university at which you are registered as a full-time student; and
        b.. apply to renew your Study Permit from within Canada, if you decide to continue studying in Canada.
      Q. When should I apply for my Study Permit?

      You should apply as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance from the educational institution. The time needed to process an application to study in Canada may vary at different visa offices.

      Q. What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

      A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document issued by a visa office abroad. It is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.

      Q. Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

      If you are from one of these countries you need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada.

      Q. How do I Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?

      If you need a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to your Study Permit, you do not have to make a separate application or pay a separate fee. An officer will issue it at the same time as the documentation that you will need to enter Canada as a student.

      If you need a Temporary Resident Visa, but you do NOT need a Study Permit, you can use this Application for a Temporary Resident Visa to Visit Canada.
     

         
      Last Updated: 2003-04-07  Important Notices 



Brian M. Touray
Calgary, Alberta

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