Finding employment in Canada can be tricky, even for those with a clear job search strategy and strong work experience. Employers look at a lot of different factors when deciding whether or not to offer you employment, including your visa status.
Some employers will not accept workers who do not have permanent residency (also known as a Canadian working holiday visa) or who are unemployed after applying for jobs.
A recent revision to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) Policy Manual makes it more difficult to get employment visas in Canada. The new policy states that employers cannot hire someone unless they have worked in Canada for at least one year and received certification that their unemployment has ended. This ends-on-hire requirement comes into effect October 1, 2017!
The old policy did not require this proof, so some people were able to apply for employment while still being active on an unemployment list. Many people found out about this change only once it was too late, when they had already been hired.
The second most common type of visa for employment is the work permit or non-immigrant (green) visa. These permits allow you to live and work in Canada as long as there is no vacancy for your profession and you have appropriate employment documents that prove your job offer.
Work permits can be issued to individuals, families or corporations so it depends on what size organization you are looking to join whether this method makes sense for you.
You will need to show proof of sufficient income to support yourself and your family while living here, as well as medical insurance. This way, Canadians do not risk paying for health services for you.
There is an eight month window during which you must remain in Canada after your work permit expires unless you receive special permission to stay longer.
If you are able to prove your income through proof of employment, proof of sufficient funds to travel, or both, then you do not have to be offered employment to be eligible for a visa.
You only need to have a formal contract or letter stating that you will earn enough money after you enter Canada as an employee. You do not have to begin work immediately under the contract.
The length of time for this rule to apply depends on what type of visa you are applying for. The most common is the working holiday visa (WHV) which can last up to one year.
There’s one more thing you need to know before you can apply for employment visa in Canada- what are the requirements for a job offer or contract?
Canada does not require an employer to be pre-screened by Immigration, but they do ask that you verify their legitimacy. This is called “verification of work eligibility” or VOWE.
You see, employers may hire undocumented workers as part of a recruitment process. Verifying your work status with immigration isn’t something most Canadians usually have to worry about, so it’s important to understand how this works.
The process of getting a work visa can seem like a never-ending one, especially if you are not moving very quickly through the steps.
Getting a work visa for yourself or your family may even feel more difficult than applying directly for employment in the UK.
There is no standard time frame for how long it takes to obtain a working visa from most countries, so it depends on what country you are looking into and who you talk to.
Businesses and individuals can have different levels of urgency when it comes to processing visas, which means there is no set number as to how long it will take!
Most people we speak to say that things move much faster than they expected, but this isn’t always the case.
It is important to be aware of this before you start trying to push forward with applications.
Being able to represent your employer on a business trip is one of the most important things for professionals to know before traveling. Unfortunately, not every employee is given this opportunity!
In fact, only about half of all employers are able to send an employee on a business trip due to time constraints or lack of availability. When you're a professional with limited time off, being able to have someone cover your responsibilities while you're away can make a big difference in how well you're able to focus on career growth.
As we mentioned earlier, working as a freelancer comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to visas. This article will talk more about whether it's feasible to apply for a business travel visa on your own, what kind of proof you'll need, and tips for applying online.
The main cost for employment visa is the application fee. This typically ranges from $60-$100, depending on what country you apply in and your situation (number of jobs applied for, etc).
There can also be additional fees such as for referencing documents or reports. These depend on which country you’re applying in and what kind of job you have. Some governments charge large amounts for proofing documents so it’s best to do this as early into the process as possible!
In some cases, there will be an interview after you get accepted but before you receive your visa. This too has its own cost that includes getting dressed up, traveling to the location, and paying to eat or stay somewhere for the night.
There are two main reasons why people apply for employment visas. The first is to be able to work in Australia, and the second is to live outside of their home country.
If you’re looking to work here, then don’t spend all your time trying to find ways to stay in Canada or England. Find out if there are any job opportunities at the moment in Australia and if there will be ones soon!
It can take months before an employer finds someone they want to hire, so don’t put yourself under too much pressure about when things will happen.
The best thing to do is enjoy your life while you can and keep living as normally as possible. Try not to worry too much about what comes next.
While the primary focus of this article has been on employment visas, it's worth noting that visas are not just about work. Visas can be issued for a range of reasons, including study, tourism, business, and even for family reunification.
For example, a student visa would allow an individual to stay in the country for the duration of their studies. Often, such visas come with stipulations about the number of hours the individual can work, which typically revolves around part-time employment.
Similarly, family reunification visas, sometimes referred to as spousal or partner visas, allow individuals to live in a country where their spouse or partner is a citizen or permanent resident. Such visas often come with their own set of requirements and stipulations.
Lastly, tourism visas are for those intending to visit a country for a short period and have no intention of working or staying long-term. Such visas often come with strict stipulations about not working or overstaying the allotted time.
Finding employment in Canada can feel like an uphill battle, but you’re not alone in this struggle. There are many ways to ensure that you do not have to live off of noodles and coffee for months while you look for work.
There are several routes you can take to find employment in Canada, and most countries allow employers to submit less formal applications (or even none at all) if they know or are confident that you will be working there soon. This is known as a non-employment visa.
You may also be able to stay in Canada longer than your permit allows if you can prove that you have adequate savings to support yourself until you get hired. If this is the case, then you don’t need a long term job permit!
If you’re already living in Canada and looking to move forward with your life, it's important to understand what kind of visas you're eligible for. The type of visa you apply for directly impacts how much money you'll have when you arrive, so it's best to make sure you cover these things up front.
In conclusion, while the process of obtaining an employment visa can seem daunting, with the right preparation and approach, you can navigate the process successfully. Whether you're looking to broaden your horizons or seek new opportunities, an employment visa can be the gateway to a new chapter in your life.