Canada Work Permit 2024: Convert Visitor Visa to Work Visa Easily
Canada is a place full of opportunities. Many people visit Canada for its beautiful cities, amazing nature, and rich culture. Some visitors want to stay longer and work. This guide will help you understand how to change your visitor visa to a work visa in Canada.
canada visitor to work visa
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa lets you enter Canada for a short time, usually for up to six months. You can visit family, go on business trips, or enjoy a vacation. If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a “Visitor Record.”
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit allows you to work in Canada legally. There are two types:
Open Work Permit: You can work for any employer in Canada.
Employer-Specific Work Permit: You work for one specific employer.
Application Requirements
To change your visitor visa to a work permit, you need to:
Get a Job Offer: Find a Canadian employer who wants to hire you.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): The employer must get an LMIA to show that hiring you will not harm the Canadian job market. Some jobs, like caregivers, do not need an LMIA.
Legal Visitor Status: You must have legal visitor status in Canada throughout the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit
Find a Job:
Use networking, job boards, and recruitment agencies.
Make sure the job offer includes details and terms of employment.
Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):
Your employer must get an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
This proves there are not enough Canadians to fill the job.
LMIA Cost Amount
Procedure Fee 1,000 Canadian dollars
Apply for Work Permit:
After getting the LMIA, apply online through the IRCC account.
Submit the required documents.
Documents Needed
Job Offer Letter: Details and terms of the job.
Positive LMIA: If required for the job.
Visitor Status Documents: Proof of your current visitor status in Canada.
Forms: Complete forms like IMM 5710 and IMM 5476 (if you have a representative).
Passport: Valid passport with one blank page.
Photos: Six passport-sized photos.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements showing you can support yourself.
Medical Exam: If required based on your job or country of origin.
Fees:
Biometrics: 85 Canadian dollars.
Work Permit Application: 155 Canadian dollars.
Interim Work Authorization
If you apply for a work permit while on a visitor visa, you must wait about 135 days to get the permit. You cannot work until you get the permit. To start working sooner, you can request interim work authorization from IRCC.
How to Apply: Submit the IRCC web form.
Wait Time: Up to 30 working days or six weeks for processing.
Processing Time for Work Permits Inside Canada
Average Time: 92 days.
