FAQ

Frequently Ask Questions

Work Visa

The application procedure is different depending on which type of work permit you need. The first step is determining which work permit is best for you. If you need help figuring out the application, simply contact us and a member of our team will assist you with scheduling a consultation.

The documents required for a work permit in Canada will depend on the type of permit you are applying for and the situation of the applicant. If you need help figuring out the right documents for your work permit application, simply contact us and a member of our team will assist you with scheduling a consultation.

Most foreign nationals require a work permit or study permit to work in Canada. You’re eligible to work in Canada if you:

  • Are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or
  • Have a valid work permit, or
  • Are an international student with a valid study permitthat allows you to work in Canada.

As a foreign national, you may be exempt from the work permit requirement under certain conditions that only require a short work stay in Canada, such as if you’re a business visitor, short-term researcher, or foreign athlete

Canada does not require individuals applying for a work permit to write the IELTS or any other English or French language exam.  However, if the job offer specifically requires French and/or English skills, and the applicant is from a non-French or English country, evidence of language abilities such as a language test could be required by the officer.

Canadian work permits are typically valid for a period of 1-2 years, with some exceptions. A visa officer will usually not issue a work permit for longer than the validity of an applicant’s passport or past the validity indicated on the applicant’s Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

You need a valid job offer from an employer in Canada to apply for an employer-specific work permit. However, if you’re eligible for an open work permit, you don’t need an employment offer.

There is no employment sponsorship in Canada. If a Canadian employer wants to hire you, in most cases, they must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to determine the impact of hiring foreign workers on the Canadian labour market. You’ll need a copy of this LMIA and a formal employment contract from your employer to apply for an employer-specific work permit. Employers don’t require an LMIA to hire applicants who are eligible for or already have an open work permit.

The processing time for a work permit application depends on the type of permit and the applicant’s country of residence at the time of application. Processing times range anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Your immediate family members, such as your spouse, common-law partner, or dependent children, can be included on your work permit application. If your application is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit, study permit (provided they’ve been accepted into a Canadian university or college), or visitor record for the duration of your work permit. Your children can also accompany you to Canada as visitors or on a study permit if they’re enrolled in a Canadian designated learning institution.

Other family members, including your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, or nephews cannot be included on your work permit application and cannot accompany you to Canada based on your work permit.

Foreign workers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for a Canadian work permit. In most cases, there is no maximum age limit for Canadian work permits. The only exception is for work permits issued under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, where applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

You are not allowed to work in Canada on a visitor visa. Visitors cannot legally engage in any commercial activity while in Canada. As a visitor, you are allowed to search for jobs in Canada but cannot begin working for a Canadian employer until you have either a Canadian work permit or permanent residence.

Usually, visitors to Canada cannot convert their visitor visa to a work permit or apply for a work permit from within Canada. 

The eligibility criteria for provincial health coverage vary by province. All provinces and territories allow work permit holders to qualify for publicly funded healthcare. However, depending on your province or territory, you may need a work permit that’s valid for at least six or 12 months to qualify for your provincial/territorial health care plan. 

Having a work permit does not automatically qualify you for permanent residence in Canada. However, the work experience you gain while you’re in Canada on a valid work permit can make it easier to qualify for PR.

Generally, temporary foreign workers that are eligible to extend their work permit must apply online. If you plan to extend your work permit, it is recommended to do so at least 30 days before the expiry date of your current permit.  While this is a recommendation, technically an applicant has until the last day of expiry to apply for the extension request.

Contact us to learn more about whether you are eligible to extend your work permit.

Study Visa

The process for applying for a student visa varies depending on the country you want to study in. Typically, you will need to apply to the educational institution you want to attend, and then apply for a student visa through that country’s embassy or consulate in your home country. Our team of experienced Study Advisors can guide you on this process to ensure a successful application. Contact us for more details.

Documents required for visa application as an international student will include:

A valid passport

Acceptance letter from the educational institution you will be attending

Proof of financial support

Any other documents required by the country’s embassy or consulate.

The most common financial documents accepted from international students during visa application are: Bank statements

Official loan letters

Scholarship letters

Letter of sponsorship

Certificate of deposit

If your visa application is rejected, you would be informed of the reason for your application rejection. Here are the most common reasons for student visa application rejection:

False or incomplete documents

Insufficient funds to support your education

Poor communication skills

Failure to pass the security check

Inability to provide convincing answers during the interview

In some countries, you may be allowed to work a certain number of hours per week as an international student. However, it’s important to check the specific regulations of the country you want to study in before applying for your visa.

If your student visa expires, you will need to apply for an extension or leave the country. Depending on the country, there may be penalties for overstaying your visa, so it’s important to make sure you have a valid visa throughout your stay.

Yes, you can usually travel outside the country while on a student visa, but it’s important to check the specific regulations of the country you want to study in before doing so. You may need to apply for a re-entry visa or meet certain requirements to re-enter the country.

The requirements to maintain your student visa status vary depending on the country you are studying in. In general, you will be required to maintain full-time enrollment at your educational institution, maintain a certain grade point average, and comply with any other requirements set by the country’s immigration authorities. It’s important to stay informed of the specific requirements for your student visa and to notify the appropriate authorities if your circumstances change.

This depends on the country you are studying in and the specific regulations of your visa. Some countries may allow you to bring your spouse or children on a dependent visa, while others may not. You will need to check with the appropriate authorities to determine if you are eligible to bring your family with you on your student visa.

In many cases, you may be able to apply for a work visa after you graduate from your educational institution, but this will depend on the specific regulations of the country you are studying in. Some countries may offer a post-graduate work permit or other options for international students to work in the country after they graduate. Ensure you confirm your chances of getting a work visa after graduation from our Study Advisors before choosing a study destination.

Violating the terms of your study visa can have serious consequences, including being deported from the country and being barred from re-entering in the future. It’s essential to understand the requirements of your visa and to comply with them throughout your stay in the country.

This depends on the specific regulations of the country you are studying in and the terms of your visa. In some cases, you may be able to change your program of study while on a student visa, but you will need to notify the appropriate authorities and comply with any transfer requirements.

Need help?

Don't hesitate to contact us for more information.