Working in Canada

Work permits are necessary for engaging in most types of employment in Canada. Temporary workers must also meet the requirements that apply to all temporary residents in order to come into Canada.

Most people are required to get job offer validation from the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) before they are able to receive a work permit. The employer must demonstrate to HRDC that a foreign national is required to fill the job opportunity. HRDC takes into consideration the impact of hiring a foreign national on the Canadian labour market.

The following categories of employment are exempted from the requirements of obtaining a work permit in certain specific situations defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, Regulations and immigration manuals. If you believe that your occupation falls into one of these categories, please contact Canquest & Associates for a consultation.

• Business visitor

• Foreign representatives

• Family members of foreign representatives

• Military personnel

• Foreign government officers

• On-campus employment

• Performing artists

• Athletes and coaches

• News reporters

• Public speakers

• Convention organizers

• Clergy

• Judges and referees

• Examiners and evaluators

• Expert witnesses or investigators

• Healthcare students

• Civil aviation inspector

• Accident or incident inspector

• Crewmembers

• Emergency service providers

Common HRDC Confirmation Exemption Categories of Work

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which applies to citizens of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, applicants may apply for work permits in Canada without obtaining HRDC validation. Work permits can be issued under NAFTA to individuals who apply under the following categories:

    * Business visitors

    * Traders and investors

    * Intra-company transferees

    * Professionals, a category that includes various professions:

Canquest & Associates handles all types of work permit applications in all categories.

Work permit holders should ensure that both visitor status as well as the expiry of their work permit does not elapse while in Canada, if they are nationals of a non-visa exempt country.

In certain cases, spouses of work permit holders may qualify to work in Canada without a labour market opinion from HRDC.

Upon arrival in Canada, if the worker changes his/her job description, changes his/her job or if his/her work will take longer than anticipated, he/she is required to amend the conditions of his/her work permit.