With the economy regaining its normal position and unemployment rates reducing to low, opportunities for foreigners are only growing over time.
You must prioritize job security from a Canadian employer if you wish to move to the North. Also, you must get started with searching for jobs in the right places or provinces because some provinces might or might not ask the employers to meet extraordinary requirements for the hiring process of foreign workers.
Suppose you have secured a Canadian job for yourself; your next step will be to understand the ways to obtain Canada’s work permit from Colombia.
A work permit in Canada is very important if you are looking forward to working in Canada. You might come from whatever part of the world, qualifying for the Canadian work permit.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada’s Work Permit
Check out the general eligibility criteria for obtaining the work permit in the details given below:
- You must be able to prove your intention of leaving Canada once your Canadian work permit reaches its expiry date.
- It is important to prove that you are financially independent with the potential to look after yourself and your family members and also any upcoming expenses while you leave the country.
- You might be required to submit a Police Clearance Certificate to present yourself as free from any criminal activity before and that you are willing to obey the laws persisting in Canada.
- You are not supposed to pose any threat to Canada’s national security.
- You and your family members must present good health conditions as proof that you are not going to be a liability in terms of your medical needs, before the Canadian healthcare system.
- ESDC and IRCC both must not render your employer “ineligible” if you want your Canadian job offer to be acknowledged.
- The job offer you have secured in Canada must not be included in the category of ineligible jobs for foreign workers such as erotic massage; dance; other services, and striptease.
- You must be able to provide all relevant job documents requested by the immigration officers post your arrival in Canada.
Mentioned above are the general requirements and if you happen to qualify for the same then you can go ahead with the application for obtaining Canada’s work permit. If any of your documents are not in French, English, and the Spanish language make sure you get a certified translation done for the same.
Other supporting documents to be prepared
Apart from meeting the general requirements, you also need to prepare copies of supporting documents.
Fulfilling the job requirements
Presenting proof that you’ve met the job requirements is essential. The ways in which you could show that you have fulfilled all the job requirements include an updated resume, a current employment letter, a reference letter from your former employer, copies of your educational and professional certifications, and language ability test results if required.
Proving your financial caliber
You must be able to provide sufficient proof regarding your financial capabilities for yourself and your family members accompanying you in Canada. These documents could be other than general proof including bank statements, portfolios of investment, tax certifications, and pension funds (voluntary).
Your current employment type where you currently reside
Whatever documents you provide shall depend upon your type of employment in the current country you live in. If you work for someone else on a salary then you must submit your employment letter with your employment position, salary, and salary slips. Under the circumstances of being self-employed, you need to submit copies of your current contracts, business registrations, and tax returns. Apart from this, if you are applying as a student, you need to show proof of your registration at the institution.
Deciding on your activity in Canada
Once you move to Canada and start working in the country, you will observe that you no longer wish or intend to stay in Colombia and you will sense a willingness to prolong your stay in Canada. Several factors and reasons are responsible for this including quality and standard lifestyle, the environment, its people, and routine.
Securing a job in Canada from an eligible Canadian employer will be your first step. Make sure this job is permanent. Further, you can apply for getting your Canadian work permit extended so that you can also seek permanent residency status in Canada.
For an Employer-Specific Work Permit, you are supposed to get a new work permit if you change to a new employer, unlike the Open Work Permit which does not necessarily require this.
Choosing the right work permit
Canadian work permits are of two types: Employer-Specific Work Permit or Closed Work Permit and the Open Work Permit.
Open Work Permit- Not restricted to an employer
People working in selective occupations such as Care Providers are allowed an Open Work Permit. Not only them but even spouses or partners of international students are allowed an Open Work Permit.
You could even change employers as per your wish under an Open Work Permit maintaining consistency in the same field or occupation only. An individual employed as a Home Care Provider will not be able to continue as an administrator. However, he could work as a Child Care Expert.
Employer Specific Work Permit- Restricted to an employer
The employer who is mentioned in your document will be the one employer you will be obligated to work under as per the Employer Specific Work Permit.
If you would like to work with a new employer you will have to apply for a fresh work permit.
You are not allowed to work for other employers even on a part-time basis.
Yukon Community Pilot Program is an initiative for those interested in working for multiple part-time jobs but this program targets the community. To benefit from this program, you must live and actively work within the communities which are exclusive parts of this program. You must continue to do so until you become a permanent resident in Canada.
Plan your final step
Whether you plan to attain a work permit in Canada or you wish to attain a permanent residence in Canada, both the procedures are tedious and complex. You might even seek both things yet it isn’t impossible to achieve both. Factors determining your success in getting the Canadian Work Permits are your current occupation, your location in Canada, and your work type. Apart from these, there are specific employer requirements but they concern the employer only and need to be met by them. However, they must meet all the necessary sets of regulations enforced by IRCC. If you are from Colombia and you have a spouse or partner accompanying you then you stand eligible for an Open Work Permit but contrary to this, you will be needing a permanent job offer from an eligible employer in Canada.
Ultimately, what you do in Canada will determine your eligibility for permanent residency and the number of permits you could get.
