Dear Canjobs,

What's the next step I have to do? I'm not sure that I need to fill up a Canadian law application or not. What do I include on the application I need to fill in, and what are the steps I have to do ? And how long will take to process my application?

Thanks/ Expecting your faithful reply,

Elangovan

Dear Elangovan,

I contacted Kyle C. Hyndman, B.A., LL.B. from Mccrea and Associates, Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Lawyers directly, in order to answer your question. Here are his comments:

Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident must obtain a work permit before working in Canada, with very few exceptions. Generally, work permits must be obtained outside of Canada. People from some countries will need both a work permit and a temporary resident visa, while others will need only a work permit.

Most foreign workers must go through a two-stage process where their prospective employer applies to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) for a confirmation of the job offer. This involves justifying why the employer needs a foreign worker, rather than a Canadian. If this is succesful, the worker can then apply for a work permit. Depending on what part of Canada you plan to work in, HRDC applications can take from a few days to a month. The processing time for a work permit application outside of Canada also varies dramatically depending on where you apply, from a few minutes to a few months.

There are some exceptions to the HRDC rule. For example, if you are an IT worker with a degree and at least two years' experience, you may be able to apply directly for a work permit once you have a job offer in your field. Some other professions also have special rules. Finally, depending on your age and country of citizenship, you might be eligible for one of the youth employment programs such as the Student Work Abroad Program (SWAP) or the Working Holiday Program (WHP). As these programs have limited spaces and are generally dealt with on a first-come first-served basis, you should contact your nearest Canadian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission to get information about the program from your country.

An immigration lawyer can also give you more information and advice about all of these processes and can help you prepare applications to HRDC and for a work permit.

McCrea & Associates is a full-service immigration law firm, providing advice and assistance with work permits, study permits, visas, permanent residence and all other aspects of immigration and citizenship law. Please visit their website at mccrealaw.ca for more information.

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