Canada has a high need for skilled and unskilled workers. This is because it has an ageing economy with a low birth rate. There are simply not enough people in the country to fill all the jobs. This is one of the main reasons why Canada is the place to go to start or continue your career. The opportunities are vast and the pay is high compared to many other countries.
If you would like to work in Canada, the chances are high that you'll need a Canadian work visa to do so.
Types of Canadian Permits
There are two main types of Canadian work permits.
An open work permit which allows you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those employers who:
- are listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions ; or
- regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages.
An employer-specific work permit which allows you to work according to the conditions on your work permit, these include:
- the name of the employer you can work for;
- how long you can work for; and
- the location where you can work (if applicable)
What Is the Minimum Wage per Province?
Certain provinces and territories have upcoming minimum wage changes, they are stated in the table below.
| Upcoming Minimum Wage Changes | |
|---|---|
| Province | Notes |
| Manitoba | The minimum wage will increase to $11.95 on October 1, 2021. |
| Ontario | The minimum wage will increase $14.35 on October 1,2021. |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | The minimum wage will increase an additional $0.25 on October 1,2021. |
| Northwest Territories | The minimum wage will increase to15.20 on September 1, 2021 |
| Saskatchewan | The minimum wage is adjusted annually on October 1 each year relative to the Consumer Price Index. |
Eligibility requirements to work in Canada for all applicants
Each work permit has specific requirements when it comes to applying for them, however, there are general requirements for all work permits no matter where you are applying to work in Canada. They are:
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires;
- show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home;
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate);
- not be a danger to Canada's security;
- be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed;
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status "ineligible" on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions;
- not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages; and
- give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country.
Who else can apply for a Canadian work permit?
You may be eligible to apply for a work permit if you are:
- a dependent family member of someone who has applied for permanent residence;
- a spouse or common-law partner of an international student or an Atlantic Immigration Pilot program applicant;
- an international student that wants to work more than 20 hours per week; or
- A recent graduate from Hong Kong.
Open work permits for Hong Kong recent graduates
Hong Kong recent graduates may be eligible to apply for an open work permit under a temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents. The open work visa is valid for up tp three years.
To be eligible, you must:
- hold a valid passport issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the United Kingdom to a British National Overseas
- meet the education requirements for post-secondary, graduate or post-graduate studies
Education requirements for post-secondary studies
These requirements are effective as of May 17, 2021. You must hold a graduate or post-graduate credential that you received no more than five years before you apply for the open work permit.
The credential must be for a program:
- that is a minimum of 1 year;
- that requires a post-secondary degree or diploma, which was completed no more than 5 years before starting the post-graduate program; and
- the program was at a designated learning institution in Canada or an institution abroad.
Working in Canada
The great thing about working in Canada under a work visa is that you will gain Canadian work experience which will allow you to qualify for other immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). This means that you'd be eligible for permanent residency in Canada.
How we can help you
Finding the work visa that is suitable for you is what VisadeCanada.com is here for. Click on the link below and find out how you can work in Canada!