visitor visa image
Converting a visiting visa to a work permit opens up multiple prospects for those looking to extend their stay for professional reasons. If you have an exciting job opportunity and are currently in Canada on a visitor visa, you might be asking how to legally change your status to a work visa. The good news is that provided you fulfill the requirements and adhere to the correct procedures, you can convert from a guest visa to a work permit from within Canada.
Let’s start by understanding the difference between a tourist visa and a work permit. A tourist visa, often called a visitor visa, allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for leisure, to see family and friends, or to take part in short-term activities like attending a conference or event. However, those on tourist visas are not allowed to work or study in Canada, which is where a work permit comes in.
However, a work visa, often known as a work permit, gives foreign employees permission to work in Canada for a set amount of time at a given job, company, and location. Holders of a valid work permit must be employed by a Canadian company that has received a favourable Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Temporary work permits are linked to the conditions of employment and necessitate renewal or extension in the event that the work contract is extended.
The main distinction is the purpose of the visa: a work visa permits foreign nationals to lawfully work in Canada for a specific employer and job, while a tourist visa is intended for travel and short-term stays. Acquiring the appropriate kind of visa is essential to prevent breaking Canadian immigration regulations.
Making sure you meet the standards is vital before you start the application process for a work visa. The most important need is that you must have a legitimate job offer from a Canadian employer who is prepared to support your application for a work permit. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) must provide the employer with a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) attesting to the fact that no Canadian or permanent resident is available to fill the post.
Also, you must meet the following requirements:
The following are the standard documentation requirements for getting a work permit:
You may begin preparing your work permit application as soon as your eligibility has been verified. Here are the primary steps involved:
Applications can be submitted in person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
If you’re unable to obtain an LMIA-approved job offer, you can apply for an open work permit. This can be done under specific circumstances:
The process of navigating the complexities of Canadian immigration law can be intimidating, but with the professional assistance of Ronen Kurzfeld, it becomes simple and effective. With a smooth transition from a tourist visa to a work permit, our knowledgeable counsel can help you with work permit applications, offering individualized guidance at every stage.
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