One popular category of visa for many immigrants coming to Canada is the temporary work visa. The temporary visa has some of the easiest qualification criteria yet it allows a viable option for workers to switch to a more permanent category later on.

Hundreds of thousands of skilled and even unskilled workers have moved to Canada using a temporary work permit. They learn useful skills, understand the culture better and then switch to a more permanent role that eventually leads to permanent residence.

Canadian immigration issued more than 280,000 temporary work permits in 2017 which gives an indication of how popular this visa category is.

Application Process for Temporary Workers

The application process for temporary workers begins with business already established in Canada. An employer applies for a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by Employment and Social Development Canada. The ESDC will evaluate the market and grant a positive LMIA if it is satisfied that there is a shortage of labour in the required category.

The employer is then able to sponsor temporary workers through temporary job offers to foreign workers.

Temporary workers who are sponsored by employers in Canada must submit the positive LMIA from their employer, as well as the job offer, at the time of making an application.

Temporary Work Visa Eligibility Criteria

Like most other visa categories, temporary workers must also fulfill certain eligibility criteria in order to be granted entry into Canada.

  • The temporary workers must be in good health condition.
  • They must possess relevant skills in the job they are being offered in Canada.
  • They must also be able to fulfill the language requirements. The assessment officer will review if the applicant will be able to perform their duties effectively based on their language skill.
  • Temporary workers will need to show that they have enough balances in the bank that they will be able to support themselves during their stay.

Progressing to Permanent Residency

Most temporary work visas are issued for a period of six months to one year. It is possible to renew the visa if the employer decides to continue hiring the temporary worker at the end of the contract. In a case where the employer needed to get an LMIA from ESDC, the length of time cannot be more than the time specified on the LMIA unless the employer gets a new LMIA from the agency.

The majority of people, working at temporary jobs in Canada, eventually move to permanent work permits and residency. There are three options available to temporary workers.

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class Program

All these programs require valid work experience and may suit people differently depending on their needs and situations.

If you are looking to make a temporary work permit application to Canada or would like to switch to a more permanent opportunity, our immigration consultant can give you the best advice. Contact us via the phone, email or FACEBOOK!