Canadian Work Permit foreign worker information
Foreign workers who have obtained a valid work permit are permitted to work in Canada for a short time with a specified employer. If the worker does not follow the conditions on the work permit they may be asked to leave Canada.
Work permits can be renewed and conditions changed. To do this an application must be sent to CIC.
Some types of job in Canada are exempt from a work permit.
To obtain a work permit you must first have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Once a job offer has been obtained and the employer advises you Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has granted permission for a foreign worker to fill the job position you can make an application for a work permit.
Work permits can be applied for at a Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.
All foreign workers coming to Canada must meet the requirements for visitors who come to Canada.
Spouses and common-law partners and dependents who come to Canada with a foreign worker need to have their own work permit if they want to work in Canada. Otherwise they need to enter Canada as a visitor and are subject to conditions imposed on visitors entering Canada.
Most of the time spouses can apply for a work permit and do not require HRDSC approval. You need to make an application to change your work permit if:
1) Your job changes
2) You want to change jobs or work for another employer
3) You want to work for longer
Foreign workers have rights as employees the same as Canadians. Labour standards include hours of work, rest periods, days off, holidays, minimum wages and overtime - each province and territory has its own laws regarding employment rights.
