When it comes to working in Canada, you have three main options – either a work permit for a temporary resident status or a Canadian citizenship. Each of these options has its own set of rules, fees, requirements and eligibility requirements. A work permit, as the name suggests, is your most common and accepted option for working in Canada. This allows you to work in Canada for an unlimited period of time as long as you are not eligible for removal or deportation. A temporary resident status is more like a tourist visa and requires that you first apply and receive approval before you can travel to Canada.
The one drawback to a work permit is that one must apply in advance to get approval. The process can be lengthy and complicated, so you should be prepared to spend quite a bit of time researching your options. The next available option for those considering immigrating to Canada is a work visa. A work visa is good if you need temporary work authorization but you will not be able to stay in Canada long enough to obtain a permanent residency.
Once you decide to move to Canada by applying for a work visa, you may still be subject to one other type of Immigration regulation. This one is called the landing immigrant status certificate. You will need this certificate if you want to bring your family to live in Canada once you are legally permanent resident. The certificate gives you permission to reside in Canada while your Immigration papers are being processed. In the meantime, if you are staying in Canada while your paperwork is being processed, you can use the certificate to prove that you are currently a permanent resident.
For those considering immigrating to Canada on business grounds, a business visa may be your best choice. Businesses can get special status from the federal government and are only able to work in Canada for the duration of their application. Although you cannot work in Canada while you are waiting for your work permit to become official, it can be good while you are waiting to apply for your permanent resident status.
Finally, if you have a partner that has already obtained a permanent resident status in Canada, you may qualify for a dependent status. This way, you will not have to pay for the costs of obtaining both of you permanent resident status at the same time. The type of visa that you choose depends on whether or not you plan to immigrate with your spouse or with another person. You should consult with an immigration lawyer to make sure that you are proceeding in the right way.
If you do not meet one of the above conditions and wish to work in Canada, you should check to see if you qualify for an ETA (Employment Tax Benefits). You must be a resident of Canada for six months or more in order to apply for an ETA status. You must also be working in Canada while you apply for ETA. As well, you must have a work permit and a means of transport while you are in the country. This last condition is mandatory and cannot be waived, regardless of the types of visa you apply for to immigrate to Canada.