Canada welcomes visitors over the age of 18 for 6 months at a time. A person can apply for an extension if they still reside in Canada after 6 months. After that, the individual must leave Canada and obtain a visa from their home country to re-enter
Visitors who want to apply to work in Canada while on visitor’s visa must have a job offer in advance before applying for their work permit. Hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. Another option is to extend your stay for another 6 months using the same type of visa you initially had when you first entered Canada – but there are strict rules surrounding the extension of your stay.
If you are thinking about applying for permanent residency status, Canada offers many paths allowing you to immigrate and live in Canada permanently. A suggested first step is to become a permanent resident as a skilled worker, which you can do by applying for the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program
How Long Can I Stay in Canada as a Visitor?
The process of applying for a work permit visa while on a visitor’s visa also states the benefits of hiring a lawyer to apply for visa.
Canada welcomes visitors over the age of 18 for 6 months at a time. A person can apply for an extension if they are still in Canada after 6 months. After that, the individual must leave Canada and obtain a visa from their home country to re-enter.
Visitors who want to apply to work in Canada while on visitor’s visa must have a job offer in advance before applying for their work permit. Hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended. Another option is to extend your stay with another 6 months using the same type of visa you initially had when you first entered Canada – but there are strict rules surrounding extending your stay.
If you are thinking about applying for permanent residency status, Canada offers many paths allowing you to immigrate and live in Canada permanently. A great first step is to become a permanent resident as a skilled worker, which you can do by applying for the Canadian Federal Skilled Worker Program.
What does a Refugee Protection lawyer do?
If you are afraid that you will be persecuted for your race, religion, nationality, for your political opinion, or membership in a particular social group if you return to your home country, you may want to apply as a refugee. A refugee is an individual who has fled their country and cannot return due to a fear of persecution against them or their family .
A lawyer specializing in refugee protection can assist with applications for refugees by representing them through the whole legal process – from submitting an application and attending any hearings until the final decision about the application is issued.
The main role of Refugee Protection lawyers is to determine whether someone seeking refuge qualifies as a Convention Refugees or Person in Need of Protection under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Benefits of getting work permit visa in Canada While on visitor’s visa
One of the main benefits of having a Work Permit Visa in Canada while still in your home country is that you can begin working in Canada immediately! This gives you an opportunity to gain professional experience and save up some money to give yourself more options when you finally do leave your job in your home country to move permanently.
During this process, it is important that if the individual has children, they apply for their child(ren)’s permit at the same time as applying for their own permit. However, if the individual’s spouse wants to come with them, they must receive a work permit before doing so.
The second benefit of getting a work permit visa while on a visitor’s visa is that once the individual receives their Permanent Residency visa, their spouse and children can also come to Canada at that time.
How long does it take to process a work permit visa?
Application from outside of Canada takes about 8-12 months. If someone has applied for a study or work visa before arriving the country, it will be faster. There is a chance of getting a visitor’s visa faster if you have an inside contact in Canada who applies for your visitor’s visa on your behalf while you are still in your home country. Which requires more planning but can help expedite the process.
Canada’s Federal Skilled Worker Program
The individual can apply to the Federal Skilled Worker program if they have at least one year of skilled work experience in one of approximately 60 qualifying occupations, or have completed post-secondary education in Canada. If you are younger than age 50 and qualify for this program, you will receive your visa faster by applying for this program rather than the Federal Skilled Worker Program
If you are younger than age 35, have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, and meet certain other criteria, you may also qualify for Express Entry.
All in all, as a visitor to Canada it is possible to apply for a work permit visa, however, the process takes a very long time and is complex. If you have children or a spouse who wants to come with you to Canada, it may be possible to apply for their work permit visas at the same time as yours.
Need help moving to Canada? Call us on 416-447- 6118 and let us help you move to this wonderful country!
