Work Visas

Skilled Visas to Canada
Applicants who have valuable work experience and educational qualifications are far more likely to qualify for a Federal Skilled Worker Visa to Canada. Applications must be made to the national immigration authority, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), for evaluation. The application involves passing six selection factors and a points system, whereby the applicant must attain a minimum of 67 points in order to be considered for immigration.

Quebec has its own skilled worker application process. To come to Canada as a Quebec Skilled Worker, candidates must first apply to the Quebec Government for a Certificat de Sélection du Québec (CSQ). After being selected by Quebec, you must make a separate application to CIC for permanent residency. A Visa Officer will assess your application based on Canadian immigration regulations. However, it should be noted that Quebec Skilled Workers are not assessed on the six selection factors of the Federal Skilled Workers Program (they have twelve selection factors to satisfy).

If candidates wish to apply under one of Canada's Provincial Nominee Programs, they must first submit an application to their preferred province of settlement. Each province is allowed to establish its own selection criteria and procedures for choosing immigrants.

Note that CIC has the final decision-making authority on admissibility.

Business Visas to Canada
There are three types of business visas available to foreign business persons: Investor, Entrepreneur and Self-Employed.

• Investors must have a minimum net worth of CAD$800,000 and must make an investment of CAD$400,000 with the Canadian Government for five years.

• Entrepreneurs must have a minimum personal net worth of CAD$300,000 and must either create a business opportunity in Canada or actively manage a business during their time in Canada, as well as employ at least one Canadian citizen (non-relative).

• Self-Employed persons must demonstrate they have the experience, ability and the objective of setting up a business that will employ themselves and make a noteworthy contribution to the cultural or sporting arenas, or purchase and manage a farm.

Temporary Work Visas to Canada
The following workers may work temporarily in Canada without a work visa: Business Visitors (assuming they have a business visa), Foreign Representatives, Family Members of Foreign Representatives, Military Personnel, Foreign Government Officers, On-Campus Employment, Performing Artists, Athletes and Coaches, News Reporters, Public Speakers, Convention Organizers, Clergy, Judges and Referees, Examiners and Evaluators, Expert Witnesses or Investigators, Health Care Students, Civil Aviation Inspector, Accident or Incident Inspector, Crew Members and Emergency Service Providers.

Generally speaking, unless you are on a Working Holiday Visa, you will be required to obtain a temporary work permit. In most cases, you must be offered a job in Canada before applying for a temporary work permit.