How to Convert a Canada Visitor Visa to a Work Permit: Complete Guide

Most visitors to Canada can’t typically get a work permit while in the country. However, exceptions and special circumstances exist, offering pathways for visitors to transition to work permits. Notably, a temporary public policy allows visitors to apply for work permits until February 28, 2025. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to convert your visitor visa to a work permit, covering required documents, processing times, and costs, including the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) fee.

What are the Eligibility Criteria?

To be eligible under this policy, you must:

Have valid visitor status in Canada at the time of applying.
Have a job offer supported by an LMIA or be exempt from the LMIA requirement.
Submit the application for an employer-specific work permit

Learn about Visitor visa

The Canada Visitor Visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), lets people visit Canada for tourism, business, or short stays. Usually valid for up to six months, the exact duration is decided by the immigration officer. To get a Canada Visitor Visa, applicants must prove they plan to stay temporarily.

Whether you’re a tourist, visiting family, on a business trip, or planning to move abroad, a visitor visa could be useful for you.

Learn about Work Permit

Canada work permit lets you work legally in Canada. Work permits can be open, allowing you to work for any employer, or employer-specific, tied to a certain job and company.Changing a visitor visa to a work permit usually needs an employer-specific or closed work permit called Labour market impact assessment

Steps to Convert Your Visitor Visa to a Work Permit

1. Check eligibility requirement:

To convert your visitor status to a work permit, you'll need a job offer from a Canadian employer. This employer may need to obtain an LMIA, which proves that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and that no Canadian worker is available to do so.

Remember that The job offer being supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), unless exempt.

2. Obtain a Job Offer

First, secure a job offer from a Canadian employer. The job offer must be in writing and detail your job title, duties, and conditions of employment.

3. Apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Your employer must apply for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The LMIA assesses the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labor market. Some jobs are exempt from the LMIA requirement.

4. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your work permit application. These typically include:

Job offer letter
LMIA or LMIA-exempt offer
Proof of visitor status in Canada
Completed application forms
Passport-sized photos
Proof of payment of applicable fees

5. Submit Your Application

Submit your application for an employer-specific work permit through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online portal. Ensure all forms are correctly filled and all required documents are attached.

Processing Time and Costs involve in this process

1. Processing Times

Processing times for work permits can vary. Check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times.

2. Costs

The costs associated with converting your visitor visa to a work permit include:

LMIA fee (if applicable): CAD 1,000
Work permit application fee: CAD 155
Biometrics fee (if required): CAD 85

Conclusion

Converting your Canada visitor visa to a work permit is possible under the temporary public policy until February 28, 2025. By following the steps outlined in this guide and ensuring all documents are in order, you can successfully transition from visitor status to a Canadian work permit holder.