The Complete Guide for Visitor Visas to Work Permits in Canada
“Can a visitor visa in Canada be changed to a work permit?”
It is indeed feasible. However, the procedure is highly difficult and won’t be successful in most situations. Follow this step-by-step instruction manual to convert your visitor visa to a work permit.
1. Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV)
To convert a visiting visa to a work permit in Canada, the logical first step is to enter the country as a visitor. Before requesting a temporary resident visa (TRV) for Canada, you must be aware of the following requirements.
Visa fees and requirements for visitors
A visiting visa application costs $100 CAD (5,200 INR), and a biometrics fee costs $85 CAD (4,400 INR).
- Your guest visa can be extended for $100 CAD per person.
- To reclaim your tourist status, you must pay a visa fee of $200 CAD (or about 11065.45 INR).
- Show proof that you’ll be leaving following your visit.
- Show that you have the money to support yourself and any accompanying family members throughout your stay in Canada.
- Be in good health and ready to undergo a medical examination if necessary.
- Be able to submit to a police verification and have no criminal history.
- If the visa officer asks for any supporting documents, be prepared to present them all.
The average processing period for a TRV application is 16 to 20 days, although the most recent processing time was 135 days due to an application backlog. Even if it might be extra, make sure you provide the appropriate paperwork to prevent any delays. Consult us if you need assistance.
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa
- Choose between an in-person or online application.
- Fill out a visa application form and include all required documentation.
- Pay the visa processing fee with a bank draw or certified check.
- Visit the nearby Canadian visa application centre with your passport, photographs, and other supporting documentation.
- Your fingerprints and a photo are required as biometrics.
- Present your visa application form to the Canada visa application centre.
- Obtain a receipt with your specific tracking number on it from the application centre.
- To track your application online, use this number.
2. Obtaining an LMIA and a Job Offer
You have a finite amount of time after entering Canada to apply for a job and receive a favourable LMIA. Not to add, receiving a job offer is a really challenging procedure in and of itself. Therefore, it is best to complete your task appropriately. Let’s talk about this in more depth.
Studying for the Job
- Recognize the employment opportunities on the local labour market.
- Match the high-demand jobs in that region with your NOC code.
- Online job applications are accepted at sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
- Direct application on the employer’s website.
- Family and friends can support you in finding work prospects.
Receiving a Positive LMIA
There is a good risk that, even after thorough job searching, you won’t be able to secure a job offer from a Canadian firm. Since few firms are willing to sponsor temporary visitors, you must meet the LMIA Requirements before being hired.
Several things can increase your chances of obtaining a work permit while travelling on a visiting visa.
- Employers won’t be able to find somebody with your remarkable skills anywhere else.
- You have enough connections in Canada to support yourself.
- For the purpose of finding you a suitable work, you have hired someone.
- (Without LMIA) Visitor Visa to Work Permit
In order to obtain an open work permit without LMIA, you must:
You can apply for an open work permit as a temporary visitor if your spouse or common-law partner possesses a study permit and is enrolled in a DLI.
You are eligible to apply for a work permit as a holder of a visiting visa if your spouse or common-law partner already has one and is employed in one of the NOC 0, A, or B occupations.
You can apply for a work visa as a guest if your spouse or common-law partner has “approval in principal” status and is awaiting PR.
While you wait for the outcome of your application for PR through spouse sponsorship, you can submit an application for a work visa.
3. In Canada, converting a Canada visitor visa into a work permit
Once you get a good LMIA from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a work visa from within Canada.
Foreign citizens who are already in Canada on a guest visa and who have a legitimate employment offer will still be allowed to apply for and acquire a work permit without having to leave the country, the Immigration and Refugee Council of Canada (IRCC) stated on February 28, 2023. Until February 28, 2025, the temporary public policy has been prolonged by two years.
You then have to go through a procedure known as flag poling . Visitors must exit Canada through the US border in this situation, apply for a work permit, and then re-enter Canada.
4. Interim Authorization to Work
How to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada has already been covered? Let’s now examine the Interim Authorization to Work document.
You will need to wait around 132 days to get a work permit if you are a visitor to Canada and have applied for one. It indicates that you are unable to work until the work permit is authorized.
This issue was handled by IRCC with a “Interim Authorization to Work.” You can rapidly get this work authorization using that. If you have been given a job offer that is specific to an employer, you can begin working right away. It is not automatic, but it is implemented to help with the worker shortages.
The following is the procedure for interim work authorization:
On the official website, complete the IRCC web form.
Watch for a call from IRCC. This could take as long as 30 business days (6 weeks).
Need help to Canada Visitor Visa?
We have assisted several would-be immigrants in establishing themselves permanently in Canada. You can reach our professionals here. a seasoned Canadian immigration consultant who is licensed and regulated. We will assist you with obtaining a work permit, a visitor visa, and permanent residency.
