A Guide to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit Visa in Canada

The first logical step to convert visitor visa to work permit in Canada is to become a Canadian visitor. You need to understand the following requirements before applying for a visitor visa. 

How to get Canada Visitor Visa 

1. Determine if you need a Visitor Visa: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. Check the list of countries that require a visa on the Government of Canada website. 
2. Gather the required documents: You will need to gather the required documents for your Visitor Visa application. This may include a valid passport, proof of financial support, travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation (if applicable). 
3. Complete the application form: You can complete the Visitor Visa application form online or on paper. The form will require you to provide personal information, details about your trip to Canada, and information about your education and employment history. 
4. Pay the application fee: You will need to pay an application fee for your Visitor Visa application. The fee can be paid online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). 
5. Submit your application: You can submit your application online or in person at a VAC. If you submit your application in person, you will need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph). 
6. Wait for a decision: It can take several weeks or months for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your Visitor Visa application. You can check the status of your application online. 
7. Travel to Canada: If your Visitor Visa application is approved, you will be issued a visa that allows you to enter Canada. You may also need to show additional documents at the border, such as proof of funds or a return ticket. 

The application process can be complex and not everyone is eligible for a Visitor Visa. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant if you have any questions or concerns. 

Get a Job offer 

After you enter Canada, you have limited time to apply for a job and get a positive LMIA. Not to mention, getting a job offer is an extremely difficult process in itself. So it is better that you do your homework properly. Let’s explain this point in detail. 

1. Research job opportunities: There are several resources available for finding job opportunities in Canada, including job search websites, recruitment agencies, and networking with professionals in your field. Research the job market in your industry and identify potential employers that may be hiring foreign workers. 
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter: When applying for jobs in Canada, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the position and emphasize your willingness to relocate to Canada. 
3. Apply for jobs: Once you have identified potential employers, apply for job openings that match your skills and experience. Follow the application instructions provided by the employer and submit your application materials. 
4. Prepare for interviews: If your application is successful, you may be invited to participate in an interview. Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the position, practicing common interview questions, and demonstrating your knowledge and enthusiasm for the job. 
5. Negotiate salary and benefits: If you are offered a job, you may need to negotiate your salary and benefits. Research the average salaries in your industry and consider factors such as cost of living and the job market in the area where you will be working. 
6. Obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Depending on your job offer, you may need to obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This is a document that confirms that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job, and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. 
7. Apply for a work permit: Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA (if required), you can apply for a work permit. The application will require you to provide personal information, your job offer, and other supporting documents. You will also need to pay an application fee. 

The job market in Canada can be competitive, and not everyone is able to secure a job offer. It may take time and effort to find the right opportunity, but with persistence and preparation, you can increase your chances of success. 

How to get a positive LMIA and its requirements 

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that is required by the Canadian government to ensure that hiring a foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market. Getting a positive LMIA is essential for Canadian employers who wish to hire temporary foreign workers. 

Here are the general requirements for obtaining a positive LMIA: 

1. Job Offer: The employer must offer a job to a foreign worker that is in line with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. 
2. Recruitment Efforts: The employer must demonstrate that they have made a genuine effort to recruit Canadian citizens and permanent residents for the job but were unable to find suitable candidates. 
3. Wage: The employer must offer a wage that is at least equal to the prevailing wage for the occupation and location. 
4. Benefits: The employer must provide benefits that are comparable to those offered to Canadian workers in the same occupation and location. 
5. Working Conditions: The employer must provide working conditions that meet or exceed Canadian standards. 
6. Impact on the Labour Market: The employer must demonstrate that hiring the foreign worker will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market. 
7. Compliance: The employer must comply with all relevant federal and provincial laws and regulations, including labour standards and workplace safety. 

Once these requirements are met, the employer can apply for an LMIA through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If the application is approved, the employer will receive a positive LMIA, which allows the foreign worker to apply for a work permit to come to Canada and work for that employer. 

Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada: 

After you get a positive LMIA from a Canadian employer, you can apply for a work permit from inside Canada. 

• Determine your eligibility: You will need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for a work permit. This includes having a job offer from a Canadian employer, meeting the requirements for the job, and obtaining a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless you are exempt from this requirement. 
• Apply for a work permit: Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA (if required), you can apply for a work permit. You can either apply online or by paper. The application will require you to provide personal information, your job offer, and other supporting documents. You will also need to pay an application fee. 
• Get a medical exam (if required): Depending on your country of origin and the length of time you plan to work in Canada, you may need to undergo a medical exam to obtain a work permit. This is to ensure that you do not have any health conditions that could pose a risk to Canadians. 
• Wait for a decision: It can take several weeks or months for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process your work permit application. You can check the status of your application online. 
• Transition to your work permit: Once your work permit is approved, you will need to stop working on your visitor visa and start working under your work permit. You may also need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other documents to work in Canada legally. 

It is important to note that converting a visitor visa to a work permit can be a complex process and not everyone is eligible. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant to ensure that you meet the requirements and to assist you with the application process.