|
 Employment Category
Temporary Work in Canada
As a general rule, foreign individuals seeking to work temporarily in Canada require an Employment Authorizations. An Employment Authorization is a document issued by Canadian immigration officials which allows a foreign individual to work in Canada, generally at a specific job and for a specific employer, and always for a limited time -- usually one year or less. In some cases, applicants will be required to undergo medical examinations.
Job Offer Validation
 HRDC
Job Offer Validation is a process by which a Canadian government body (HRDC – Human Resources Development Canada) determines whether a particular job offer made by a Canadian employer to a foreign individual should be approved (validated).
The Job Offer Validation process entails a demonstration that a "significant" effort has been made to seek and hire a Canadian for the position in which there is a petition for validation. In general, the Canadian employer must establish that the foreign individual has special abilities or skills, which are not easily found within Canada.
The rationale behind the Job Offer Validation requirement is to ensure that Employment Authorizations are granted only in cases where their issuance will not have a negative impact on the Canadian job market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Employment Authorization?
What is the difference between an Employment Authorization and a Canadian Immigrant Visa?
Can I convert my Employment Authorization into Canadian permanent resident status?
If I leave Canada temporarily, will I be allowed to re-enter Canada with an Employment Authorization?
Do I require an Employment Authorization to work in Canada?
Is an Employment Authorization always required?
Is a job offer from a Canadian employer needed to obtain an Employment Authorization?
Can I extend or modify the terms of my Employment Authorization?
Can I change my job in Canada?
What happens if my employment is terminated? Will I have to leave Canada?
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my dependents accompany me to Canada?
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my spouse or children work in Canada?
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my spouse or children study in Canada?
If I have an Employment Authorization, will my family and I be eligible for universal health care coverage?
 What is an Employment Authorization?
An Employment Authorization is a document issued by Canadian immigration officials which allows a person to work in Canada, generally at a specific job and for a specific employer, and always for a limited time - usually one year or less
What is the difference between an Employment Authorization and a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa?
An Employment Authorization permits an eligible visitor to reside and work in Canada for a limited period of time, and restrictions are usually placed on the type of employment that can be pursued.
By contrast, a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa entitles its holder to live and work anywhere in Canada, enjoy many of the privileges of Canadian Citizenship, apply for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years and sponsor family members for Canadian Permanent Resident status.
Can I convert my Employment Authorization into Canadian Permanent Resident status?
No, you cannot actually "convert" your Employment Authorization into Canadian Permanent Resident Status. However, you are allowed to apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa while working in Canada with a valid Employment Authorization. Canadian immigration authorities may view your Canadian work experience favourably. You may apply for a Canadian Permanent Resident Visa as a skilled worker applicant, a business class applicant, or a family class applicant
If I leave Canada temporarily, will I be allowed to re-enter Canada with an Employment Authorization?
If you are a citizen of a country for which a Canadian visitor visa is not required, or if you are only travelling to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon and will be returning directly to Canada, you will generally be allowed to re-enter Canada with your valid Employment Authorization. If you are a citizen of a country for which a Canadian visitor visa is required, you may require a valid visitor visa before re-entering Canada.
Do I require an Employment Authorization to work in Canada?
If you are a foreign individual seeking temporary entry into Canada for the purpose of engaging in employment, you will most likely be required to apply for and receive an Employment Authorization before you start to work in Canada. You may require an Employment Authorization even if you intend to work in Canada without compensation
Is an Employment Authorization always required?
No. Foreign individuals whose activities are required in or of benefit to Canada -- regardless of the current labour market -- do not need an Employment Authorization
Is a job offer from a Canadian employer needed to obtain an Employment Authorization?
In most cases, to obtain an Employment Authorization a job offer from a Canadian employer is required. The job offer may or may not have to be approved (validated) in advance by a Canadian Human Resources Development Center.
Can I extend or modify the terms of my Employment Authorization?
Yes, you will generally be allowed to extend your Employment Authorization beyond its original expiry date, provided that you still satisfy all of the eligibility requirements of your original Employment Authorization. You may also be allowed to modify the terms of your Employment Authorization so as to provide for a different employer or a different type of job, provided that you satisfy all of the eligibility requirements of your new employment. However, your extension or modification application may be refused if you create the impression that you do not intend to leave Canada upon the expiration of your Employment Authorization. The more times you apply to extend or modify the terms of your Employment Authorization, the more likely that this impression will be created.
Can I change my job in Canada?
Yes, but in most cases, your Employment Authorization will only be valid for a specific job and a specific employer. To change jobs, you will have to apply to modify the terms of your Employment Authorization. This application is essentially the same as applying for a new Employment Authorization, as you will have to satisfy all of the eligibility requirements of your new employment.
What happens if my employment is terminated?
Will I have to leave Canada?
In most cases, your Employment Authorization will be tied to a specific job. If that employment is terminated, you will not be allowed to work at another job without first obtaining a new Employment Authorization. You will, however, be allowed to remain in Canada temporarily as a visitor until your visitor status expires.
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my dependents accompany me to Canada?
Provided that they qualify as visitors, your dependents will be allowed to accompany you to Canada
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my spouse or children work in Canada?
The general rule is that your spouse and children will each require their own Employment Authorization to work in Canada. Under the Pilot Project for Spouses of Highly Skilled Temporary Workers, if your Employment Authorization permits you to work in Canada in one of several high-skill occupations in a key high-growth sector of the economy, your spouse will be granted an Employment Authorization to work at any job for which he or she has an offer -- without the requirement of Job Offer Validation
If I have an Employment Authorization, can my spouse or children study in Canada?
Your spouse and children will each require a Student Authorization to study in Canada. If you have a valid Employment Authorization, your spouse and children will be allowed to apply for their Student Authorizations from within Canada. A Student Authorization will not be required for certain types of educational programs, including English or French language courses of three months' maximum duration, self-improvement courses, general-interest courses (such as arts and crafts), nursery schools and kindergarten.
If I have an Employment Authorization, will my family and I be eligible for universal health care coverage?
Each Canadian province and territory has its own system of universal health care coverage. If you have a valid Employment Authorization, you and your family will be entitled to apply for universal health care coverage in the province or territory where you reside. In certain provinces and territories, there is a three-month waiting period before you become eligible for universal health care coverage. Private health insurance is available to cover the gap.
|
