Canada has been a top destination for tourists and foreign workers, whether someone wants to come as a tourist or wants to work in Canada. Or someone who already has a Visitor Visa and want to convert visitor visa to work permit, they can do this while being in Canada.
In this article, we will discuss some of the ways you can convert your visitor visa to work permit in Canada and start working for one of the Canadian employers.
Difference Between Visitor Visa and Work Permit
| Aspect | Tourist Visa | Work Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, visiting family/friends, leisure | Employment, work for a specific employer |
| Duration | Short-term (usually up to 6 months) | Varies (short-term or long-term, often tied to job) |
| Work Authorization | Not allowed to work | Authorized to work |
| Eligibility Requirements | Proof of sufficient funds, ties to home country | Job offer from employer, possibly LMIA |
| Application Process | Simpler, often online or at consulate | More complex, involves employer sponsorship |
| Extension | Possible but limited and requires justification | Possible, often depends on employment contract |
| Dependents | Typically not allowed to bring dependents | May allow dependents with their own visa status |
| Transition to Permanent Residence | Rarely possible directly from a tourist visa | Often possible depending on visa type and pathways |
| Requirements for Entry | Travel itinerary, proof of return, sufficient funds | Job offer, work permit, possibly LMIA |
| Fees | Generally lower | Generally higher due to complexity |
| Validity | Single or multiple entries, short validity | Often tied to employment contract, can vary |
| Application Time | Usually faster processing | Can take longer due to additional checks |
Step-by-Step Process to Convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit in Canada
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
If you’re already in Canada, you can start looking for job or an employer who can not only give you job offer but support you with a positive labor market impact assessment (LMIA). Once you have the job offer you can proceed with next step.
Step 2: Obtaining Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
If you’re employer is ready to support you with an LMIA, they can apply it directly with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This will confirm that foreign worker will fill up the position that cannot be filled by Canadian national.
Thhe process of Obtaining LMIA is explained in details here. Some jobs are LMIA-exempt, in which case the employer does not need an LMIA.
Step 3: Apply for a Work Permit
Once you have a valid job offer and LMIA from the employer, you can apply for a Work Permit from Canada, make sure you maintain your valid visitor status while applying for a work permit.
Step 4: Submit your Online Application
Once you meet the eligibility criteria for converting visitor visa to work permit you can directly apply workpermit online through IRCC website.
Submit the necessary documents, including proof of your job offer, LMIA (if applicable), proof of status in Canada, and other supporting documents for visitor visa to work visa in canada.
Step 5: Biometrics and Medical Examination
If you have already submitted your biometrics while applying for an visitor visa to Canada, you don’t need to an Biometricsa and if you haven’t left the country yet, you don’t need an Medical Examination too. In Case you have you would need a Medical examination.
Step 6: Final Decision
Once you have submitted your profile, you will be able to receive a final decision within 1 to 3 months, If everything goes right your application will be approved and you can work with the employer, otherwise, you may need to leave the country.
Different ways to convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit
The above was the most common and simplest way to convert a visitor visa to a work permit, however, below are some other ways you can choose to convert your visitor visa to a work permit.
1. Spousal Sponsorship with Open Work Permit
One of the easiest way to convert a visitor visa to an open work permit is with your spousal open work permit, if your spouse have an open work permit he/she can sponsor you to have an open work permit. While your application is being processed, you are allowed to work.
2. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Another way to convert your visitor record to a work permit is to first convert it to a study visa and then work visa while staying in Canada. You can enroll in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that provides PGWP after completing education. This will give you work permit valid from 1 year to 3 years.
Check out: How to obtain 2 Year Work Permit Canada (Programs Explained)
3. International Experience Canada (IEC)
The IEC program is for young people from participating countries who want to travel and work in Canada:
- Work Holiday Visa: Allows you to work for any employer in Canada.
- Young Professionals: Requires a job offer related to your professional development.
- International Co-op (Internship): Requires a job offer for a work placement or internship.
4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
One way to convert a visitor visa to a work permit is by obtaining Permanent residency. Many Canadian provinces have certain PNP programs that you might be eligible for and you can then convert your visitor visa to permanent residency and work for any employer you want.
5 Self-Employed Persons Program
This federal program is for individuals who are self-employed in cultural or athletic activities and have the intention and ability to make a significant contribution to these fields in Canada. You might be eligible for Self-Employed work permit in Canada.
6. Intra-Company Transfers
If you are employed by a company that has a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in Canada, then you can apply for Intra-Company Transfers Visa that will let you convert your visitor visa to a work permit.
Conclusion
Above are the few methods you can convert your visitor visa to a work permit, if you have any questions you can feel free to contact us for an help.
