Transforming Canada Visitor Visa to Work Permit in 2024

Is it possible to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada? What is the process to convert a tourist visa into a work visa? Is the process hectic? All of these questions must be taking up a lot of space in your head.

To your rescue, we are here to guide you through the process of converting a tourist visa into a work visa. We will discover further in detail about each topic relating to the Canadian visa conversion. Read further to get all your queries resolved

Difference Between Tourist Visa And Work Visa

So before getting into the technicalities of conversion of Canadian Visas, lets understand the basic difference between the tourist visa and work visa.

As the name suggests, A tourist visa is issued for the purpose of tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and family in a foreign country. Holders of a tourist visa are generally not allowed to work in Canada.

On the other hand, A work visa, also known as a work permit or employment visa, is issued to individuals who intend to work in a foreign country legally. Holders of a work visa are permitted to work for a specific employer or engage in self-employment, depending on the terms of their visa.

Work visas are often renewable, and individuals may have the option to apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the host country after meeting certain criteria.

Benefits of Canada Work Permit Visa

A Canada Work Permit Visa, also known as a Canadian work visa, is a valuable document that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Canada for a specified period. Holding a work permit in Canada comes with several benefits:

1. Legal Employment: Perhaps the most significant benefit is that it allows you to work legally in Canada. This means you can pursue job opportunities, earn income, and gain valuable work experience.
2. Social Benefits: While on a work permit, you may be eligible for certain social benefits, such as healthcare coverage in some provinces, workers' compensation, and access to social services.
3. International Networking: Working in Canada allows you to network with people from various backgrounds and nationalities, both in your workplace and in the broader Canadian community.
4. Economic Stability: Canada is known for its strong economy and stable political environment. This can provide a sense of economic security for you and your family while working in the country.
5. Access to Canadian Job Market: Canada has a diverse and robust job market with opportunities in various industries. Having a work permit gives you access to this job market and the chance to work for Canadian employers.

Can Visitors Work in Canada?

Visitors, in usual cases, cannot work in Canada. However, there are certain visas and permits under which a visitor can be allowed to work in Canada. We have curated a list of those permits and visas for you.

• Work Permit: With a work permit in your hand as a foreign national, you can be allowed to work for specific jobs. However, there are certain restrictions on the salary, duration and location of the employment. Many work permits fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which includes various streams for skilled and low-skilled workers.
• Visitor Visa with Work Authorization: In some cases, you may be eligible to apply for a visitor visa with work authorization, such as a Temporary Resident Visa with an open work permit. This allows you to work in Canada while you are visiting. Eligibility for such permits can vary based on factors like your relationship to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, your status in Canada, or other factors.
• Working Holiday Visas: Canada offers Working Holiday Visas which are also known as International Experience Canada. These are offered to young adults from several countries, allowing them to work and travel in Canada for a specified period. The Working Holiday Visa is a great opportunity for individuals looking to gain international work experience while exploring Canada.

Documents needed to apply for the work permit?

The documentation criteria for a work permit can vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for, your nationality, and other factors.The following are the standard requirements for getting a work permit:

• Job Offer
• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)
• Work Permit Exemptions (If needed)
• Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)
• Passport
• Fees
• Proof of Sufficient Funds
• The letter of introduction

Know more about Different Canada Visa types from India for Indians

Steps to Convert Tourist Visa into Work Permit

The standard steps with which you can convert your tourist visa into a work permit are:

1. Submit an Application for a Job in Canada: First, you must make sure that you have a job for which you require a work permit. To apply for a job in Canada, you may look for jobs on Indeed, LinkedIn, or the individual company's website. However, keep in mind that your CV should adhere to Canadian standards to be considered.
2. Get an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) Approved Offer Letter: LMIA approved are those companies who are allowed to hire Foreign workers. Make sure you have applied in the company that has been LMIA Approved.
3. Gather Required Documents: You must gather the documents which are mentioned above and make sure these are certified and legitimate.
4. Apply for the Work Permit: Once you've got the job and gathered the required documents, you can apply for the work permit.

The application process can be done online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or by submitting a paper application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Work Permit Processing Fee

The processing fees for applying for a work permit is mentioned below in detail to make the process easier for you.

• Work visa- CAD $155 (per head)
• Open Work Permit- CAD $100 (per head)
• Work Permit for Group (3 or more) artists and respective staff, given they apply together- CAD $465
• Restore Work Permit- CAD $355

Interim Authorization to Work

After discussing how to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada, let’s understand the Interim Authorization to work which is really important in practical exposure.

Now, the law of Canada states that If you have applied for a work permit in Canada under visitor status, you must wait about 132 days to receive it. It means you can’t work until the work permit is approved.

However, the exception to that law is Interim Authorization to Work.

This authorization states that you can start working immediately if you have received an employer-specific job offer. It is introduced to address the labor shortages. Although, it must be noticed that it is not automatic and to gain the benefit of this authorization, you must fill out a form at the IRCC Website.

How to convert a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit without LMIA?

If you are not able to get an LMIA Approved job offer, you don't need to worry. If you fulfill any of the below requirements, you will be able to get a work permit easily.

• If your spouse / common-law partner has a study permit and is studying in a DLI, you can apply for an open work permit as a temporary visitor.

• If your spouse / common-law partner has a work permit and is working in occupations specified in NOC 0, A, and B, you can apply for a work permit as a visitor visa holder.

• If your spouse / common-law partner is waiting for PR and has “approval in principal” status, you may apply for a work permit as a visitor.

• If you have applied for PR under Spousal Sponsorship, then you can apply for a work permit while you’re waiting for the decision.

Going to Canada for studies? Read: Does backlog affect Canada Visa for Studies?

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

Canada Work Permit processing time varies from 5 -6 months for overseas applicants. It highly depends on the type of work permit you choose to apply for and the factors surrounding it.

If you are outside Canada while applying for the work permit, you will have to submit your biometrics and be physically present for an interview scheduled by the Canadian Officials for you in your home country.

Adhering with the UTC Timeline is a must and according to the UTC timeline, the processing takes approximately 152 days.

If you are inside Canada while applying for the work permit, you must stay in Canada while your application is being processed. If you leave while your application is being processed, you won’t be eligible under this public policy.

Also, if your visitor status has expired, you’ll need to restore your visitor status before you apply for a work permit.

The processing time can take up to 130 days normally in this case.

From India to Canada: The Most Streamlined Paths to Work Permits

The ease of obtaining a work visa for Indian citizens varies greatly depending on the country in question. Some nations have more relaxed immigration policies and are therefore more accessible to foreign workers, while others have more stringent requirements and processes.

Canada has a strong demand for skilled foreign workers, making their work visa processes relatively straightforward for individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria.

GetGIS is a leading Immigration consultancy service. We offer end-to-end assistance and help you choose the right work visa that can open the door to a world of new opportunities, experiences, and growth.