Canada Visitor Visa To Work Permit: All The Information

Canada is a top immigration destination for most foreigners around the world. Many people go to Canada every year not only as tourists but also as skilled workers. With a great economy, friendly people, and an immigrant-friendly environment, Canada has everything one could ask for. 

Is it possible to convert a Canada visitor visa to work permit? Yes, it is! You can visit Canada on a visitor visa for almost 2 years. So, how do you convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada? We are here to answer all your questions. This blog will cover all the details and processes you need to know regarding Canada visitor visa conversion to work permit fees, eligibility, etc. 

Canada Visitor Visa To Work Permit: The Difference

As you can probably already tell, a visitor visa allows you to visit Canada as a tourist. This visa is issued for tourism purposes only. You can use it to go to Canada and explore the country, visit your friends and family, or other leisurely purposes. It is a time-bound visa and allows you to stay in Canada for a short period. 

On the contrary, a work visa allows you to live and work in Canada longer. It is an employment permit that allows you to be a temporary resident in Canada, and you can also apply for PR. You are granted a work visa when you already have a valid offer of employment from a company or business based in Canada. Work visas are renewable, and you can apply for a renewal of your work visa if it comes close to expiry. 

Converting a Canada tourist visa to a work permit is the path less travelled, but it is possible to do so. 

Also Read: Reasons for Canada Visitor Visa Rejection & How to Avoid it

Benefits of Canada Work Permit Visa in 2024

A Canadian Work Permit, also called a Canada Work Visa, is a valuable authorization allowing foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specified time legally. Holding this permit offers numerous advantages:

1. Legal Employment: Gain the ability to work legally in Canada, pursue job opportunities and gain valuable work experience.

2. Social Benefits: Eligibility for certain social benefits like healthcare coverage (in some provinces), workers' compensation, and access to social services.

3. International Networking: Connect with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and nationalities, expanding your network within the Canadian community.

4. Economic Stability: Benefit from Canada's strong economy and stable political environment, offering you and your family economic security.

5. Access to Canadian Job Market: Explore Canada's diverse job market with opportunities across various industries, working for Canadian employers.

Ways For Visitors To Work In Canada 

Visitors and tourists gaining employment in Canada are unheard of by most as it is usually impossible. However, some pathways allow you to work in Canada as a visitor. You just need to have the right visa or permit. Some of them are discussed below. 

1. Work Permit

This is perhaps the most obvious option. If you issue a work permit in Canada, you can work here. You can only be issued a work permit if you have a valid offer of employment in Canada. You will have to put up with certain conditions that supervise your income, employment location, and how long you may have to work in Canada. Most work permits you can access come under Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program. If you convert your Canada visitor visa to work permit, this is the pathway you will choose. 

2. Working Holiday Visa 

Also known as International Experience Canada, Canada also offers working holiday visas, which allow people to work in Canada while on vacation. These visas are primarily for young adults, like college students, who wish to gain some sort of internship or research experience in Canada. 

3. Visitor Visa (with work authorization)

Some people might be eligible for a visitor visa with work authorization. It will allow you to work in Canada while you are visiting. The granting of this visa depends on various factors, which are determined by your unique personal situation. 

Steps to Convert Your Canada Tourist Visa To Work Permit in 2024

How can a visitor visa be converted to a work permit in Canada? If you wish to convert your Canada tourist visa to a work permit, these are the steps you need to follow. The procedure to convert a Canada tourist visa to a work permit can be summarized in four simple steps. 

Step 1: You must apply for jobs in Canada. If you want to convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit, you just have a valid job offer, as you cannot get a work visa without a job offer from a Canada-based company. 

Step 2: The second step to convert your Canada visitor visa to work permit is getting an offer letter approved by LMIA. LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is the authority responsible for foreign workers in Canada. The LMIA needs to approve your offer letter to hold it valid. So, make sure that the company you apply for is LMIA-approved. This is a crucial step in converting your Canada visitor visa to work permit. 

Step 3: You must submit all the required documentation to the authorities. Make sure your documents are up to date and have valid information. Any misinformation or incorrect or incomplete information can lead to your application being rejected. This will hinder the conversion of Canada visitor visas to work permits. 

Step 4: Once you have an LMIA-approved job and all the necessary documents, you must apply for a work permit. You can apply for it through the IRCCs website (IRCC stands for Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada). That is the final and most crucial step in converting your Canada visitor visa to work permit. 

Also Read: Latest Canada PR Eligibility: Complete Experts Guide 2024

Convert Canada Visitor Visa To Work Permit Without LMIA 

How do you convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada without LMIA? We heard you! It seems impossible, but a few ways allow you to get a work visa or permit without an LMIA. Here’s how:

• If your partner or spouse has a study permit and studies at a Canadian institution, you can apply for an open work permit as a temporary visitor in Canada. 

• If your partner or spouse has a work permit and their job falls under the NOC 0, A or B category, then you can also convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit here. 

• If your partner or spouse has applied for PR and their status is “approval in principle”, you can apply for a work permit as their visitor. 

• If you have applied for PR with your partner or spouse as your sponsor (spousal sponsorship), you can apply for a work permit as you await the decision while visiting your loved one in Canada. 

These are some foolproof ways to convert Canada visitor visa to work permit. 

Canada Visitor Visa Convert To Work Permit Fees in 2024

The processing fees for different visas are priced differently. If you want to know the last step in the “how to convert visitor visa to work permit in Canada” process, you’re right here. The list of Canada visitor visa conversion to work permit fees is discussed below. 

• Work Visa: 155 CAD

• Open work permit: 100 CAD

• Restore work permit: 355 CAD

These are the standard rates for converting your Canada visitor visa to work permit. 

Read More: Top Jobs in Canada: The Latest Guide for the year 2024

Conclusion 

Obtaining a work visa from India is not a complicated process. Converting a Canada tourist visa to a work permit isn’t complicated either and might be the best way to move to Canada. Converting a Canada tourist visa to a work permit is a simple process as long as you get a job in Canada. If you do that, you are good to go. It is the first step to converting your Canada tourist visa to a work permit.

So, convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit and live the life of your dreams! If you require any guidance to convert a Canada visitor visa to work permit, Terratern is right here to help.