Working in Canada Without a Work Permit

Many foreigners who arrive as tourists in Canada can see how wonderful it would be to live in the country for a longer period of time while working here at a successful career. It is easy to see why foreigners would want to work in Canada. It is a developed and progressive country that has nevertheless maintained the natural beauty of its wilderness areas. The average, annual household income has consistently increased from 2006 to 2010. No data is currently available for 2011, but analysts say that the economy has remained stable since 2010. There are many activities people can do for recreation, and the country is also a melting pot of cultures with a large number of foreign visitors flocking to the main cities year after year. Obtaining a work permit in Canada also provides a good chance of eventually qualifying for a permanent resident visa, after which time you can petition your parents for a Super Visa. It is hard work getting together all of the required documents as well as purchasing Super Visa insurance, but the prospect of bringing over your parents to live with you in this ideal country should make the effort worthwhile. But before we get ahead of ourselves, there is still the matter of finding a job and becoming employed in Canada. Normally, foreigners need to secure a work permit before they can be employed in Canada by a Canadian company or employer. Prior to that, applicants are expected to have found employers who are willing to wait for them to be granted a work permit. However, there are a few select circumstances under which foreigners can actually be employed in Canada even if they do not have a work permit. The general qualifications that make foreigners eligible for employment without a work permit are as follows: If the foreigner is not directly entering the Canadian labor market. If the employer’s main financial source for remuneration (salaries and benefits) for employees in Canada comes from outside the country. If the majority of the employee’s business operations are conducted outside the country. If the foreigner is working in Canada as a business visitor in accordance with the provisions stated in international treaties to which Canada adheres such as NAFTA, GATS, and CCFTA. Employments of this nature no longer require foreign workers to secure a certification from HRSDC (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada). Here are more specific employment situations and qualifications that will allow foreigners to work right away in Canada: Foreign representatives who are working as diplomats, consuls and the like who are accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Relatives of the above who are also granted diplomatic status, and who have in writing that the Department of Foreign Affairs doesn’t object to their working in Canada. Full-time foreign students who are studying and staying on-campus in Canada. They are only allowed to work for the duration of their schooling period. Foreign performers or artists who are not employed by the commercial entity in Canada that recruited their services (excluding artists who are working in film production, television or radio). Athletes who are in Canada as participants in sporting events. News company employees who are reporting on issues or events in Canada. Foreigners who are invited as guest speakers at important events or functions. Please refer to the official CIC website for more details and examples.