Temporary Worker

A temporary worker is a person who is lawfully admitted in Canada for a temporary period of time. Every year 90.000 workers enter Canada to participate in this program which addresses the skill shortage in the Canadian market.  

A foreign worker who wants to work in Canada must:

• Have an approved job offer, and
• Valid work permit (issued before arrival).

After receiving an approved job offer, the potential foreign worker should apply for a work permit. The officer will decide whether the applicant qualifies for the work permit and will assess health and security requirements.

A work permit is usually valid only for a specified job, employer and time period. In most cases, temporary workers may not undertake full time studies and may not change job unless authorized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Certain business people, professionals, intra-company transferee employees, and a trader or investor may gain quicker and easier temporary entry into the Canadian labour market if they are cover under the provisions of free trade agreements.

Current agreements:

• NAFTA - North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, USA and México (List of occupatios)
• CCFTA - Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (The agreement)
• GATS – General Agreement on Trade in Services

Students

The application for study permit in Canada is usually approved at a Canadian consulate or embassy outside Canada.

Foreign students must meet certain requirements when applying for study permits:

• Present an acceptance letter from the institution they plan to attend.
• Prove that they have enough money to cover tuition and living costs.
• Satisfy a visa officer that they plan to return home at the end of their studies; and
• Pass a medical examination, if required.

Students do not need a study permit for courses that are shorter than six months.  

Visitors

Individuals visiting Canada may have to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa, which must be obtained before the departure to Canada(list of countries).

There are specific forms to fill out and procedures to follow, which are described in the "Canadian Tourist Visa Application Guide". Arriving in Canada without the necessary visa may lead to deportation and all expenses being paid by you.

There are different types of temporary visas such as Single Entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa. Each visa has a list of requirements that has to be addressed by the applicant.

Once you are in Canada on a Temporary Visa you may change status, extend your stay, or correct any problems with your status. It is possible to change status several times without leaving the country. Different forms are needed and fees must be paid in order to successfully extend your stay or change status.

To visit Canada you:

• Must be healthy.
• Must not have a criminal record;
• Will need a valid passport, proof of who you are or other travel documents; and
• May need a Temporary Resident Visa.