Temporary Residence Classes

Included are international students, workers, business people and tourists. Travel documents to enter and remain in Canada on a temporary basis consist of a valid Passport, possibly a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Document. (eTA).  

Temporary Residence Visa (TRV)

  Do I require a Temporary Residence Visa to come to Canada to work, to study or just to visit? A Temporary Residence Visa is an official counterfoil document issued by a visa office that is placed in a person’s passport to show that they have met the financial, medical and security requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. Although the Temporary Residence Visa may permit the visitor to enter Canada for up to a six-month period, it does not replace a study or work permit, since these are separate applications. An extension of visitor status is possible.  

Extend Your Stay

If you have legal temporary status in Canada you may apply for an extension of your stay.  Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Whether you are a visitor, worker or student, you will be able to extend your stay until you have received a decision from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada regarding your extension request.

Applications for Extension of Authorization to Remain in Canada as a Temporary Resident (IRPA/Regulations)

  • 181 (1) A foreign national may apply for an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident if
  • (a)the application is made by the end of the period authorized for their stay; and
  • (b)they have complied with all conditions imposed on their entry into Canada.
(2) An officer shall extend the foreign national’s authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident if, following an examination, it is established that the foreign national continues to meet the requirements of section 179.   Note:   The validity of your temporary resident status cannot exceed the validity of your passport.  Therefore, you should ensure that your passport will be valid for at least the same amount of time as your requested extension.
  • www/Canada.ca/guides-5551 Guide 5551 from Immigration Refugee Citizenship Canada (IRCC) “Applying to change Conditions or Extend your Stay in Canada”, offers more information.
Immediate Family Members- spouse common-law partner – dependent children.
  • Separate application forms need to be submitted even though you apply at the same time for an extension.
  • Include all appropriate documentation together with the required fee pertaining to each family member.
Please consult our knowledgeable Ottawa- based immigration consultant. He will complete and submit your applications to IRCC professionally and on time.  

Failed to apply for an Extension of a Temporary Resident Visa?

  • If you have failed to apply for an extension on time you are not eligible to submit an application
  • An alternative is to submit an application for restoration of your status.
  Offence under the immigration and refugee protection act.
  • Foreign nationals who work, study or visit in Canada without legal status have committed an offence.
  • They may be subject to an admissibility hearing
  • The result could be removal from Canada.
 

Restoration of Temporary Status If you fail to apply for an extension for your Temporary Resident Visa on time, you may apply for Restoration of Status providing you do it within 90 days of the expiration date of your visa.  

Restoration of Temporary Resident Status (IRPA/Regulations)

  • 182(1) On application made by a visitor, worker or student within 90 days after losing temporary resident status as a result of failing to comply with a condition imposed under paragraph 185(a), any of subparagraphs 185(b)(i) to (iii) or paragraph 185(c), an officer shall restore that status if, following an examination, it is established that the visitor, worker or student meets the initial requirements for their stay, has not failed to comply with any other conditions imposed and is not the subject of a declaration made under subsection 22.1(1) of the Act.
 

Types of Temporary Residence Visas:

  • Single – Entry Visa
  • Multiple – Entry Visa
  • Super – Visa
  Multiple entry visa The most common visa is the multiple entry visa, although the single entry visa is still being issued, such as when the visa officers determine that some restriction to Canada may be advisable. The multiple entry visa permits a person to enter Canada for a period of 6 months at a time for as often as necessary.  The maximum validity is 10 years, but not longer than passport expiry. Note: Visits to the USA – with a single entry visa are permitted during the validity period of the visa.  

Parent and Grandparent Super – Visa

Currently, most visitors to Canada may visit up to six months when they first enter Canada.  Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension and pay a new fee. With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status. The super visa is a multiple entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years.  

Who is eligible for the Super – Visa?

To be eligible for the super visa, applicants must be the parents or grandparents of Canadian Citizens or permanent residents. Dependants of the parents or grandparents are not eligible for the super visa. However, they can apply for a regular visitor visa with multiple entry. Visa officers consider several factors before deciding whether an applicant is admissible. Visa officers must believe that the applicant is a genuine visitor to Canada who will leave voluntarily at the end of his or her authorized stay.   Factors that may be considered:
  • The overall economic and political stability of the home country.
  • The parents or grandparents’ ties to their home country such as: Are they financially stable? Do they own a home or business? Can they provide references from authoritative sources?
Information that will be requested
  • Return ticket to home country
  • Proof of financial resources to cover costs while in Canada
  • Support letter from child or grandchild whom they plan to visit.
  • Medical insurance to cover their authorized stay.
 

If Visa Required:

Foreign Nationals should apply for a study or work permit or a temporary residence visa at the Canadian Visa Office located in their country of origin or current residence.  Contact our Ottawa area-based Immigration Consultant here at Horizonte Canadá for quick and reliable service.   Visa Exempt:   Foreign nationals may apply for a work permit at the Port of Entry to Canada.  For a study permit they should apply at their Canadian Visa Office.  Some exceptions apply, that is some applicants may apply within Canada. Visa officers will assess admissibility as well as the ability to perform the job listed on the application.  They may also inquire about a person’s intention to return to their home country once the period of authorized stay in Canada has expired.

Temporary Residence for Youth Between Ages 18 To 35.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE CLASS (IEC).  APPLY EARLY!

  IEC provides youth with the opportunity to travel and work in Canada.   Canada has agreements and arrangements with more than 30 countries and territories that make it easier for foreign youth to travel and work in Canada. Contact us at Horizonte Canadá to see if you live in one of the qualified countries. For other countries there are also Recognized Organizations for foreign youth that are able to assist such as SWAP Working Holidays.   The International Experience Class maintains a pool of applicants who have submitted their profile. These are young people like yourself that have expressed an interest in the IEC. From this pool, through regular rounds of invitations, eligible applicants are invited to apply.   There Are Three Types of Travel and Work Experiences Available:  

  1. Working Holiday Program (WHP)
This program permits the applicant to apply for an open work permit. This permit is valid for one to two years. With it you are able to travel within Canada while applying for temporary work on route; as you are allowed to work for different employers at alternative locations.  

Open Work Permit

  • You don’t have a job offer yet
  • You want to work for more than one employer in Canada
  • You want to work in more than one location
  • You’d like to earn some money so that you can travel
 

  1. Young Professionals (YP)
This program in the IEC is ideal for young people to gain Canadian professional work experience, which is a way of becoming more competent internationally. This application is for an employer specific work permit.  In order to apply, you require a job offer in Canada. The potential job offer must contribute to your professional development. Under this category it must be a paid position. Self-employment is not accepted. Contact us at Horizonte Canadá to see if your profession will be accepted in this program.  

Employer Specific Work Permit.

  • Requires a job offer which will contribute to your professional development.
  • The job offer is restricted to only one employer at a given location.
  • The job offer must be paid employment. A volunteer position is not accepted.
Note – The employer must meet all labor laws in the province or territory.  Minimum wages or higher is mandatory.

National Occupational Code NOC Applies:

  • Type level O, A or B is required. This code level will ensure professional development.
  • A NOC C job may be available. Proof of a post-secondary diploma, certificate or degree will be required. These credentials must be translated to English or French by an official translator.

  1. International Co-Op Internship.
Obtain applicable international experience to broaden your career. An employer – specific work permit is required for this category. The experience you seek must be related directly to your own field of study. Inquire about which National Occupational Classification Code (NOC) applies to you.  

Category Details

It applies to students who:
  • Are registered at a post-secondary institution
  • Have a job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada
  • Seek this work placement or internship in order to complete their studies
  • Are willing to work for the same employer at the same location during their stay in Canada
  Wages will be determined by the labour code of the given Province or Territory. In some areas an internship is not paid.

Do you have Questions?

  • What kinds of jobs can I have with an International Experience Canada work permit?
  • Do I have to apply online for my IEC work permit or can I apply by mail or in person?
  • Will my spouse or common-law partner get a work permit under International Experience Canada to come with me?
  • How long does it take to get an International Experience Canada invitation to apply?
Need Help?  We can answer your concerns and assist with your application. Our knowledgeable Ottawa, Ontario based Immigration Consultant and his friendly staff will take care of your applications for a reasonable fee. Apply early, this is a popular category!  You may be able to travel with a friend if both of you apply for this class.

TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKERS. (TFW)

Thousands of Temporary Foreign Workers come to Canada each year to work. The majority of work permits are issued at Canadian visa offices located in various countries overseas. We at Horizonte Canadá do not search for a job for you but offer to assist you. We recommend that you do your own research. In Canada, often jobs are posted on internet sites such as Click here, or www.monster.ca/job bank; www.canada.ca/opportunities. You also may locate recruiters on the internet who search for qualified workers.  

How long can I work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker?

There is no set limit.  The period of time you can work depends on:  
  • The length of the job offer from your employer.
  • The length of time listed on the LMIA[1] (if it is required).
  • How long your passport is valid for.
 

Work Permit Extensions

Often work permits may be extended.  It is important to apply for an extension at least 30 days in advance of the expiry date of your existing permit.  

Types of temporary work permits.

  • Employer-specific work permit
  • Open work permit
  • Permits that require an LMIA
  • Co-op work permit student permit
  • Post-graduation work permit
  Usually a work permit is needed for a foreign national to work in Canada.  

Do you need a work permit to work in Canada?

Ask our knowledgeable Ottawa, Ontario based Immigration Consultant, he will guide you in the right direction. He and his friendly staff are here to take care of your work permit applications. Get your permits quickly and hassle free. Client satisfaction is our mission.  

Immigration Canada Laws and Policies:

Worker (IRPA/Regulations R195)
195 A foreign national is a worker and a member of the worker class if the foreign national has been authorized to enter and remain in Canada as a worker.
Marginal note: Work permit required
196 A foreign national must not work in Canada unless authorized to do so by a work permit or these Regulations.
Marginal note: Restrictions
196.1 A foreign national must not enter into an employment agreement, or extend the term of an employment agreement, with an employer
  • (a)who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages
  • (b)referred to in any of subparagraphs 200(3)(h)(i) to (iii).
   

Where to apply for a work permit

You may apply for a work permit any time before entering Canada. This is done normally at the nearest Canadian overseas Visa Office where you live.   Some foreign nationals may apply at the Port of Entry, such as citizens of the United States. Some may also apply while they are in Canada, but this application is restricted to those who already hold a work permit or who hold a study permit or may hold a temporary resident permit. Please inquire for more information.  

Application for an Employer-Specific Work Permit

This permit is the most common one. In it the name of the employer, type of work - position and location are defined. Often an LMIA is required in association with this permit.  

Factors Affecting your Eligibility

  • Convince a visa officer that you will leave Canada once your work permit expires.
  • Proof of finances may be required. To prove that you have sufficient funds to take care of yourself and possible accompanying family members while in Canada
If you can prove that you have a Job Offer that could be accepted as proof of funds
  • A Police Clearance Certificate may be required. The visa officer wants to be certain that you are law abiding and have no criminal record
  • Security issue – not to be a danger to the people of Canada
  • Genuine, eligible employer – you may only work for an employer that is approved by IRCC and has not broken any rules of conduct
  • Have all documents available for the visa officer that may be pertinent to enter Canada as a Temporary Foreign Worker
 

Work Permit Applications Outside Canada

 
  • It is advisable to obtain your work permit before entering Canada
  • Depending on which country you come from or live you may be required to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa at the same time
  • A request for a Medical Exam may also apply
  • Some work programs such as the Global Talent Stream, may be processed in as little as two weeks
 

Work Permit Applications Inside Canada

You can apply for a work permit if:  
  • You are at present in Canada and have valid status, such as an existing work permit or study permit
  • You are a graduate of a Canadian designated learning institution which can include a:
* A public funded trade/technical school * Community college * Canadian university
  • You have a temporary resident permit which is valid for a period of six or more months.
  • You are part of an in-Canada spousal or common-law partner permanent residence sponsorship application. Within the application you will be given the option to apply for a temporary work permit.  You may be able to obtain this permit within 4 months.
  • You are permitted to work in Canada without a work permit – but your intention is to seek a new job which involves an application for a work permit.
  Note: A visitor in Canada with a Temporary Visitor Visa is not permitted to work.  Therefore he/she is not able to apply for a work permit while inside Canada.  

Work Permits for Refugees Within Canada

You can apply for a Work Permit if:
  • You have claimed refugee status in Canada even though you are waiting for approval for your claim from the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
  • You have convention refugee or protected person status approved by the Refugee Protection Division
  • Your application for refugee status has been denied by the Refugee Protection Division, but you cannot be removed from Canada for various reasons
 

Work Permits Available at the Canadian Border (Port of Entry)

You may be able to apply for a Work Permit as you enter Canada.  Conditions apply:
  • You are from a Visa Exempt Country such as USA or Mexico
  • You bring with you an acceptable medical certificate – if this is required for your new job
  • Your new employer has completed all the necessary forms and steps for your work permit application in advance
  Note: It is recommended that you apply for your Temporary Work Permit prior to coming to Canada.  You will have the opportunity to obtain all the necessary documents.  You will avoid the risk of being held up at the Canadian border, which would involve extra time and expenses.

Employer-Specific Work Permit.  Defined.

  • This Work Permit is the most common one to obtain. In it the name of the employer, the type of work, your position – duties as an employee are defined.  The specific job location is documented.
As a worker you must comply to the details of the permit in order to retain your legal status.  Often an LMIA is required in association with this permit.  

Open Work Permit.

  This Open Work Permit is more flexible. The worker has the freedom to choose for whom he would like to work and at what location.  With such an Open Work Permit you are able to travel in Canada and seek employment at your preferred location. An LMIA is not required!  

Who is eligible to Apply for an Open Work Permit?

 
  • Applicants who have submitted a Permanent Resident application to a Canadian Visa Office in Canada.
  • Dependent family members of the above applicants.
  • Spouses and common-law partners of skilled worker or international students.
  • Refugees and those that are claiming refugee status, also protected persons. Family members are accepted.
  • Certain Temporary Resident Permit holders.
  • Young workers who have applied for a qualifying program.
 

Student and Work Permit.

As an international student, you do not require a work permit; that is providing you have a study permit and are enrolled full – time in a designated learning institution and are working on campus. Off campus, you are allowed to work up to 20hrs, per week while your program is in session, and fulltime during the scheduled breaks in the academic calendar.
[1] An LMIA is a Labour Market Impact Assessment. The government of Canada often demands that employers offer available work to Canadians or permanent residents first. The LMIA is a way to determine if there are Canadians available to fill a certain occupation. With a positive assessment of an LMIA, the employer may offer the work to a foreign national. While Employers are responsible to obtain the LMIA, we are here to assist them.