• The Canadian government welcoms foreign workers under specific criteria.canada image by NataV from Fotolia.com
  
  People visiting Canada need work permits if they wish to be legally employed while here. Citizenship and Immigration Canada oversees the Work Permit Program for foreign workers. Foreign workers interested in working in Canada must satisfy specific criteria.
  
  

Eligibility

• Candidates must possess a valid passport or alternative travel documents issued by their country of origin. They must be in good health and agree to a medical exam if required. Applicants must present proof that they have enough money to support themselves and their dependents for the duration of their stay in Canada, as well as evidence that their stay is temporary. Candidates cannot have a criminal record or present a security threat. Other eligibility criteria may apply. Applicants must complete the application form below. Work permits cost $50 for processing and are issued simultaneously with temporary resident visas (see Reference 1).
  
  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/work.asp
  
  

Temporary Resident Visa

• In addition to a work permit, foreign workers must apply for a temporary resident visa. Applicants must possess a valid passport and at least one other document proving their identity, be in good health and prove that they have enough money to financially support themselves during their stay. Applicants must also prove that their stay will be temporary. Individuals applying for a transit visa must demonstrate proof of travel arrangements that support their claim that they are only passing through the country.
  
  Applicants must complete the following application form and pay the appropriate processing fee. Single-entry visa applications cost $75 while multiple-entry visas cost $150. Note that transit visas do not have a fee, and all visa applications take at least one month to process (see Reference 2).
  
  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
  
  

Employer Information

• A "labor market opinion" confirms an employer's ability to fill a position with a foreign worker. Issued by Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), a labor market opinion proves that jobs exists for workers before they arrive, and can be essential in helping them obtain a work permit (see Reference 3).
  
  

Foreign Worker Families

• Once authorized to work in Canada, a foreign worker's family members may also work in Canada based on the one permit. Some family members may qualify for an "open" work permit that authorizes them to work in any job for any employer, often without obtaining a labor market opinion. Note that when the initial work permit expires, all family members working in Canada on that permit must cease working and seek a renewal. Although family members do not necessarily need their own work permits, they must still apply for them. Families pay a maximum processing amount of $400 (see Reference 3).