TEMPORARY VISAS
Temporary visas are available in the following categories:
1. WORK PERMIT.
2. STUDENT PERMIT.
3. VISITOR PERMIT.
1. WORK PERMITS
Work permits are necessary for most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada. In most cases the employer who wishes to hire the foreign nationals will be required to obtain a positive labour market opinion from Human Resources Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). There are some exceptions to the requirement to obtain a positive labour market opinion. These exceptions may be covered by international agreements such as the NFTA, GATS or the CCFTA (Canada's trade agreement with Chile).
Other categories which are exempt from the necessity of a labour market opinion from HRSDC are (this list is not exhaustive):
* Individuals who will provide a significant benefit to Canada (where they are clear social, cultural or economic benefits to Canada).
* Intra-Company transferees (covering senior managers and specialized knowledge workers).
* Entrepreneurs/Self Employed (covering primarily individuals who are seeking to establish themselves permanently in Canada as an entrepreneur or self-employed person).
Where a labour market opinion is required by HRSDC and where HRSDC provides a positive labour market opinion, the foreign national uses the positive labour market opinion in order to obtain a work permit. In order to obtain a positive labour market opinion from HRSDC, the Canadian employer will need to meet certain criteria and requirements, one of which is to demonstrate efforts to recruit Canadians or permanent residence to fill the position in question.
2. STUDENT PERMITS
Student permits are necessary in most cases where a foreign national wishes to persue a course of study in Canada. This may be at post secondary institutions such as a university, college, or private college or secondary studies at Canada's public schools or private schools. In order to obtain such a permit an application must be made to the relevant Canadian visa post.
3. VISITOR PERMITS
Visitor permits are available for individuals who wish visit Canada for any number of reasons including visiting relatives, visiting for pleasure, or visiting to explore business opportunities.