Canada Work Permit For Us Green Card Holders
Green card holders can now apply for a Canada Work Permit from within the United States. This has opened doors to many who had been thinking of relocating to Canada. However, the process can be challenging and it’s important that those planning on immigrating to Canada first have an understanding of what is needed to be successful. In order to help our readers through this process, we have compiled this list of helpful tips and information.
Canada launched its points based immigration system in January of 2013. Many people believe that if they have a green card, they could simply move to Canada and work. This is not true. You still have to apply for a temporary work permit in order to work legally in Canada. Fortunately, the process is relatively straightforward and Canadian visas are relatively easy to obtain. Canada was once the beacon of hope for people looking to stay in North America without adjusting their citizenship. The United States made it extremely hard for immigrants from outside its borders to receive work permits, and Canada opened its doors to anyone with a pulse. However, all that has changed since the realization that Canada’s birth rate is at an all time low. In an effort to help boost its population growth, Canada has shut many of its doors to foreigners.
Canada Work Permit For Us Green Card Holders
How can I move to Canada from the US as a permanent resident?
One of the easiest ways to immigrate to Canada from the US is through Canada’s Express Entry system.
Express Entry is used to process the majority of Canadian immigration applications for three of the country’s economic immigration programs. If you qualify for one of the following programs, you may be eligible Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry.
80% of applications for permanent residency submitted through Express Entry are processed within 6 months, making it one of the fastest immigration systems in the world.
There are three federal economic immigration streams:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
If you have at least one year of skilled work experience, meet minimum language requirements in French or English, and score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid, you may be eligible to the Federal Skilled Worker Program. - Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
If you have two years of experience in a skilled trade, meet minimum language requirements in French or English, and have either a Canadian certificate of qualification to practice your trade in Canada or a job offer in your skilled trade in Canada, you may be eligible to the Federal Skilled Trades Program. - Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
If you meet minimum language requirements in French or English and have worked in a skilled position (NOC 0, A, or B) for at least one year in Canada on a valid work permit, you may be eligible to apply to the Canadian Experience Class.
These programs are competitive and score based. Keep in mind that meeting the criteria for any of these programs is not enough. Candidates are assigned a score and ranked against other candidates, and only the highest-ranking candidates will be able to apply to immigrate to Canada.
Additionally, each province operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) which offers immigration programs for skilled workers.
Can a US permanent resident work in Canada?
If you are moving from the US to Canada to work, there are different types of work permits that may be available to you, depending on your circumstances:
- NAFTA Work Permits
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is an economic agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that facilitates trade between the three countries by, among other things, allowing selected categories of temporary workers into each other’s markets.NAFTA work permits can be issued through the International Mobility Program to American citizens with an eligible job offer from a Canadian employer to come and work in Canada temporarily without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
They also allow American companies with Canadian branches to transfer American employees in managerial or executive roles quickly and easily. - Employer Specific Work Permit
If you have a valid job offer from a specific employer, you may be eligible to enter Canada on an employer-specific work permit. An employer-specific work permit usually requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which is a document that proves the employer tried to find a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to fill the role, before it was offered to a foreign national.
Anyone wishing to switch jobs after entering Canada on an employer specific work permit will be required to apply for a new work permit. - Spousal Open Work Permit
If your spouse or common-law partner is a temporary foreign worker or international student in Canada, or if you are undergoing the inland sponsorship process you may be eligible for a spousal open work permit. This type of permit is not employer specific so if you change jobs you will not need to get a new work permit as long as your current permit is valid.
Can I move to Canada from the US as an international student?
There are several perks to studying in Canada compared to the US, including lower tuition rates, shorter visa processing times, and the ability to start work immediately. A Canadian study permit allows the student the ability to work 20 hours per week when school is in session and up to 40 hours per week during breaks and holidays.
In the US, international students with F-1 visas may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. Even after their first year, international students in the US can be limited to the jobs they can hold making their stay more financially difficult.
While the ability to work is great, the ability to purchase more with fewer dollars is even better. Fortunately, accomodation and food for students are cheaper in Canada than the U.S. You also won’t have to spend as much time and money on your studies in Canada compared to the US.
Canadian Universities offer 2-year Associate degrees as well as 3 year Bachelor degrees. Moving to Canada from the US through a study program can also benefit your long-term immigration plans. In Canada, you can obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) following most programs of study. Your PGWP can be valid for the same duration as your study permit, up to three years.
