How to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit In Canada


How to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit In Canada

Canada is a land filled with abundant opportunities, accommodating and hard-working citizens, and this is why individuals from all parts of the world are drawn to its thriving economy and increasing workforce.

Did you enter Canada using a visitor visa, and on seeing the nation’s vast opportunities, you desire to stay back and work? If the answer is yes! Then this post is specifically for you as we’ll discuss how to convert a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada.

We’ll also go over why you should convert your visiting visa to a work permit, the types of visitor visas that can be converted, and frequently asked questions about changing your visitor visa to a work permit in Canada.

Canada Visitor Visa Explained

If you’re a citizen of another country, you can enter Canada temporarily on a visitor visit for vacation, visit to your family and friends, business meetings or to be part  of other non-work or non-school related events. Also, another name for visitor visa is a temporary resident visa (TRV).

Note that some nations are visa-exempt and may enter Canada without requesting a visiting visa; however, the majority of other countries needs a visiting visa to enter the country. So, if you are not from a nation that does not require a visa, you must obtain a visiting visa to enable you visit Canada.

Why You Need to Convert Your Canada Visitor Visa to Work Permit

If you came into Canada with a visitor visa for a short stay but discovered that the country has so much job opportunities and you desire to stay and start working, below are the reasons you need to convert your visitor visa to work permit:

  • Legality

One of the reasons you need to convert your visitor visa to a work permit in Canada is to enable you to work legally to avoid facing harassment of any kind. If you start working in Canada with a visitor visa and the officials in charge gets hold of you, they may deport and outlaw you from coming into the country permanently.

Better Job Opportunities

Having a work permit opens you up to several good job opportunities. Because almost all employers wants you to have a work permit before they can employ you.

Lengthy Stay

If you must stay and work in Canada for a lengthy period of time, you have to convert your visitor visa to a work permit. A visitor visa only allows you stay for six months, but a work permit will enable you to stay for some years before renewal.

Path to Permanent Residency

Holding a Canada work permit is also a pathway to becoming a permanent resident.

Also, numerous immigration programs demand that applicants must have work experience in Canada and a genuine employment offer from a Canadian employer.

 

In all, converting your visitor visa to a work permit can open up a world of opportunities for you in Canada. But make sure you are eligible before applying.

Types of Visitor Visa Eligible for Conversion In Canada

If you’re looking to convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit or any other type of visa, you need to understand that it is not all types of visitor visa that is eligible for conversion. Now, take a look at the visitor visa that is eligible for conversion to work permit  below:

  • The regular visitor visa
  • Super visa
  • Business visitor visa
  • Parents and grandparents extended stay as temporary resident visa

Note that the conversion process is not the same for all the types of visitor visa listed above, and their requirements as well.

Steps to Convert Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada

The following are the steps to convert your Canada visitor visa to a work permit:

Search for an Employer Who is Willing to Sponsor You

In Canada, before you can convert your visitor visa to a work permit, you must find a job in a Canadian company that the employer is willing to sponsor the process.

Ensure That You Are Eligible for a Work Permit

Make sure you are eligible for a work permit by getting all the necessary documentation ready which includes, your work experience, your nationality, your health and security rate. Furthermore, visit the Canadian immigration website to find out their updated requirements.

Apply for a Work Permit

After getting a job offer, you can now apply for a visitor visa to work permit conversion. You can either apply online or through paper applications.

Wait for the Canadian Immigration Decision

After carrying out all the actions discussed above, you have to wait for the Canadian immigration and refugee officials decision. Although processing timeframes can change, visiting their website to find out the outcome of your application is important.

Follow Up on Your Application

Finally, if your application gets an approval, you will receive a work permit. But if the outcome is not positive, you can reapply using an updated requirement. Ensure to follow up your application.

Advantages of Converting Your Visitor Visa to Work Permit In Canada

Converting your Canadian visitor visa to work permit has a lot of advantages which includes:

  • Legality to work
  • You will have a longer time to stay
  • It will be easy for you to move to permanent residency
  • Enhanced career opportunities
  • It enhances an improved quality of life

Disadvantages of Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada

Before considering visitor visa conversion to work permit, you need to look at the disadvantages involved which include:

  • Time constraint
  • Application fees
  • Uncertainty
  • Ineligibility

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

1. How Much Does Converting Visitor Visa to Work Permit in Canada Cost?

The cost of converting your Canadian visitor visa conversion to a work permit is dependent on the type of visitor visa and your location. Also, they consider if you’re applying online or on paper. So, you have to visit their website to get their updated price list based on your nationality.

2. What Are The Requirements For Converting a Visitor Visa to a Work Permit?

The following are the requirements for converting a visitor visa to work permit in Canada:

  • Eligibility
  • Employers support
  • Health and crime requirements
  • Adequate finance report
  • Application process

Note that the requirement for the application is based on your location and the conditions behind your application.

3. Is It Possible to Extend My Work Permit in Canada After Converting My Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can. Once you’re able to meet the eligibility conditions for Canadian work permit extension.

4. Can I Start Working While My Application to Convert My Visitor Visa to Work Permit Is Yet To Be Approved?

No, you cannot start working while your Canadian visitor visa conversion  application is yet to be approved. You can only start working after the process is done and you’re approved.

 

The Bottom Line

Lastly, converting visitor visa to a work permit in Canada can be quite challenging. Especially if you don’t have the right knowledge and your requirements are not complete. So, before applying, ensure to go through all that we discussed above to guide you.

 

Also, remember that there are different types of visitor visa and some of them cannot be converted to work permit only those ones mentioned earlier.

 

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