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Your Guide to Canada Working Visa: A Pakistani Perspective

The Canada working visa seems to be one of the most searched keywords for most of the people from Pakistan. You are not alone if you are a Pakistani with the dream of working in Canada. This blog will help you walk through all the essential requirements needed to acquire a Working Visa for Canada so all your questions get answered and provide helpful insights.

Understanding the Canada Working Visa

What is a Canada Working Visa?

A Canada working visa is essentially a work permit that will allow one to work in Canada for an employer, in one job, and often for a certain amount of time. The visa is legally obligatory for any person wishing to work in Canada and has a variety of categories to be contended with.

Why Choose Canada?

Canada is full of potential for a skilled worker, combined with a diverse job market and living standards. Backed by friendly immigration policies, it is an attractive opportunity for Pakistanis. From software engineers to health professionals and skilled tradespeople—everyone can find their place in Canada.

Types of Canada Working Visas

There are various kinds of work permits under suitable conditions for certain needs.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

This enables you to work for any employer. No employer is identified in the application for the visa. Information included gives details on the place of work, the location of the employer, and the time duration allotted for working. A job offer is also required in this type of permit application by a Canadian employer.

Open Work Permit

The open work permit is not job-specific. The issued permit will allow you to work for any employer in Canada, except for those who have not passed standards in labour and escort services, erotic massage, or exotic dancing. This is great for those who want to have the flexibility to switch employment or jobs.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A PGWP offers DLI students universal access to work experience in Canada for a maximum of three years. Such work experiences are very valuable to such students as far as seeking permanent residence in Canada.

How to Apply for a Canada Working Visa

Step 1: Get a Job Offer

A genuine job offer by a Canadian employer is the primary condition that precedes the application for a work permit. There are some additional conditions for employers under which they are required to have a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which merely proves that the entry of a foreign worker would not hurt the labour market of Canada.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

If applying for a Canada working visa, you need to provide some documents, which include:

  • Your passport
  • Job offer letter
  • LMIA, in case it’s required
  • Qualification and experience proof
  • Proof of financial standing
  • Medical examination, as applicable

Step 3: Submit Your Application

One can apply for his/her work permit in two ways. You can either apply online or you can choose to apply on paper. To avoid any kind of problem, make sure that all your documents are accurate and complete. The processing time of getting the work permit can be done in a few weeks. So always apply early from your intended starting date.

Step 4: Attend a Visa Interview (if required)

In some cases, you may even have to appear for a visa interview. Try to be prepared to talk about your job offer, qualifications, and plans in Canada.

Life in Canada: What to Expect

Work Environment

Canada has a very broad and diverse work culture. Both the social and national cultures are full of diverse people, which makes for a very vivid environment in the workplace. Canadians do value punctuality, team spirit, and a high level of professionalism.

Cost of Living

The cost of living varies by city across Canada. Big cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, can be pretty costly, while the smaller towns and cities are cheaper to manage a life in. This means it is complementary to plan out your finances and make a budget according to it.

Weather

Canada experiences diverse weather conditions. From harsh winters in the northern regions to milder climates in mainly coast areas, be ready for diverse weather changes. Invest in appropriate clothing, and understanding seasonal changes will help you cope better.

Healthcare and Benefits

Provincial health insurance eligibility for temporary foreign workers. Be sure to know the healthcare benefits that you and your dependents may be entitled to, and register for health insurance as soon as possible upon your arrival in Canada.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

One of the key advantages of working in Canada would be the ability to apply for permanent residence. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) through Express Entry is there for the very purpose of considering people having Canadian work experience.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is a program put in place for all skilled workers who, among other things, must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, meet the threshold for language proficiency, and not have the intention to live in Quebec.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province or territory has its provincial nominee program so that they can select immigrants tailored to a specific province for settling there. If you got a job offer from a Canadian employer and you also want to reside in a specific province, then PNP is the suitable pathway for you.

Conclusion

Having a Canada working visa becomes the key opening to your dream of working in Canada. You can get to know more about the different types of work permits, the application process, and life in Canada. As a Pakistani national, there are certain unique points specific to you among Canada’s varied workforces, which come with opportunities that may eventually lead to permanent residency. Start your application today and be on your way to opening a new chapter in your professional life.