Feb 06, 2023
Employer-Specific Work Permit Application
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Now that you have successfully received a Job Offer supported by an LMIA, it's time to apply for an employer-specific work permit.
You are getting closer and closer to your goal.
Hope you have those requirements ready cause we're going to apply for an Employer-Specific Work Permit in this guide. I am so excited for you!
If you don't have all the requirements yet, it's okay! That's what this guide is for too. Even if you're still waiting for the LMIA, I suggest you start working on all requirements, so you won't lose any time. Once you receive your LMIA, it's better that you have all the requirements ready for immidiate submission. Specially these two items below. Cause these two are usually the ones that takes so much time.
Requirements
- Police Clearance Certificate
- IRCC use police certificates to check if you have a criminal record. They help make sure you are not a security risk to Canada.
- To make it clear, what you need is NBI Clearance from Philippines.
- then Police Clearance from every country you stayed for 6months or more since you become 18 years of age.
How to get a police certificate
- Upfront Medical
- It usually takes time to get a schedule, hence you better get your schedule ASAP. BUT please note that it will cost around 12k php for a medical exam. If you're not confident that your employer will get a positive LMIA to support your application, then better not do this in advance. Just wait for the LMIA result before doing upfront medical exam.
- On the other hand, you can also submit your application without your medical exam, then wait for the medical exam request. Mas matagal nga lang process pag nag intay pa kayo ng request.
- List of approved clinics:
- St Lukes Ermita
- IOM Makati
- NHSI- Baguio, Cebu, Davao
- Nationwide Health Systems Cebu Inc.,
The other documents may or may not take time to gather but it's always recommended to keep them ready. I made a list of possible required documents that I know but some may NOT be applicable in your situation.
List of requirements with full description
Anyway, you'll see the full list of requirements based on your application once you've created your account and created that application. The reason I gave you the list here is so you can prepare much earlier, and even before creating a profile.
Another reason is if you are applying through a consultant. They'll never give you the list of requirements in advance. Hence, you can not work on them in advance and you'll lose time preparing for those documents. When instead you can start working on them while waiting for the LMIA.
if you're applying from Manila Visa Office, Click here for the immigration form checklist and the instructions as well. PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to check if this form is up to date. You may inform me too if it needs an update.
If I'm missing something in the list, please help me help others by leaving a comment and I'll update this list.
D.I.Y Online Application
Before you start your application, you must decide where you will be applying from. To answer this, you can either choose your home country, Philippines, or your present coutry of residence. Either way is fine and you're just telling IRCC your preference.
Once decided, click on this link to go to the official website of government of Canada.
- You'll land on this page. Fill it up with details, then click on "Create an account or sign in"
- If you don't already have an account, click on Register. If you already have an account, click on Sign in.
- Hope you can create an account by yourself. They have a easy to understand, step by step procedures that will guide you as you go.
- After you have created an account, go to your account home, scroll down and click on "Start an application" as per below.
- You'll land on this page. Under the "I do not have a Personal Reference Code", click on "Visitor visa, study and/or work permit" button
- You will have to answer bunch of questions before you can begin your application. Once you've completed answering all those questions, you'll be given a simple overview of the steps.
- Step 1: Use your account
- Step 2: Save your application
- Step 3: Upload your documents
- Step 4: Pay your fees
- When you click on contiue, you'll see "Your document checklist" where you will also upload the documents required. If you're not sure which document they are asking, you can see the description by clicking on those question markes beside the Document Name.
Once you've completed uploading the documents, you will also need a valid credit or debit card to pay for application fees.
Take note that it may be possible that the screen shot above is out dated.
Once you've paid the fees, submit your appliation and that's it! I'm so happy to complete this application with you. But it doesn't end here.
After you apply
Make sure to regularly check your account for an update.
If you didn't take an upfront medical exam, IRCC will message you requesting you to take the medical exam as well. It may be followed by a biometrics request or after the biometrics. Either way is fine.
Once you receive a biometric request, book your appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
After biometrics, (and other requirements if any), all you need to do is wait for the result.
How they process your application
They'll check your application to make sure you have all the necessary documents, including biometrics.
If it's incomplete, they'll return your application without processing it.
An officer will also check
- the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions to make sure that the employer can hire you, and
- that you qualify for a work permit
An immigration officer may ask you for more supporting documents. You must submit those documents on a given time so better monitor your account regularly.
Processing time
Once you've submitted your application, for sure you're wondering how long the application will take. Click the link below and just answer the questions as per below.
Please correct the entry based on where you are applying from.
Please take note that this processing time tells you how long it takes to complete most applications. Meaning it is based on past completed applications and kung gano katagal inaabot in average.
Your application can take longer or faster depending on how easy it is to assess your application.
Your processing time starts the day you've submitted your application. The processing time does not include the time you need to comply with medical examination, biometrics and if there's additional documents requried.
The processing time may also vary depending on how many applcations IRCC receives.
If your work permit application is approved
Congratulations!!!
You will receive a Passport Request (PPR) for visa stamping. Follow the instructions given to you.
You’ll also get an approval letter that says you’re allowed to work in Canada. This letter is called the port of entry letter of introduction.
You should bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada and present it at the port of entry. This letter is not your work permit. You’ll only get your work permit at the port of entry the day you arrive in Canada.
The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- the employer you can work for
- where you can work
- how long you can work
After or while waiting for your visa stamp
The next step for you is to prepare for your departure and fly to Canada. Except if you are coming from the Philippines.
If you will be flying from the Philippines, then you'll have to secure an OEC. And that's what we're going to discuss on the next topic!
If you are NOT flying from the Philippines, then you don't need an OEC. Instead, you might be interested in our guide on how to book the cheapest flight.
Booking the most affordable flights
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!
I am so happy walking this journey with you!
I hope I'll get a chance to meet you in Canada!
Take care and keep safe!
I hope you found valuable information in our website. I've been investing a lot of my time to create this website and help as much as I can.
I want to do this for as long as I can! Your support in buying me a coffee can help me achieve this and help more people.
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