How To Apply For Canadian Work Permit From Nigeria

How To Apply For Canadian Work Permit From Nigeria

If you’re a Nigerian looking to work in Canada, you’ll need to obtain a Canadian work permit. This document allows you to work in Canada for a specific period of time and for a specific employer. To obtain a work permit, you’ll need to follow a series of steps and meet certain requirements.

First Step: Determine if You Need a Work Permit

Before you start the application process, you’ll need to determine if you need a work permit. In general, foreign nationals require a work permit to work in Canada. However, there are some exceptions. For example, you may not need a work permit if you are a foreign national who is:

A business visitor
Entering Canada to perform emergency repair work
A foreign representative
Participating in certain types of cultural or athletic activities
A student who is studying in Canada and who wants to work on campus or as part of an off-campus co-op program
If you are not sure if you need a work permit, you can use the Come to Canada tool on the Government of Canada’s website to find out.

2nd Step:  Find a Job in Canada

To apply for a work permit, you’ll need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer. You can find job opportunities in Canada by:

Searching online job boards and websites
Networking with people who work in your field in Canada
Applying directly to Canadian employers who are hiring
Make sure that you have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job you’re applying for.

3rd Step:  Get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

In most cases, your Canadian employer will need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you can apply for a work permit. The LMIA is a document that verifies that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job that you’ve been offered and that there are no Canadians or permanent residents who are available to do the job.

Your employer will need to apply for the LMIA on your behalf. The application process can take several weeks, so make sure to start early.

4th Step:  Apply for a Work Permit

Once you have a job offer and a positive LMIA, you can apply for a work permit. There are two types of work permits that you can apply for: an employer-specific work permit and an open work permit.

An employer-specific work permit allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada. You’ll need to provide your employer’s name and address on your application.

An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. However, not all foreign nationals are eligible for an open work permit.

To apply for a work permit, you’ll need to complete an application form and provide supporting documents, such as your passport, a copy of your LMIA, and proof of your qualifications and experience.

5th Step: Submit your application.

You can submit your application online or in person at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos or Abuja. You will need to provide your biometrics and attend an interview if required.

6th Step: Wait for a Decision

After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision. The processing time for a work permit can vary depending on the type of permit you’re applying for and other factors, such as the volume of applications being processed.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction from the Canadian government. You’ll need to bring this letter with you when you travel to Canada. At the border, a border services officer will determine if you’re eligible to enter Canada and issue your work permit.

If your application is refused, you’ll receive a letter explaining why it was refused. You may be able to appeal the decision or reapply if you address the concerns that led to the refusal.

7th Step: Prepare for arrival.

If your work permit is approved, you will need to prepare for your arrival in Canada, which includes obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if required, arranging for transportation, and finding suitable accommodation.

It is important to note that the Canadian government takes immigration fraud very seriously. Be wary of fraudulent immigration agents who may promise you a work permit in exchange for money. Only deal with authorized representatives and follow the proper channels to apply for a Canadian work permit.

Applying for a Canadian work permit from Nigeria requires careful planning, attention to detail, and patience. By following the steps outlined above and seeking guidance from authorized representatives, you can successfully obtain a work permit and begin your journey to working and living in Canada.

Useful links for applying for a Canadian work permit from Nigeria:

Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit.html
Canadian Visa Application Center: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/Canada/Nigeria/work_permit.html
Canada Immigration News: https://www.cicnews.com/2022/04/how-to-apply-for-a-work-permit-in-canada-0419478.html