In recent years, more and more people from Nepal have been interested in travelling abroad to study, work, and obtain permanent residency in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Canada is particularly popular among students and working professionals pursuing higher education and careers in IT, cybersecurity, and other related fields. However, to work in Canada as a foreign national, you must apply for a work visa from Nepal.
While students who study in Canada have the advantage of being able to work after graduation, this is different for professionals who want to move to Canada to further their careers. We have compiled this guide to help you understand the process, procedures, eligibility requirements, and documents required to apply for a Canadian student visa.
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
Before you start the application process, you must determine if you can apply for a work visa to Canada. You will need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the Canadian government. You may also need to meet other requirements, such as language proficiency and health and security checks.
- Job offer: The first step in applying for a work visa for Canada is to find a Canadian employer willing to offer you a job. You can search for jobs online, through recruitment agencies, or by networking with people in your field. Your job offer must be in writing and include details such as the job title, job duties, hours of work, wages, and benefits.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Once you have a job offer, your employer must apply for an LMIA from the Canadian government. The LMIA process verifies that no Canadians or permanent residents can do the job and that the employer offers competitive wages and working conditions. The LMIA process can take several weeks or months, so planning is essential.
- Language proficiency: You may be required to take a language proficiency test to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English or French, Canada's official language. The language requirements vary depending on the type of job you are applying for and the province in which you will be working.
- Health and security checks: You may also be required to undergo medical examinations and security screenings to ensure that you are not a health or security risk to Canada.
Step 2: Find a Canadian employer
As mentioned earlier, the first step in applying for a work visa for Canada is to find a Canadian employer willing to offer you a job. There are several ways to find a Canadian employer:
- Online job search: You can search for job opportunities in Canada on job search websites such as Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn. You can also visit the websites of Canadian companies in your field and check their careers pages for job openings.
- Recruitment agencies: Recruitment agencies can help you find job opportunities in Canada that match your skills and experience. They can also assist you with the application process and advise on the LMIA process.
- Networking: Networking with people in your field can be a great way to find job opportunities in Canada. You can attend job fairs and industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and contact Nepali professionals working in Canada.
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Step 3: Apply for an LMIA
Once you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, your employer must apply for an LMIA from the Canadian government. The LMIA process verifies that no Canadians or permanent residents can do the job and that the employer offers competitive wages and working conditions. The LMIA process can take several weeks or months, so planning is essential.
To apply for an LMIA, your employer must submit a detailed application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The application will include information about the job, such as the job title, job duties, wages, benefits, and the employer's business name, location, and size.
The LMIA process can be complex, and it is essential.
If your employer submits a complete and accurate application, it may be accepted or delayed if it is full or contains errors. Your employer must also pay a fee when they submit the LMIA application.
If your employer's LMIA application is approved, they will receive a positive LMIA, which they will need to provide to you. The positive LMIA will also include a unique LMIA number that you must have in your work visa application.
Step 4: Apply for a work visa
Once your employer has obtained a positive LMIA, you can apply for a work visa. There are two types of work visas that you can use: a temporary work visa and a permanent work visa.
Temporary work visa: A temporary work visa allows you to work in Canada for a specific period. The duration of your work visa will depend on the length of your job offer and the LMIA duration. You can apply for a temporary work visa online or through a Nepal visa application centre (VAC).
To apply for a temporary work visa, you will need to submit the following documents:
- A copy of your job offer letter
- A copy of the positive LMIA
- Proof of language proficiency (if required)
- Proof of health and medical insurance
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of financial support
- Passport or travel document
You will also need to pay a fee when you submit your application.
Permanent work visa: A permanent work visa allows you to permanently live and work in Canada. To be eligible for a permanent work visa, you must meet the requirements of one of Canada's immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Applying for a permanent work visa is more complex than a temporary one. You must comprehensively assess your skills and experience and meet other eligibility requirements, such as language proficiency and education credentials. The process can take several months or even years, depending on the program you apply for.
Step 5: Prepare for your arrival in Canada
If your work visa application is approved, you must prepare to arrive in Canada. This includes arranging travel, finding accommodation, and obtaining necessary documentation, such as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and a health card.
- Social Insurance Number: A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number you must work in Canada. You can apply for a SIN at a Service Canada Centre once you arrive in Canada.
- Health card: A health card is a government-issued card that gives you access to healthcare services in Canada. Once you arrive in Canada, you can apply for a health card at your provincial or territorial health authority.
- Accommodation: You will need to find accommodation in Canada. You can search for accommodation online, through rental agencies, or by networking with community members.
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Talk to an ExpertFAQs
Who is eligible to apply for a working visa to Canada from Nepal?
To be eligible for a working visa to Canada from Nepal, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the requirements set by the Canadian government, such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and health and security checks.
How do I find a job in Canada from Nepal?
There are several ways to find a job in Canada from Nepal, such as online job portals, recruitment agencies, networking, and direct application to Canadian employers. A well-crafted resume and cover letter meeting Canadian standards are also essential.
What documents do I need to apply for a working visa for Canada from Nepal?
The required documents for a working visa for Canada from Nepal may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your circumstances. However, some essential documents include a job offer letter from a Canadian employer, proof of education and work experience, and a valid passport.
How long does it take to process a working visa for Canada from Nepal?
The processing time for a working visa for Canada from Nepal may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your circumstances. However, the typical processing time for a work permit application is around two to six months.
Can I bring my family to Canada on a working visa from Nepal?
Answer: Depending on your work permit, you may be eligible to bring your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children to Canada. However, they must also apply for the necessary visas and meet the eligibility criteria.
