MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CANADIAN WORK PERMIT

At MAK Canadian Immigration Services, we receive inquiries on a regular basis from foreign nationals who want to work in Canada but are being misled by certain people about employment opportunities or fraudulent promises of positions upon arrival.
Some of the information offered here is intended to address these issues.

Misconception #1: A foreign/ghost consultant or licensed foreign worker recruiter promises to secure you a job offer in Canada for a large sum of money.
Fact – It is illegal for a foreign national to pay anyone for a job offer, including a provincial or federally approved licensed foreign worker recruiter in Canada. A licensed recruiter can only be paid by the employer, not the employee, for their services. The foreign national should refrain from paying anyone for a job offer as this practice is not endorsed by the IRCC.

Misconception #2: If I receive a work permit, I can become a permanent resident.
Fact – NO, it is not correct. If you meet the requirements, you may be able to apply for permanent residency in Canada through one of the federal or provincial nominee programmes. For example, if you have been working in Canada on a legal work permit in a certain occupation for at least one year and meet the CLB standards, you are eligible to apply under the federal express entry system through the Canadian experience class. The mere possession of a work visa or a job offer does not entitle you to apply for permanent residency.

Misconception #3: I am currently residing in Pakistan; I have never visited Canada; and I wish to apply for a work permit as soon as possible.
Fact – If you do not have an LMIA-approved job offer from a Canadian business and do not qualify for any programmes under the IMP, you will be unable to apply for a work permit UNLESS one of the following situations apply to you.

1) You are the spouse or common-law partner of a skilled worker or international student.
2) You are the spouse or common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program.
3) You are a family member of a refugee claimant or protected person in Canada.
4) You applied for PR in Canada.

If none of the above situations apply to you, you are not eligible to apply for a Canadian work permit. Please consider other choices, such as the federal express entry system, the study pathway, or business immigration.

Misconception #4: I have an LMIA-approved job offer. I applied for a work visa and am confident that I will be granted one.
Fact – Possessing a valid LMIA approved job offer does not guarantee you a work permit. The ESDC had authority over whether or not to approve the LMIA, and the IRCC has jurisdiction over whether or not to issue a work permit.