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realbadman

Full Member
Jan 12, 2010
20
0
I have a friend visiting me in Canada
I have heard of the option for a visitor to convert his visitor status to work permit

Could some one share how that process works?
I would really appreciate that
Thanks
 
I have a friend visiting me in Canada
I have heard of the option for a visitor to convert his visitor status to work permit

Could some one share how that process works?
I would really appreciate that
Thanks

You cannot "convert" a visitor visa to a work permit.

If your friend wants to apply for a work permit, the first step is to obtain a job offer from an employer in Canada. That employer must then obtain an approved LMIA, including advertising the job to prove no Canadian could be hired for the role. If the LMIA is approved, your friend then applies for a closed work permit which is tied to that specific employer.
 
Depending on the job offer/NOC, you may need ECA for education and IELTS for language. You cannot work until you have approved LMIA and closed work permit which can take many months.
 
You cannot "convert" a visitor visa to a work permit.

If your friend wants to apply for a work permit, the first step is to obtain a job offer from an employer in Canada. That employer must then obtain an approved LMIA, including advertising the job to prove no Canadian could be hired for the role. If the LMIA is approved, your friend then applies for a closed work permit which is tied to that specific employer.
Thanks alot
 
Thanks alot

Applying for a WP is a very long process. If your friend finds an employer with an approved LMIA they will need to wait around 6 months to see if their WP is approved. An employer having an LMIA does not guarantee that a WP will be approved.
 
Applying for a WP is a very long process. If your friend finds an employer with an approved LMIA they will need to wait around 6 months to see if their WP is approved. An employer having an LMIA does not guarantee that a WP will be approved.

so for example if the person is in visit visa and got an LMIA and if the process takes around 6 months he has to be in Canada around that time?Coz what if the person is only for visit short period of time? Can the process be still valid from another country ? Or he has to be present in Canada during the whole process?
 
so for example if the person is in visit visa and got an LMIA and if the process takes around 6 months he has to be in Canada around that time?Coz what if the person is only for visit short period of time? Can the process be still valid from another country ? Or he has to be present in Canada during the whole process?

No they can leave. Would actually encourage them to apply for a WP from their home country because it is much easier to prove ties to your home country if you are in your home country.