What is a work permit

[JGD_C]

Team,
What is a work permit? My employer is investing in Canada and has got a work permit for me and wants me to be in Canada.
But then moving is a real big thing careerwise. So... what is a work permit?
i.e.
1. Will coming back to home country on vacation cause any issues?
2. Is it tied to my employer?
3. How is a PR different from a work permit?

 

[JGD_C]

Also, what is an open work permit... I just read it in this forum.

 

[JGK]

What is a work permit? My employer is investing in Canada and has got a work permit for me and wants me to be in Canada.
But then moving is a real big thing careerwise. So... what is a work permit?

A temporary work permit (TWP, work permit) is a document that authorizes a foreign national to legally work and reside in Canada. TWPs are tied to a specific named employer.
i.e.
1. Will coming back to home country on vacation cause any issues?
It shouldn't, I have returned to my home country a number of times while on a TWP.
2. Is it tied to my employer?
Yes. if you want to switch employment you have to secure a new TWP.
3. How is a PR different from a work permit?
Permanent Residency (PR) is an intermediate stage on the path to Canadian Citizenship. once granted a PR can live and work anywhere in canada and is granted a social insurance number (SIN) that does not identify them as a foreign national.

What is an open work permit?
An open work permit (OWP) is a TWP that is not tied to an employer. It is often given to the partners of those that come to Canada on TWPs.

You say your employer has a work permit for you. Are you sure? It is the employee who applies for the work permit. The employer usually applies to the HRSDC for a labour market opinion (LMO) which indicates the Canadian approval to hire a foreign national. Armed with the positive LMO the prospective employee then applies for a work permit.

 

[JGD_C]

Yes of course i have applied via my employer. And as you say, it is tied to my employer.
So i am wondering if moving such a long distance being tied up is even worth a penny.

 

[JGK]

That is a decision only you can make. However, once in Canada you can apply for PR while you are working and once PR is achieved you can work anywhere and for any one.

For me this would be preferable to applying for PR from outside Canada the having to support yourself while looking for work.

 

[amikety]

Yes of course i have applied via my employer. And as you say, it is tied to my employer.
So i am wondering if moving such a long distance being tied up is even worth a penny.

Here's a big question: Are you interested in Immigration to Canada permanently? If yes, getting a work permit could help you.

Depending on your job (duties and title), your job may qualify you to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Canada is an expensive place to live, so if you consider the offer, make sure you research compenstation and living expenses, then ask for a fair wage. IMO, you should get a standard of living raise plus 10% for relocating overseas, but that's based on my country's standards. Yours may be different!

To many, many people on this forum, you have gotten the Golden Ticket. You will be amazed at how many people are insanely jealous of your opportunity.