SKILLED VISAS

Despite many changes and challenges in recent years, the UK continues to welcome a large number of individuals looking for work opportunities. From April 2022 to March 2023, about 300,000 work visas were given out to those wanting to work in the UK, with over 187,000 visas also granted to their family members so they could join them.

However, figuring out how to get a UK work visa can be tricky. While the majority of work visas given out by the UK during this period were either Skilled Worker visas or Health and Care Worker visas, the UK actually offers more than 30 different types of work visas. Each type of visa comes with its own set of rules and is suited to different people based on their specific situation.

It’s crucial to choose the right visa to make sure there are no delays or chances of your application being turned down, whether you’ve already got a job lined up or are planning to look for one once you’re in the UK.

If you’re unsure about which UK work visa is right for you, booking a consultation with a reliable UK immigration lawyer can help clear up any confusion. They can offer personalized advice based on your unique circumstances, helping you find the most suitable visa option.

Getting a Temporary Work Permit in Canada

Many people from around the world are attracted to working in Canada because of its varied job market, safety, high salaries, and the chance to become a permanent resident after gaining some experience locally.

Kinds of Work Permits

There are mainly two types of work permits: Employer-specific work permit and Open work permit.

Employer-Specific Work Permit

This permit allows you to work for a specific employer in Canada as outlined in your permit, including:

• The name of the employer you can work for
• The duration of your work
• The location of your work (if this applies)

With this permit, you must work for the employer mentioned in your permit for the specified time. If you face problems at work, like abuse, you might be able to switch to an open work permit to continue working in Canada.

To get this permit, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer who will provide you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment or an offer of employment number, depending on your job.

To find a job in Canada, start with the Job Bank Canada website.

Open Work Permit

This permit lets you work for almost any employer in Canada. However, you can’t work for companies:

• That haven’t followed certain conditions
• That offer services like striptease, erotic dance, escorting, or erotic massages

You might be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• Are a graduate from a designated learning institution
• Are a student who can’t afford your studies anymore
• Have an employer-specific permit but are facing job-related abuse
• Applied for permanent residency
• Are a family member of someone who applied for permanent residency
• Are the spouse or partner of a skilled worker or student
• Are the spouse or partner of someone in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• Are a refugee, refugee claimant, protected person, or their family member
• Are under an unenforceable removal order
• Are a temporary resident permit holder
• Are participating in special programs as a young worker

Usually, you don’t need a job offer to apply for an open work permit, but due to COVID-19, a valid job offer is required.

Canada Visa Assessment & Eligibility

Eligibility

Your eligibility depends on the type of work permit and where you’re applying from. General requirements include:

• Planning to leave Canada when your permit expires
• Having enough funds to support yourself and your family in Canada and to return home
• Obeying the law and having a clean criminal record
• Not posing a threat to Canada’s security
• Being healthy (you might need a medical exam)
• Not working for ineligible employers
• Not working in adult entertainment jobs
• Providing any requested documents to prove you can enter Canada

Offshore applicants might have additional requirements like biometrics, health exams, and photos.

Processing Time and Fees

Processing times vary based on the permit type and completeness of your application, ranging from a few weeks to several months. COVID-19 has also affected processing times.

Application fee starts at CAD $155.