Are you living in India and planning for skilled immigration to Canada? This guide is for you. It will help you understand all types of work permits and for skilled or semi skilled Indian applicants and the eligibility criteria of each program.
Canada, with a strong and stable economy, is a hotspot for skilled workers, educational professionals, business owners, and investors. It provides flexible and faster pathways for international workers to move and settle in Canada. Recently, it made significant changes to its immigration policies and introduced new work permits for Indians.
Let’s find out what these new, special work permits are, and do you qualify.
Understanding the New, Special Work Permits
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada has introduced a new policy under the Provincial Nominee Program or PNP to bring qualified and skilled individuals to the country and cover the professionals shortage in different sectors. It issued a two years open work permit to legally work and live in a specific area or province of Canada.
Unlike a skilled worker visa, you don’t need a job offer to apply for an Open Work Permit and work for multiple employers. Additionally, it also provides a roadmap to Canadian permanent residency and citizenship. You can consult with a reliable immigration consultancy like DM-Consultant in India for professional help and make your career dreams a reality.
Participating Provincial Nominee Programs
The PNP is a Canadian immigration pathway that allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals who have the skills, education, and work experience needed to contribute to the local economy. Each province runs its own stream based on its specific labour market needs.
Recently, some of these PNP programs have become part of Canada’s new special work permit initiative for Indian nationals, making it easier and faster for eligible applicants to live and work in certain provinces. As for now, the following Provincial Nominee Programs are participating in this initiative;
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants
RICC has set strict criteria for Indian applicants to qualify for open work permits. Consulting with DM or any other immigration and visa consultancy agency can help you understand these requirements and prepare the necessary documents.
Let’s take a look at what the key conditions are to apply for special work permits.
- An active EOI profile with a participating province
- A letter of support from the province that nominate you to confirm your entry in the EOI Poo
- A valid work permit or proof of applying for a visa extension
- Employment letter from your current employer
- A passport that is valid and has at least two blank pages for a visa stamp
- Two recent passport-size photographs with a white background
- Proof of funds or bank statements
- No criminal record certificate from the Indian police
Application Process
Applying for special work permits involves various time-consuming and critical tasks, especially documentation and alignment with the legal requirements. A single mistake can lead to unnecessary delays and even application rejection, fines, and penalties. To eliminate this risk, we have explained the whole process in steps. So, you can follow this to successfully apply for this new opportunity and achieve your immigration goals effortlessly.
Check Your Eligibility
First of all check the basic requirements and eligibility criteria. These usually include having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who is listed under the Trusted Employer Program, being nominated by a participating province through, and having the skills, experience, and education needed for the job. You must also be from India and meet Canada’s general work permit conditions.
Get a Support Letter from the Province
Once you have a job offer, the employer may help you apply for a support letter from a participating province under the Provincial Nominee Program. This letter confirms that the province supports your application and recognises the need for your skills.
Collect and Prepare All Required Documents
Now, start gathering all the necessary documents. These may include your job offer letter, support letter from the province, valid passport, education certificates, and proof of work experience. Make sure each document is clear, up-to-date, and translated into English or French if needed.
Fill Out the Work Permit Application
Next, carefully fill out the work permit application form. You must answer every question honestly and provide complete details about your personal information, job offer, and travel history. Don’t forget to double-check all answers before moving forward to the next step.
Pay the Application Fees
After completing the application form, you will need to pay the required fees online. The payment usually includes the work permit processing fee and the biometrics fee. Keep a copy of your payment receipt as proof, as it must be included with your application package.
Submit Your Application Online
Once everything is ready, submit your complete application through the official Canadian immigration website. Make sure all documents are uploaded properly, including your support letter, job offer, proof of fee payment, and other required forms. After submission, you will receive a confirmation that your application has been received.
Track Your Application
You can track your application online using the unique tracking number given during submission. It will help you stay updated on the progress of your work permit request.
Travel to Canada and Start Working
If your application is approved, you will receive your work permit and other details. You can now travel to Canada and start working for your employer. This permit may also help you move towards permanent residency in the future.
Benefits of the Special Work Permit
- Helps Indian workers move to Canada faster through trusted employers.
- No need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, which saves time.
- Offers a clear and simple process for skilled professionals.
- Makes it easier to get a job in Canada with approved employers.
- Connects workers to provinces that need their skills.
- Increases the chance of getting permanent residency later.
- Supports long-term career growth in Canada.
- Reduces waiting time compared to regular work permit programs.
- Gives more job security because employers are verified.
- Helps families settle in Canada more smoothly through easier pathways.
Key Takeaway
Canada’s Special Work Permits Program is an ideal opportunity for Indian professionals to secure a bright career abroad. If you have the required qualification, skills, and meet other requirements, what are you waiting for? Consult with a professional immigration services provider like the DM-Consultant now and give wings to your dreams.