How to get a job in Canada as an American? Working in Canada as a US citizen is open to work visas or work, permit holders. US citizens entering Canada on business may stay for up to 6 (six) months without a work permit. Canada is an attractive work destination for foreigners thanks to its diversity and multicultural markets.
How To Get A Job In Canada As An American?
Here are how to get a job in Canada as an American with full explanation:
Obtaining a Canadian work permit for Americans
To obtain a work permit, a US citizen must apply for one from the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (CIRCC) or the Canadian Visa Office. Before completing the application, you must provide evidence of a job offer from a Canada-based employer. Thanks to the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada-Agreement), it’s easy for Americans to get a work permit.
The USMCA agreement is an improved version of the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. This agreement is mutually beneficial as it balances trade between them and supports high-paying jobs for Americans and improves the North American economy overall.
The application process for a work permit can be done both online and on a paper form. Several conditions must be met to obtain a work permit. Among them:
- A job offer/employment contract from a Canadian company
- Evidence of Education
- The job offer must be stated in the USMCA agreement
- Proof of US citizenship (e.g. valid US passport)
- You must provide evidence that your professional experience and education meet the qualification requirements for the position offered
- (2) two photographs of you and any family members accompanying you; Photos must meet photo requirements for visa application.
You may also be asked for a Positive Labor Market Assessment (LMO) or Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Both documents are provided by the agency Human Resource and Skills Development Canada. However, they differ slightly in terms of procedures and other factors. The documents confirm that hiring foreign professionals (US citizens in this case) will improve the job market.
This is simply used to reassure the Canadian government that there were no educated Canadian citizens for the position, hence foreign citizens filled the position. Be sure to check with the CIRCC for other recent requirements as some provinces, such as B. Quebec, have special requirements for temporary workers.
It is also important to keep proof of citizenship and an ID card when entering Canada. Documents that meet these requirements are a passport card, a valid US passport, or NEXUS. Work permits are generally valid for 1-2 years. Please note that each family member wishing to move to Canada with you must complete a separate application form. A family member can be a spouse or domestic partner, your children, and your children’s children who depend on you.
Obtain a visa to work in Canada
Visitor visas are not required for US citizens. US citizens can travel to Canada without a visa for 180 days. However, different rules apply to working in Canada.
To apply for a Canada work visa, you must confirm a job offer from a Canadian-based employer. In many cases, employers are also required to carry out a labor market compatibility test, which shows that the foreign worker has the skills required for the job. This must be completed with a letter from the prospective employer, a contract, and a copy of the LMIA required to apply for a work visa.
The difference between a work visa and a work permit is that a visa is a document that allows entry into a specific country. In comparison, a work permit is when a Canadian employer issues a letter of employment stating that a qualified foreign national is required to fill a position. An immigrant visa not only allows a person to work but also entitles them to reside in Canada.
It is not possible to work in Canada without a valid work permit. However, a work permit cannot serve as a travel document—even if your work permit remains valid after you leave Canada, you cannot use it to re-enter Canada. While foreigners leaving Canada while their visa is still valid are eligible to return to Canada on the same visa. However, you should be aware that your ability to enter Canada will be re-evaluated by border officials
Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker
In some cases, Canada invites certain qualified individuals under the Express Entry (EE) program. This is to administer residency applications under an economic immigration program known as the Federal Skilled Trades Program. This online express entry system evaluates individuals using a ranking system and the highest ranked candidates are invited to apply for residency.
This is usually based on the prospective employee’s skills, language skills, work experience, education, and skills that can help boost Canada’s economy. Based on these skills, individuals are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada. You can qualify for this through Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship Service.
Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
The Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and also known as “USMCA”, allows U.S. citizens to go from a simplified process when applying for a temporary work permit in Canada benefit. Work permits issued under the terms of the CUSMA agreement generally do not require an LMIA.
US citizens can work in Canada under CUSMA in any of the following categories:
CUSMA professional
A CUSMA professional must be qualified to work in any of more than 60 focused professions, including education, science, medicine, finance, law, and many others.
CUSMA transfer within the company
Individuals transferred from the United States within a CUSMA entity may be temporarily transferred to Canada to work for a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of their employer. These individuals must have at least one of the last three consecutive years of working for their U.S. employer and be employed in a position that is considered managerial, managerial, or professional at the time of their application to the Company.
CUSMA traders and investors
A US CUSMA trader must demonstrate intent to trade, on a significant scale, goods or services between Canada and the US. A CUSMA investor must demonstrate that he or she has made a significant investment in a new or existing Canadian company and wishes to enter Canada to develop and operate the Canadian company.
Internal transfer
Since Canada is the United States’ largest trading partner and vice versa, many US companies have offices, branches, or subsidiaries in Canada. The Intra-Company Transfer Program allows international companies to bring key employees to Canada without the need for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employees in managerial, managerial, or specialist positions may be eligible to come to Canada with their families and work as transferees within the company.
Working without a work permit
There can be various situations in which people in the United States can work in Canada without requiring a temporary work permit. This includes individuals who do business or trade in Canada but will not enter the Canadian labor market (employment market) and are collectively referred to as business visitors.
Working Holiday
Working Holidays is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program and aims to facilitate international exchanges between young people from different countries. US citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible for a 12-month open work permit under this program as long as they are enrolled in full-time post-secondary education within the past 12 months. Final-year students who do not return to college are also eligible.
How to get a job in Canada as an American – FAQ
Do US citizens need a work permit to work in Canada?
Yes, a work permit is required for US citizens seeking employment in Canada.
How long does it take to get a Canadian work permit?
It can take anywhere from 1 (one) to 9 (nine) months to process a Canadian work permit application.
Can a US citizen get a work permit to work in Canada?
Yes, a US citizen can apply for and receive a work permit to work in Canada.
Can I live in Canada as a US citizen?
Yes, if you are a US citizen you are allowed to live in Canada. If your stay is longer than 180 days, you will most likely need a visa. You will also need a visa or work permit if you wish to work in Canada. Unless you apply for Canadian citizenship, you are always considered a US citizen, even if you are a permanent resident of Canada.
Conclusion – Can a US citizen work in Canada?
United States citizens can work in Canada. To do this, they must apply for a work permit or work visa. US citizens traveling to Canada on business may stay in the country for up to 6 months without a work permit. A work permit does not perform the same function as a work visa and cannot be used to enter Canada. If you still don’t know how to apply for a Canadian work permit, contact a law firm to guide you through the process.
