The world after the pandemic has been subjected to many changes. Every country has digitally evolved and has undertaken many changes internally within the country, and also with international policies. Most people prefer Canada as their work destination, as the country is welcoming for skilled workers and professionals seeking better opportunities and provides a better quality of life. Hence, each year, the number increases as people apply for the Work visa to work in Canada. The Canada work visa application process is tiring as it may take days or even months to know the status of the application. This is the most common concern raised by applicants who are awaiting their visa.
Hence, it is important to understand the factors that influence the visa processing period. The prolonged visa processing period can be determined as missed job opportunities, financial losses or visa refusals. Though the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada provides an estimated chart for the processing time, it may vary with some factors.
Dug in with this blog to understand the factors determining the duration of the Canada work visa application.
Key Factors Affecting Canada Work Visa Application Processing Times
1. Type of Work Visa
The processing time and the duration vary with the type of work visa canada that you applying for. The types are offered by the Government of Canada under various programs for the appropriate streams.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
This type of visa requires an assessment for the process, which is the LMIA - Labour Market Impact Assessment. This visa application takes a longer time to get processed because of the numerous steps that are taken into account.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
This visa application processing time is usually faster, as there is no need for the LMIA, as it is exempted in this program. This visa is usually provided for the applicant who has intra-company transfers and an open work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
This is given to the applicant who has already pursued their master's degree in one of the eligible universities in Canada. Here, the processing time varies with the provinces, their regulations and workload.
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
This visa is specifically designed for areas like technology and high-demand skilled occupations. The maximum duration of this visa processing period is two weeks. They accelerate the processing time for the emergency labouring and demand in the market.
Every program listed above has its own factors, documentation procedures and processing time. It is important to understand these criteria that would help the applicant to draft an outline and proceed in the right direction to meet their expectations.
2. Completeness and Accuracy of the Application
The most important but neglected factor to give importance is how properly and accurately the application is filled out. Listed below are the factors reviewed by the IRCC in every application:
- Proper forms and correct signatures
- Valid job offer letters
- Completed LMIA, if it is necessary
- Proof of qualifications - educational documents like a degree certificate
- Travel history
- Identification documents
Any arrears with the documentation or inconsistencies may result in delays for the work visa process. And also most importantly, request additional information to avoid outright refusals. It is important to be careful and double-check everything done in the process of canada work visa application, or you can seek expert guidance which will make the process even smoother.
3. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
If you choose to apply for your visa application under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Here, LMIA is essential, which can be obtained by your Canadian employer or the company. This is a document that shows that the vacancy is genuine and the job provided is valid. And also, it is important to ensure no other Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to undertake that particular position.
LMIA processing times vary depending on:
- The stream that has been chosen aligns with the low-wage vs the high-wage work category.
- The occupation that has been assigned or selected is important. For instance, that can be agriculture, care taking, technology etc.
- The region or province determines the processing time of the LMIA, which varies with its own region’s regulations.
This LMIA process is crucial; a delay in this process will also affect the Canada work visa application processing timeline. If your LMIA is refused or delayed, the work permit cannot be proceeded.
4. Country of Application
The home country and the nationality also determine the processing period for the work visa Canada application. Canadian immigration has its offices all around the world, which process according to their processing capacity and workload:
- Applications from India or the Philippines take a longer time to process due to the large number of applicants.
- Applications from European countries might experience a quick processing time, due to their much lower applicants
- Applications from certain countries require a longer process for security checks and strict laws.
5. Background Checks and Security Screening
Canada ensures priority for national security and public safety. Hence, strict checking of the below-listed factors is crucial:
- Criminal background checking is conducted for every applicant to protect the country from creating an unwanted and unsafe environment.
- Medical examinations are needed for certain job categories to ensure health safety.
- Security screenings are mandatory for each applicant.
This process also faces delays due to the following factors:
- Your background is complex, with a complicated history that requires additional time to verify the application for the visa.
- When you have lived in many countries for a span of period.
- If your application faces inconsistencies with your background documentation.
It is important to provide accurate information and valid documents to resolve the issues that delay your application time.
6. Seasonal or Peak Application Periods
Visa applications also face peak periods due to holidays or demand in the world market. These occur:
- At the beginning of the year
- During the summer months
- Before the school terms for Post-Graduation Work Permit applicants
7. Policy Changes and Government Processing Capacity
Canadian immigration policies always subject to many changes in their rules and regulations. The reasons for the changes are based in the election results, government priorities, changes in the world forum and the country’s budget.
- The Government may shift their sudden focus on refugee settlement or reunification programs, which affects the visa process.
- Temporary staff shortages can cause delays
Stay updated with the changes in the regulation of the visa with the news released from IRCC.
Tips to Minimise Processing Delays
- Submit a complete application with all the required documents, check for any mistakes, and use the latest forms given by IRCC.
- Use the IRCC Document Checklist so that everything will be perfect in case of the documentation.
- Online applications undergo a faster process when compared with paper-based applications. Go for the digital one.
- Respond promptly if the IRCC ask for any additional information to eliminate delays.
- Consult a registered immigration consultant to get expert guidance and process the application free of errors, aligning with the IRCC standard.
- Track your application status in the IRCC’s online portal to check the status or any updates with the application.
- Apply early, right after planning your travel, and don't rush until the last minute.
Conclusion
It is tiring to apply work permit in Canada, but at the same time, it is effortless when you fulfil all the criteria listed above.
Seeking expert guidance will make it very simple, as you may provide your part and avoid hitting your head with understanding the complicated procedures.
Good Luck, Applicants!
