Did you just move to Canada and need to know the cost of a work permit visa? Or are you planning on relocating and need to know what it costs to get a work permit visa? This article seeks to answer your question on how to get a work permit visa in Canada from Nigeria and what it costs. The process and the requirement.
Before we proceed any further, it is important to know what a Canada work permit visa. This article has the answer to all your Canada work permit visa questions.
Table of content
- What is work permit visa?
- Types of work permit visa
- Canada work permit visa fees in Nigeria
- Categories that determine the fees and cost for Canada work permit visa
- Important considerations when applying for the Canada work permit visa
- Online application for work permit visa process in steps
- Where to send in a Canada work permit visa from
- Conclusion
WHAT IS A WORK PERMIT VISA
A work permit visa is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to work legally in Canada for a specified period. There are two main types of work permits: employer-specific work permits and open work permits. It is important to know what the Canada work permit cost
TYPES OF WORK PERMIT VISA
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Employer-specific work permit
This type of work permit is issued to an individual who has been invited to carry out specific work functions by their employer or employers. To get this kind of work permit, some document that indicates that a person is working with that employer or that organization must be presented. This work permit grants permission based on:
- Employer’s name
- Employer’s specific location
- Location employer would station you at.
- Duration you would work for.
At the point of application, you would have to present the following document as proof of appointment and proof of employment to that individual or organization.
- Employee’s contract
- Labor market impact assessment (LIMA)
- Employee’s offer letter
All of the above-mentioned requirements are needed to confirm your affiliation to your employer and to show that indeed you work with or for the above stated organization.
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Open work permit
This work permit allows you work for any employer in the state of Canada as long as such employer is eligible enough. This particular type of work permit was created to tend to international students who are trying to feed their family and get a postgraduate or undergraduate degree at the same time. The special requirement to get this is to not be an immigrant and to be a certified traveler. Your visa would have to permit you to work. If you know you want to get an open work permit as a student, you have to indicate on the visa.
With an open work permit visa, there is a restriction on location as it does not count in some part of the country.
CANADA WORK PERMIT VISA FEES IN NIGERIA
The fees for a Canada work permit visa for Nigerian applicants are listed below, here is a table showing the various types of work permit visa and the prices:
|
THE WORK PERMIT VISA TYPES |
FEES (CAD) |
FEES (naira) |
|
Group or family work permit visa |
$465 |
548,348 |
|
Single or individual work permit visa |
$155 |
179,979 |
|
Worker status restore work permit |
$355 |
419,952 |
|
Open work permit |
$100 |
116,115 |
The Canada work permit visa price varies. It can be gotten as a group or as a single individual, as a family or as a visitor.
If you are paying as a single individual or you are getting the work permit visa to cover for just yourself, the price ranges from $155. The currency is different from that of the United States, it is popularly called Canadian Dollar and the value is also different in Naira. This translates into 179,979 naira
As a family or for group of people relocating together for specific purposes, the Canada work permit visa fees starts at $465CAD which converts to 548,348 naira.
Also, there is room to get an open work permit visa. An open work permit visa is one that is only valid for a stipulated amount of time. Within the specified period, the permit can stand and the permit holder can work wherever they wish but the minute the permit time expires, the ability to work is restricted and limited. With an open work permit visa, location and/or occupation is usually restricted. Due to all of these stated above, the cost is slightly reduced. This particular type of work permit visa was specifically made with students in mind. Students who find it hard to cater for their basic educational need, international students who are struggling with finances for their post graduate studies all fall under this category of people. The cost of the open work permit is $100CAD which is 116,115 Nigerian naira. If you got your visa with biometric, the work permit would also cost differently. The biometric fees for Canada work permit would therefore be put into consideration
To restore worker status, the visa costs $355CAD which converts to 419,952 naira.
There might be some additional cost based on some factors as listed below:
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Application Processing Fee: The processing fee for a work permit application is CAD 155. In addition to the processing fee, applicants may be required to pay a biometric fee of CAD 85 which brings it to a total of CAD 240.
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Work Permit Fee: In addition to the processing fee, applicants may also be required to pay a work permit fee. The work permit fee varies depending on the type of work permit and the location of the applicant. For example, the work permit fee for a TFWP application is CAD 155. So, additional charges are based on the permit category or type you are going for.
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Biometric Fee: Applicants from Nigeria are required to provide biometric information as part of their application. The biometric fee is CAD 85 and is in addition to the processing fee as earlier stated.
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Other Fees: Depending on the circumstances of the application, there may be additional fees, such as a visa application fee or a fee for a medical examination and these fees vary always hence, we are unable to provide a range or specific amount. It is important to bear in mind that in most cases, the medical is unrequested for.
CATEGORIES THAT DETERMINE THE FEES AND COST FOR CANADA WORK PERMIT VISA
The fees for a Canada work permit visa vary depending on the category of the application. Here are some of the common categories:
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor and skill shortages for the time being. The fees for this program depend solely on the nature of the job, preference of the employer and the location of the employer as they are the one processing and granting the work permit.
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International Mobility Program (IMP): This program includes work permits issued under international agreements, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), as well as permits issued for the significant benefit of Canada, such as intra-company transfers.
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Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Students who have graduated from eligible Canadian institutions may obtain a work permit under this program. It caters for international students whose visa permit a stay back. The fee for a PGWP is the same as for any other work permit it just caters to a slightly different purpose.
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Open Work Permits: These permits are not tied to a specific employer and allow holders to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. The fees for open work permits are generally the same as for employer-specific work permits.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN APPLYING FOR THE CANADA WORK PERMIT VISA
When applying for a Canada work permit visa from Nigeria, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
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Processing Time: The duration for processing work permit applications differs as a result of the application type and processing volume. Applying well ahead of your travel date the instant you get a visa confirmation is advisable to account for processing time.
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Biometric Information: Applicants in Nigeria must provide basic biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a designated biometric collection service point.
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Documentation: Check to confirm if all required documents are included within your application form as this is crucial. It includes proof of identity, proof of employment, and any other supporting documents requested by IRCC.
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Immigration Consultants: This is neither obligatory or compulsory, however, using an immigration consultant or lawyer can be beneficial, particularly if you are unfamiliar and new to the process.
ONLINE APPLICATION FOR WORK PERMIT VISA PROCESS IN STEPS
Step 1 => Make sure you have electronic copies (e-copies) of your documents as you would be needing to submit them online on the platform in the space provided as per request alongside a debit or credit card information to pay for the application form.
Step 2 => Read the instruction guide to make sure you meet all the categories and specifics that were earlier stated.
Step 3 => Create an account and confirm the account. After the creation of the account, then you proceed to make payment online via the credit or debit card you have earlier entered.
Step 4 => Fill the form provided accordingly checking more than once to make sure you have filled in the correct information as it would determine whether or not your application would be accepted or denied. Any mistake made on the application form or any information filled in that is in contrasts to the information given at the point of visa application would immediately cause a rejection and would then incur an extra charge to correct.
Step 5 => check the documentation list to ensure all information given is accurate, then, you check to answer all questions necessary.
To apply online, you can click here to get started
WHERE TO SEND IN A CANADA WORK PERMIT VISA FROM
The best place to be when you apply for the Canada work permit visa as a Nigerian is from inside Canada. Although, application for a work permit can be made from outside Canada and from the point of entry too, however, application from entry point commonly termed the Point of Entry application, is not applicable for Nigerians neither is the outside Canada type of application available. This is because to apply from outside Canada as a Nigerian, it has to be your Canadian based employer starting the application process on your behalf which technically mean that the application was done from inside Canada. The point of entry application type restriction with nigerans is explained further in this article. With all this been said, it is safe to say therefore, that you can only apply from inside Canada.
HOW TO APPLY FROM INSIDE CANADA
To apply for a work permit from inside Canada, here are some documents you need to present to ensure you are qualified to apply:
- A valid study or work permit. This type of application is usually a renewal of an already expired work permit hence the reason it is done while already in the country. Therefore, you would need to present the former and expired work permit to confirm that you are eligible.
- Your spouse, partner or parents must have a valid study or work permit. This would indicate that you have worked before and would not just waste the work permit that has been granted to you because you know the value of working and these are the people that guarantee that you are to be trusted with the work permit.
- Temporary resident permit: This permit should be valid for six months and more, nothing less. This is because the government of Canada believes that no man should be idle or jobless for long and if a person is going to be in another man’s country for over six months, then it is not just visit or vacation and at such should be allowed to work and also pay taxes.
- A document that indicates that you as have applied for a permanent residency visa in the state. This is needed to identify your stand and stance in state.
POINT OF ENTRY APPLICATION
To be granted work permit visa at the point of entry, you must have applied before coming into Canada.
If you are coming from Nigeria, point of entry application is not available since you would be using the Nigerian international passport. This is because the very first and most important requirement is that you are from a Visa exempted country which Nigeria does not fall into this category. However, if you have another passport that has a free visa entry pass into Canada, then you can apply for a work permit at the point of entry.
For more information on the canada work permit visa, click here
CONCLUSION
Canada doesn’t just use anybody with any type of visa to fill in labor shortages in any organization. They take the work permit seriously and do not at any point boycott it. Canada Work Permit to gives Nigerians that move to Canada temporarily the ability to access work opportunities. Sometimes, these work permit visa may even be issued automatically such as a permit to work part-time alongside your study permit given to some students. This will enable the work within the school whether in the library, cafeteria, laboratory and many more.
However, when you have an employer-specific work permit your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Canada is known for its welcoming attitude toward immigrants and has become a popular destination for Nigerians seeking new opportunities abroad. Understanding the fees associated with this process is crucial for Nigerian applicants.
Canada is one of the best places to work in as a Nigerian who is outside the shores of their father’s land. We recommend applying for a work permit the minute you arrive the country through the online platform as it would be a lot easier, better and somewhat faster Obtaining a Canada work permit visa as a Nigerian applicant involves understanding the various fees associated with the application process. By familiarizing yourself with the fees, categories, and important considerations, requirement, eligibility requirements, visa types outlined in this article, you can navigate the process more effectively and increase your chances of a successful application.
The Canadian government are openminded and believe in hard work so they consider working a must and an undebatable phenomenon therefore they expect that whether a person be a citizen, a visitor, a student and what have you, staying in a place for six months at a stretch with no source of income or livelihood is no way to live as that would bring about poverty in the country.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Question 1
How much is Canada work permit Visa fees in Nigerian naira?
Answer: The Canada work permit visa fees in Nigerian naira ranges from approximately 117,000 naira to 180,000 naira for a single individual depending on the type of work permit visa you plan to get.
Question 2
How do I pay my Canada work permit visa fee as a Nigerian?
Answer: The canada work permit visa fee can be paid to the Canadian embassy through an online platform. This article helps navigate through that in steps.
Question 3
How much is the biometric fee during application?
Answer: The biometric fee cost $85 CAD. It is important to note that this is an important requirement during application.
Question 4
How much is the medical fee needed to apply for the canada work permit visa?
Answer: There is no compulsion on the medical fees as medical exams are usually not requested for during the application of the canada work permit visa. This is largely because at the point of entry into the country, a medical exam should have been conducted and if need be, those records are pulled for refrence.
Question 5
How much would I need to pay an agent to get a canada work permit visa?
Answer: There is no agent assigned to do the job of getting your canada work permit visa for you as it is a process you can carry out alone. However, if you are unfamiliar with the process, a lawyer in Canada can help you get started on it.
Question 6
Who pays for the canada work permit visa?
Answer: Usually, both workers and employers bear the cost.
Question 7
How much time does the canada work permi visa take before confirmation?
Answer: It should take 20 weeks to get the canada work permit visa as a Nigerian. However, it may take two (2) to five (5) months to process it depending on the type of job you are getting the work permit for.