As a holder of a US green card, you may be wondering if you can work in Canada. This is a common question that many people have, especially those who live close to the border or have job opportunities in Canada.
The short answer is yes, it is possible to work in Canada with a US green card. However, there are certain restrictions and qualifications that you must meet before you can do so.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about working in Canada with a US green card, including the requirements, restrictions, and how to obtain a work permit.
Requirements for Working in Canada with a US Green Card
If you want to work in Canada with a US green card, there are several requirements that you must meet. These include:
A Valid US Green Card
To work in Canada with a US green card, your green card must be valid. If your green card has expired, you will not be able to work in Canada.
A Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer before you can work in Canada. The job offer must be for a position that is listed as eligible under the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Proof of Education and/or Work Experience
You may be required to provide proof of education or work experience, depending on the nature of your job offer. For example, if you are applying for a job in a regulated occupation such as nursing or engineering, you may need to provide evidence of your qualifications or licenses.
Criminal Record Check
You will also be required to undergo a criminal record check before you can work in Canada. This is to ensure that you do not pose a risk to Canadian society.
Health Exam
Depending on the nature of your job offer, you may also be required to undergo a health exam. This is to ensure that you are not carrying any contagious diseases that could pose a risk to public health in Canada.
Restrictions on Working in Canada with a US Green Card
While it is possible to work in Canada with a US green card, there are certain restrictions that you should be aware of. These include:
Duration of Work Permit
Your work permit will only be valid for the duration of your job offer. Once your job offer ends, you will need to leave Canada unless you have obtained another job offer or have applied for permanent residence.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
Your work permit will be employer-specific, which means that you can only work for the employer listed on your work permit. If you wish to change employers, you will need to apply for a new work permit.
Restricted Occupations
Some occupations in Canada are restricted to Canadian citizens and permanent residents only. If your job offer falls under one of these occupations, you will not be able to work in Canada with a US green card.
Two-Year Home Residency Requirement
If you are a J-1 visa holder who has received funding from the US government or your home country, you may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement. This means that you must return to your home country for at least two years before you can apply for permanent residence in Canada.
How to Obtain a Work Permit
If you meet the requirements and qualifications for working in Canada with a US green card, you can apply for a work permit. The process involves the following steps:
Obtain a Job Offer
Before you can apply for a work permit, you must first obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer.
Apply for a Work Permit
Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work permit through the Canadian government’s online portal, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Provide Required Documents
You will need to provide the required documents, including proof of your US green card, job offer, education and work experience, criminal record check, and health exam.
Pay Application Fee
You will also be required to pay an application fee when you submit your work permit application.
Wait for Processing
Once you have submitted your application and paid the fee, you will need to wait for processing. The processing time for a work permit can vary depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications received and the complexity of your case.
Can US green card holder live in Canada?
Yes, as a US green card holder, you may be eligible to live in Canada as a permanent resident. However, there are certain requirements that you must meet in order to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
One of the most common ways to become a permanent resident in Canada is through the Express Entry system. This system is designed for skilled workers who have experience and education in certain occupations that are in demand in Canada.
Green card holders who wish to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system will need to create an Express Entry profile and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Canadian government. If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), at which point you can proceed with your permanent residency application.
It’s important to note that the process of immigrating to Canada can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to consult with an immigration lawyer or qualified immigration consultant to ensure that you are following the correct procedures.
Conclusion
In summary, it is possible to work in Canada with a US green card, but there are certain requirements and restrictions that you must meet. You must have a valid green card, a job offer from a Canadian employer, and meet other qualifications such as education and work experience. It is also important to be aware of the restrictions on your work permit, such as the duration and employer-specific nature of the permit. If you meet the qualifications and requirements, you can apply for a work permit through the IRCC online portal and wait
