How to obtain a work permit in Canada for South Koreans: A step-by-step guide
Canada is a popular destination for labor migrants, but employment for a South Korean citizen in Canada requires obtaining a work permit (Work Permit). Below is a detailed guide explaining the process, types of permits, required documents, and key details for South Koreans to successfully obtain a work permit in Canada.
Does a South Korean citizen need a work permit to work in Canada?
Yes, most South Koreans need a work permit to work in Canada.
However, there are cases when a work permit is NOT required, for example:
- Students from South Korea (with a study permit that includes the right to work).
- Diplomats and other categories covered by international agreements.
- Short-term specialists such as artists, athletes, or researchers (under specific conditions).
If you are unsure whether you need a work permit, check the official website Canada.ca.
Does a work permit allow South Koreans to enter Canada?
No, a work permit alone does not grant entry to Canada. It only allows South Koreans to work in the country.
If a South Korean citizen from plans to travel outside Canada and return, they will need:
1. A work permit – confirms the right to work in Canada.
2. A valid passport – must be valid for the entire period of stay.
3. A visa or eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Types of work permits in Canada for South Koreans
1. Employer-specific work permit (tied to an employer)
This permit is issued for a specific employer and includes:
- The employer's name.
- Job position and work conditions.
- Permit validity period.
How can South Korean citizens obtain it?
1. Find an employer in Canada willing to hire a citizen from South Korea.
2. The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
3. After receiving the LMIA, South Korean citizens can apply for a work permit.
2. Open work permit (not tied to an employer)
This permit is not linked to a specific employer, offering more flexibility for South Koreans.
Who among South Koreans can obtain it?
- Spouses of students or workers.
- Graduates of Canadian educational institutions (PGWP).
- Refugees and individuals with humanitarian status.
How can South Korean citizens obtain it?
Submit an application for an open work permit along with supporting documents.
Work permit duration for South Koreans
The validity of a work permit for South Korean citizens depends on several factors:
- Standard duration: usually from 1 to 2 years.
- Passport validity: the permit cannot exceed the validity of the South Korean’s passport.
- LMIA validity: if applicable, the permit cannot exceed the duration specified in the LMIA.
Step-by-step guide for South Korean citizens to obtain a work permit
Step 1: Find a job in Canada
Where can citizens from South Korea search for job opportunities?
If an LMIA is required, a South Korean citizen should look for an employer ready to obtain it!
Step 2: Ensure the employer has obtained an LMIA (if required)
What is an LMIA?
It is a labor market assessment confirming that there are no available local workers for the position.
LMIA process:
1. The Canadian employer applies for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
2. The employer must prove that they attempted to hire Canadian workers.
3. If the LMIA is positive, the employer provides it to the citizen from South Korea to apply for a work permit.
Step 3: Gather the necessary documents
- Required documents for South Koreans to obtain a work permit:
- A valid passport (covering the entire duration of the permit).
- Job offer (employment invitation).
- LMIA (if required).
- Education and qualification documents.
- Medical examination (depends on the country of residence and job position).
- Police clearance certificate.
- Fee payment (CAD 155).
- Biometrics (fingerprints, photo).
Step 4: Submit the work permit application
Where can South Korean citizens apply?
- Online via the Canada.ca website.
- Through a visa application center in South Korea.
Processing time: from 1 to 6 months (depending on the type of permit and applicant's country).
Checking the status of a work permit application
You can track the status of their application in the following ways:
- Online application: check the status through an IRCC account.
- Paper application: after submission, link the application to an online account for easier tracking.
Step 5: Receive the work permit and enter Canada
After approval:
1. You will receive a Port of Entry Letter, which must be presented at the border.
2. A border officer will issue the physical work permit.
What do citizens from South Korea need when entering Canada?
- Work permit confirmation.
- A valid passport.
- Proof of financial stability.
- A copy of the LMIA (if required).
- Health insurance (if necessary).
Conditions of using a work permit in Canada for South Koreans
The physical work permit includes specific conditions depending on the type of permit. These conditions may include:
1. Type of work: the job a South Korean citizen is allowed to perform.
2. Location of work: the region or province in Canada.
3. Employer: the name of the company or organization.
4. Work duration: the period for which the permit is valid.
All work permit holders, including South Koreans, are prohibited from working in establishments where there is a risk of sexual exploitation of employees.
Since a work permit does not grant permanent resident status, South Korean citizens must leave Canada once it expires. However, if South Koreans wish to stay in Canada permanently, there are immigration programs that can help.
How can South Koreans transition from a temporary work permit to permanent residency?
If South Koreans have worked in Canada, they may qualify to apply for permanent residency (PR).
Main options for citizens from South Korea:
- Express Entry (CEC – Canadian Experience Class) – for workers with Canadian work experience.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – an opportunity to obtain PR through provincial programs.
- Atlantic Immigration Program – for jobs in Atlantic provinces.
Including family members in a work permit application for South Koreans
If South Korean citizen is applying for a work permit, their family members may accompany them to Canada under certain conditions.
- Spouse or partner: can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.
- School-age children: can study in Canadian institutions without a separate study permit.
Changes effective January 21, 2025:
1. Spouses of South Koreans working in Canada: eligible for an open work permit if the primary applicant works in TEER 0 or 1 positions, or certain TEER 2 or 3 positions in high-demand sectors.
2. Children of foreign workers, including South Koreans: will no longer be eligible for an open work permit.
These changes aim to optimize the immigration process and manage the number of temporary residents in Canada.
Extending a work permit for South Koreans
If a work permit for South Korean citizens is nearing expiration, they can apply for an extension.
Application deadline: it is recommended to apply at least 30 days before the current permit expires.
Process: apply online through an IRCC account.
If South Koreans apply for an extension before their current permit expires, they have the right to continue working under the same conditions until a decision is made.
Unless they are visa-exempt, all visitors to Canada require a visitor visa to enter the country, regardless of the type of activities they will pursue once in Canada. Business visitors must therefore apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV), or visitor visa, to come to Canada.
A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada for international business activities, but does not directly enter the Canadian labour market.
Business Visitor Visa and Work Permit
Note that a business visitor visa is different from a Canadian work permit. You cannot enter the Canadian workforce as a business visitor. Business visitor visas are intended to allow short-term stays for business activities such as industry conferences, site visits, or training. If you are transferred to Canada by your company or are otherwise employed by a Canadian company, you will need a work permit. You can come to Canada as a visitor to search for Canadian employment.
However, you cannot legally work in Canada without a work permit. If you secure a job offer from a Canadian employer while in Canada on a visitor visa, you must apply for a work permit before you can begin working. Your application must be processed by the Canadian visa office responsible for the country in which you live or are a citizen, so you may be required to leave Canada during the course of your application processing. However, you can legally remain in Canada for as long as your visitor visa is valid.
How to Apply for a Business Visitor Visa
There is no special visa for business visitors to Canada. Business visitors have to follow the normal application procedure for a visitor visa, or TRV, and will need to indicate that they are entering Canada for international business activities. Business visitors may be required to demonstrate proof of their activities to the border services officer at their port of entry. Some business visitors may be visa-exempt, if they are from visa-exempt countries. In these cases, the individual may still need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) if they arrive in Canada by air. Business visitors may bring family members with them to Canada, but each family member must complete their own visitor visa application.
NAFTA Business Visitors
NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement, reduces barriers between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Under NAFTA, citizens of these countries can gain quick entry into each others’ countries for temporary business or investment reasons. NAFTA business visitors are one category of business people under NAFTA.
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