How to get a work permit in Canada for Equatorial Guinea citizens: a step-by-step guide

Canada is a top destination for job seekers, but if you're a Equatorial Guinea citizen, you'll need a work permit to be employed there. Below, we break down the process, permit types, required documents, and essential details to help Equatorial Guinea citizens successfully obtain a Canadian work permit.

Do Equatorial Guinea citizens need a work permit to work in Canada?

Yes, in most cases, Equatorial Guinea citizens must obtain a work permit to be legally employed in Canada.

However, some exceptions apply where a work permit is NOT required, such as:

• Students from Equatorial Guinea with a valid study permit that includes work authorization.
• Diplomats and individuals covered by international agreements.
• Short-term specialists like artists, athletes, or researchers under specific conditions.

If you're unsure whether you need a work permit, visit Canada.ca for official guidance.

Does a work permit allow Equatorial Guineans to enter Canada?

No, a work permit alone does not grant entry into Canada. It only authorizes Equatorial Guinea citizens to work in the country.

If a Equatorial Guinea citizen plans to travel to and from Canada, they must have:

- A valid work permit – confirming the right to work.

- A passport – valid for the entire stay.

- A visa or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), depending on the traveler's nationality.

Types of work permits in Canada for Equatorial Guineans

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 Equatorial Guineans obtain it?

1. Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer willing to hire a worker from Equatorial Guinea.

2. The employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

3. After receiving the LMIA, Equatorial Guineans can apply for a work permit.

2. Open work permit (not tied to an employer)

This permit is not restricted to a particular employer, providing more flexibility for Equatorial Guinea citizens.

Who among Equatorial Guineans can obtain it?

• Spouses of foreign students or workers.
• Graduates of Canadian institutions under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP).
• Refugees and individuals under humanitarian protection.

How can Equatorial Guinea citizens apply for it?

Submit an application for an open work permit, ensuring all required documents are included.

Work permit duration for Equatorial Guinea citizens

The validity of a work permit for Equatorial Guinea citizens depends on multiple factors:

• Standard duration: Typically between 1 to 2 years.
• Passport validity: The work permit cannot exceed the expiration date of the Equatorial Guinea’s passport.
• LMIA validity: If applicable, the permit's duration must align with the period stated in the LMIA.

How Equatorial Guineans can obtain a work permit in Canada: step-by-step guide

Step 1: Secure a Job in Canada

Where can Equatorial Guinea citizens search for job openings?

• Job Bank Canada
• Indeed Canada
• LinkedIn
• Workopolis

If an LMIA is required, a Equatorial Guinea citizen must find an employer willing to secure it!

Step 2: Verify Employer’s LMIA Approval (if required)

What is an LMIA?

A labor market assessment confirming that no qualified local workers are available for the role.

LMIA Process:

1. The Canadian employer applies for an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

2. They must demonstrate efforts to hire Canadian workers first.

3. If approved, the employer provides the LMIA to the citizen from Equatorial Guinea for the work permit application.

Step 3: prepare required documents

Documents needed for Equatorial Guineans to obtain a work permit:

• A valid passport covering the permit’s duration.
• Job offer letter from the employer.
• LMIA (if applicable).
• Proof of education and qualifications.
• Medical examination results (if required for the role or residence country).
• Police clearance certificate.
• Payment of CAD 155 fee.
• Biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Step 4: Apply for a work permit

Where can Equatorial Guinea citizens submit their application?

- Online via the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.

- At a visa application center in Equatorial Guinea.

Processing time: between 1 to 6 months, depending on permit type and applicant’s country.

How to check the status of your work permit application?

1. Online application: Log into your IRCC account to check updates.

2. Paper application: After submitting, link it to an online account for easy tracking.

Final Step: Getting your work permit & entering Canada

Once approved, here’s what happens next:

• You’ll receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter, which must be shown at the border.
• A border officer will issue your physical work permit.

What do Equatorial Guinea citizens need to enter Canada for work?

• A valid work permit confirmation.
• A passport that is still valid.
• Proof of financial stability.
• A copy of the LMIA (if required).
• Health insurance, if necessary.

Work permit rules for Equatorial Guinea citizens in Canada

These conditions depend on the type of permit and typically include:

1. Type of work – the kind of job a Equatorial Guinea citizen is allowed to do.

2. Location – the province or region where work is permitted.

3. Employer – the company or organization Equatorial Guineans is authorized to work for.

4. Duration – how long the work permit is valid.

All work permit holders, including Equatorial Guinea citizens, are strictly prohibited from working in establishments that pose a risk of sexual exploitation.

Since a work permit does not provide permanent residency, Equatorial Guinea citizens must leave Canada when their permit expires. However, if they wish to stay long-term, various immigration programs are available to help them apply for permanent residence.

How Equatorial Guinea citizens can move from a temporary work permit to permanent residency

If Equatorial Guineans have gained work experience in Canada, they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (PR). Here are the main immigration pathways available for individuals from Equatorial Guinea:

• Express Entry (CEC – Canadian Experience Class) – for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – allows workers to gain PR through specific provincial immigration programs.
• Atlantic Immigration Program – designed for individuals working in Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

Each program has its own requirements, so it’s important for Equatorial Guinea citizens to check eligibility criteria before applying.

Bringing family members to Canada on a work permit

If a Equatorial Guinea citizen is applying for a work permit, their family members may be eligible to join them in Canada under specific conditions:

1. Spouse or partner – can apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada.

2. School-age children – can study in Canada without needing a separate study permit.

Important changes starting January 21, 2025:

• Spouses of Equatorial Guinea citizens working in Canada will be eligible for an open work permit only if the primary applicant works in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or select TEER 2 or 3 positions in high-demand industries.
• Children of foreign workers, including Equatorial Guineans, will no longer be eligible for an open work permit.

These updates are designed to streamline the immigration process and better manage the number of temporary residents in Canada.

How Equatorial Guinea citizens can extend their work permit in Canada

If a Equatorial Guinea’s work permit is about to expire, they can apply for an extension to continue working legally.

Key requirements:

1. Application deadline – it’s best to apply at least 30 days before the current permit expires.

2. How to apply – submit an online application through an IRCC account.

Maintained status – if Equatorial Guinea citizens apply before their current permit expires, they can keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made.

3. To avoid interruptions, it’s important for Equatorial Guinea citizen to apply early and ensure all required documents are submitted.