How to get a work permit?

[osagmo]

Hi, I have a plan to go to Canada and get a job offer as a helicopter pilot. It wouldn't be easy, but I will give it a try. If I get a job offer what is the procedures to get a work permit? What are my chances to get a work permit and how long will it take? I might also do some helicopter courses in canada, does that help me in any way?

 

[Leon]

If you get a job offer, your prospective employer has to apply for your LMO, showing that the job has been advertised and no Canadians or PR's who were qualified had applied. If he gets the LMO, he will give it to you and you use it to apply for your work permit. You can read about LMO's at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/supperimm.shtml

 

[osagmo]

Thanks for the answer.

Is there some other way to get a work permit? How about a temporary permit, is that the same?

 

[Leon]

A work permit is temporary. There are a handful of jobs that don't need an LMO, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/special-tech.asp and a handful of jobs don't need a work permit, see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-nopermit.asp

There are also some youth exchange programs with some countries where you may be able to get a one or two year open work permit in Canada depending on your age and citizenship. Talk to the Canadian embassy where you live to find out if that is an option for you.