If you are looking to work in Canada, the available options entail navigating various programs and government agencies. Some of these programs are more suited to your situation than others.

Knowing under which program you should seek a Canadian work permit requires an honest analysis of your age, expertise and qualifications. You should not pursue this process on your own. You stand a better chance of lodging a successful application for a Canadian work permit if you seek the services of an immigration lawyer.

Below are some of the avenues of getting a Canadian work permit.

1. International Experience Canada (IEC)

You qualify for this federal government program if you are a young professional aged between 18 and 35 years. The program gives you an opportunity to work in Canada through an international co-op internship or a working holiday. The period and the exact age qualification is dependent on the country you are from.

To be considered for the IEC program, you have to apply for the highly competitive working holiday spots available for your country. The quicker you act the better since these spots are extremely popular. If your application is successful, you are eligible to stay in Canada for between one and two years, and you can move to Canada even before securing a job.

However, it is important to note that you only qualify once. If you apply and are granted a spot, that’s it. It’s your one and only chance. So, make the most of it. This program is ideal for young professionals who are not looking for a long-term stay in Canada.

2. Temporary Foreign Worker Program

If your country is not on the IEC pool, or you previously missed an IEC spot, or perhaps you are past the age limit, getting a Canadian employer willing to hire you is your best bet of working in Canada.

However, your prospective employer has to demonstrate that no Canadian is willing to take up the offer. Evidence of advertising the position in the Canadian job marketplace is required to demonstrate that no Canadian was willing to take the job.

If you manage to get an employer willing to employ you, they will be expected to secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) document, which is a requirement when hiring a foreign worker. You can only apply for a work permit once your employer has secured the LMIA.

Your permit application should be accompanied by a contract and an employment offer letter. Although the process is not easy, tens of thousands of temporary foreign workers enter the Canadian job market every year.

3. International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program allows employees of Canadian-owned companies operating outside Canada, or those working for a multi-national, to transfer to a Canadian office. Often, application to work in Canada is usually supported by employers in agreement with the affected employees. It is, however, easier to transfer to Canada under the International Mobility Program if you are from a nation with a free trade agreement.

Often, it’s quite a challenge to decide under which program to apply for a Canadian work permit. If you don’t know where to begin, or under which program to apply for a Canadian work permit, your best option is to consult an immigration lawyer. The lawyer will assess your suitability for a Canadian work permit and then recommend the most appropriate option.

Knowing which program you are qualified under and strictly following the laid down requirements will give your Canadian work permit application an extra boost. It is also important to act swiftly since some of these spots are highly competitive.