Foreign nationals are people without Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. They may enter Canada to visit friends or family, to have a holiday, or to investigate their prospects here, as long as they are not inadmissible. In some cases they must obtain a visitor’s visa before leaving for Canada.
In most cases visitors to Canada may not work or study here without prior authorization. If you work or study in Canada without written permission to do so, you may be subject to removal, and you may not be able to return to Canada for months or even years. If you employ someone who is not permitted to work in Canada, you may have committed an offence.
Work and study permits are documents issued by Citizenship & Immigration Canada to temporary residents, upon application. They authorize the holder to engage in particular activities, specified in the document, for a prescribed period of time. They do not grant permanent residency in Canada.
Still, if you would like to immigrate to Canada, coming as a visitor, a student or a worker can be a good first step, as Canada recognizes that those persons who have successfully established themselves here as students or workers, will usually establish themselves as successful permanent residents and citizens.
Usually obtaining a visa to visit or study in Canada is quite straightforward. Regrettably, obtaining a visa from some countries can be quite a challenge. Generally, the fewer reasons you have to return to your country, the more concerned the immigration authorities are that you will not do so, and the less likely they are to allow you to come here. Legal representation in those cases is advisable.
Obtaining a permit to work in Canada is often a complex undertaking. Timing can be critical, and approvals from multiple authorities may be necessary. If you wish to obtain a work permit, you are best advised to obtain representation.
