- In order for a foreign visitor to Canada to obtain a job, she must have a Canadian work permit. This permit is applicable for almost any kind of work, except for the business visitor and a job which meets the definition of "work"; internships and self-employment do not meet this definition.
- Obtaining a work permit is specific to the entire country of Canada and every province. Those foreign visitors planning to work in Quebec also have to get a Certificat d' acceptation du Québec or the CAQ in order to obtain the general work permit (see link in Resources).
- If a temporary worker decides to seek permanent residency in Canada, the work permit does not lead to permanent residency; however, temporary workers with the required paperwork can apply for permanent resident status while on temporary worker status.
- Someone living temporarily in Canada can't legally work there just because they have a work permit from another country--they have to apply for and receive a Canadian work permit. If the temporary worker changes jobs while on his original work permit, he will have to obtain a new work permit to work at the new job (see link in Resources).
- A temporary worker must have a job offer in hand before applying for a work permit; at the very least, there must be a specific position being sought. Without the job offer, the person wanting to work in this country will have to think about immigrating to Canada.
