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Writer's pictureRAJ SHARMA

How to get a Canada Concurrent Visa

As of my last update in September 2021, Canada does not offer a specific visa called a "Concurrent Visa." However, I will provide information on two possible scenarios that may involve concurrent visas:


1. Study Permit with Work Authorization (Co-op Work Permit): If you are an international student studying in Canada and your program includes a co-op or work placement component, you may be eligible for a co-op work permit. This work permit allows you to work in Canada while studying, giving you practical work experience related to your field of study. To be eligible for a co-op work permit, you typically need to meet specific requirements set by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and have a valid study permit.


Here are the key points to understand about the Study Permit with Work Authorization (Co-op Work Permit):

Eligibility:

· To be eligible for a Co-op Work Permit, you must have a valid Study Permit in Canada.

· Your study program must be at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, and it must include a mandatory co-op or work placement as an essential part of the program curriculum.

Application Process:

· The Co-op Work Permit is typically applied for alongside your initial Study Permit application or as an extension of your Study Permit.

· You can apply for the Co-op Work Permit online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country.

Duration:

· The duration of the Co-op Work Permit is tied to the length of your study program's work placement component. It allows you to work legally in Canada during the designated co-op term.

Work Conditions:

· With a Co-op Work Permit, you can work for any employer in Canada during your co-op work term, regardless of whether the employer is related to your field of study.

· The permit may also specify that you can only work off-campus or on-campus, depending on the conditions of your Study Permit.

Limitations:

· The Co-op Work Permit is only valid for the duration of your co-op or work placement term. Once the co-op term ends, your work authorization also ends, and you can only work if you are eligible for other types of work permits.


It's essential to remember that the Co-op Work Permit is distinct from other work permits in Canada, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows eligible graduates to work in Canada after completing their studies.

As with any immigration application, it's advisable to carefully review the requirements, gather all necessary documents, and follow the guidelines provided by the official IRCC website or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional for a smooth and successful application process.




2. Open Work Permit for Spouses or Common-Law Partners: If your spouse or common-law partner is studying in Canada with a valid study permit, you, as their dependent, may be eligible for an open work permit. The open work permit allows you to work in Canada without the need for a specific job offer or a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).


Here are the key points to understand about the Open Work Permit for Spouses or Common-Law Partners:

Eligibility:


· To be eligible for an Open Work Permit as a spouse or common-law partner, the principal applicant (the person holding a study permit, work permit, or permanent residency) must meet certain criteria.

· The principal applicant must hold a valid Study Permit, Work Permit, or have applied for permanent residency through an eligible program in Canada.

Application Process:

· The spouse or common-law partner can apply for the Open Work Permit online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) from either inside or outside of Canada.

· The application requires specific documentation, including proof of the principal applicant's status in Canada, marriage or common-law relationship documents, and other supporting documents.

Duration:

· The validity of the Open Work Permit for spouses or common-law partners is often linked to the validity of the principal applicant's immigration status in Canada. It means that the work permit will typically be issued with the same expiration date as the principal applicant's permit or until the duration of the principal applicant's immigration application is finalized.

Work Conditions:

· With an Open Work Permit, spouses or common-law partners are generally allowed to work for any employer in Canada, in any occupation, and in any location.

· The work permit may also include specific work conditions or restrictions based on the immigration status of the principal applicant.

Renewal:

· The Open Work Permit for spouses or common-law partners can be renewed in tandem with the renewal of the principal applicant's study permit, work permit, or permanent residency application.


It's crucial to carefully follow the application process and submit all required documents to avoid any delays or issues. As immigration policies can change over time, it's advisable to visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding Open Work Permits for spouses or common-law partners.


It's essential to remember that Canadian immigration policies and regulations can change over time. Therefore, I recommend visiting the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consulting with a qualified immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding work permits and visas in Canada.


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