Work permits & employer support
Clarify the work you intend to do and the permit or employer questions that need assessment.
Start with the actual work and the right route.
Work-permit planning should consider the proposed duties, employer, location and your immigration history. A change in business or employment circumstances may require its own assessment.
For employers, a useful first discussion sets out the genuine position, proposed worker and relevant business information. Scope and professional responsibilities should be clear from the start.
Begin with the work, employer and current status.
A useful work-permit assessment describes the proposed duties, the employer, the place of work and the applicant’s immigration history. We discuss what needs to be established and which employer or applicant steps may be relevant. A job offer by itself is not a complete immigration plan.
How VSA can assist
VSA can discuss the proposed role and immigration route, identify the information needed from the worker and employer, and assist with agreed preparation. We clarify who is responsible for each step and what remains subject to assessment. Recruitment, employment and immigration services should be described accurately and agreed separately where applicable.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The work, employer and location involved.
- The current immigration position and any proposed change.
- Which worker and employer steps need further review.
- The records required to assess the proposed route.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Prepare a brief employment or business outline and note any current permit expiry or restriction.
A preparation checklist
- Proposed duties, work location and employment terms
- Employer and recruitment-related records, where relevant
- Current status, permits and expiry dates
- Qualifications and employment history
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Can I begin work once I receive an offer?
Check the work authorisation that applies to your circumstances before starting. A contract or an application receipt should not be treated as permission without reviewing the relevant rules.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: work in Canada ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub