What is a Significant Benefit Work Permit and who is Eligible?

What is the Significant Benefit Program Work Permit?

The Significant Benefit Work Permit allows artists, entrepreneurs, foreign workers, and investors, among other individuals, to come into Canada and to bring with them economic, cultural, and social benefits. This permit is only given to individuals who demonstrate to the immigration officers assessing their Significant Benefit Work Permit application that they will indeed contribute to the society and provide opportunities for citizens and permanent residents. Once you get a permit, it can be renewed indefinitely, depending on your intended goal or project in Canada. It is important to note that the Significant Benefit Work Permit is a temporary visa typically valid for up to three years, and does not lead to permanent resident status. One of the greatest benefits of the Significant Benefit Work Permit is that unlike most other work permits in Canada, it does not require a LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). You only have to satisfy the immigration officer that you meet the applicable criteria.

Who is Eligible for the Significant Benefit Work Permit?

1. The Intra-Company Transferee

As the term suggests, this category is for individuals who work in foreign companies that have branches or subsidiaries in Canada. It is only for employees in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge positions. Individuals must also meet all job qualifications for the position.

2. Canadian Interests

This category is for individuals who offer more social or cultural benefit to Canada. The focus is not on economic benefits. Examples of people who fall under this category are artists and musicians who would bring awareness in Canada of important subjects.

3. Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Candidates

This category focuses on individuals who want to start a business in Canada and who do not really qualify for a permanent resident application for one reason or the other. These individuals have to prove that their intended business will have an economic, social, or cultural impact in the country.

4. Emergency Repairs

This category is for foreign workers who come into the country to make repairs on industrial machinery and equipment. This way, Canadian workers are not disrupted. Individuals have to show their contribution to each of the repairs they make.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

At the Law Office of Matthew Jeffery, we have years of experience assisting clients to obtain work permits through the significant benefit category. It is a requirement that you prove to immigration officials that you will contribute positively to the culture, society, and/or economy of Canada. We will guide you on how to do this. We will file the relevant documents and information and submit it to the immigration department on your behalf, and then process the application including dealing with all correspondence from the immigration authorities, up until you obtain your work permit. Call 416-944-3267 now for an assessment from a significant benefit work permit lawyer.