Step-By-Step Guide to Canada Work Visa for Italian Citizens

Introduction

For years, Canada has been an attractive option for immigration. Citizens of various countries and regions, such as the United States, the Schengen area, and other non-EU citizens, have moved to Canada. For Italian citizenship holders, Canada offers various routes to find work without an application to apply for a residence permit. When Italian citizens apply for a work visa to Canada, they must comply with the requirements and procedures established by the Canadian government. However, they may also need guidance and support from Italian authorities, such as the Italian consulate or embassy in Canada.

A Canada work visa for Italian citizens is an attractive option. An Italian citizen can choose among the various routes available to temporarily work in Canada or permanently settle in the country and work there. Moreover, dual citizenship laws in both countries allow citizens to reap the benefits of a Canadian visa and an Italian passport.

Can Italian Citizens Work in Canada?

Yes, Italian citizens are eligible to work in Canada under certain conditions. Here are some of the main ways in which an Italian citizen can work in Canada: –

International Experience Canada (IEC) program: This program allows citizens of certain countries, including Italy, to work in Canada temporarily for up to 24 months, depending on their age and nationality.

Employer-specific work permit: An Italian citizen can work in Canada if they have a job offer from a Canadian employer. However, the Italian government does not play a direct role in applying for a Canada work permit quota or visa for Italian citizens. Once an Italian citizen obtains a job offer, the employer must obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to prove that no Canadian worker can do the job. Once the LMIA is approved, the Italian citizen can apply for a work permit.

Provincial nominee program: Some Canadian provinces have immigration programs that allow them to nominate some foreign nationals as workers for permanent residency in Canada. If a Canadian province nominates an Italian citizen, they can apply for a work permit and eventually apply for permanent residency in Canada.

In addition, Italian citizens who are residents of an EEA country may have different requirements when applying for a work visa in Canada compared to those who are not. The European Economic Area (EEA) is a regional cooperation agreement between the European Union (EU) member states and three non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Can an Italian Citizen Get a Canada Work Visa?

Yes. An Italian citizen can get a Canadian work visa and an entrance visa. The Italian work visa is essential for Italian citizens who wish to work in Canada. A Canada work visa for Italian citizens will allow them to work in the country temporarily or permanently. Since Italian citizens can qualify for a work permit of different kinds, they must carefully choose the visa category they wish to apply for. Moreover, the Italian government may have agreements or partnerships with the Canadian government to facilitate the movement of workers between the two countries.

Visit our Legamart blog to learn more the different types of visas available in Norway for immigrants.

Is there a residence or work permit in Canada for Italian temporary foreign workers?

Yes. A residence permit or a contract allows Italians to work in Canada for a specified period or seasonal work, and it applies to Italians who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents. If Italian citizens apply for a work permit to work in Canada temporarily, they will be considered “temporary foreign workers”. These are usually employer-specific work permits and require a job offer from a prospective employer.

The temporary foreign workers must obtain a temporary resident visa. This visa allows them to enter Canada temporarily to work and live. The temporary resident visa is typically issued for a specific duration and can be renewed.

What are the entry requirements that an Italian Citizen should meet to secure a residence permit or a temporary work permit?

Start by securing a job offer: An Italian citizen must first secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Sometimes the Italian employer may have connections with Canadian companies or already have a presence in Canada and can assist with the job search process. Once a job offer is secured through a signed employment contract, the same must be genuine and meet the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements.

Employer applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), if necessary: In the two categories of work permits the Canadian government offers, one needs a labour market test, and another is exempt from this requirement. Therefore, if your work permit requires a labour market test, then your Canadian employer will need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Social Development Canada to demonstrate that there are no Canadian workers available to fill the job (i.e. no Canadian citizen has such specific skills). Equally, the labour market test is required to demonstrate that the issuance of a work permit to a foreign national will not negatively impact the employment and wages of workers in Canada.

Work permit application process: You can apply for a work permit by filling out an application form and submitting the supporting documents to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and paying the necessary application fee. The foreign worker will then need to obtain a temporary residence visa (TRV) to travel to Canada and would therefore need to submit the temporary work permit application at a Canadian visa office abroad.

Demonstrate proficiency in language skills: Italian citizens must demonstrate their language proficiency in either English or French by taking an approved language test.

Health and security check: Italian citizens must undergo a medical examination and provide a police clearance certificate from a local police officer to ensure they do not pose a health or security risk to Canadians.

Return home assurance: Italian citizens must demonstrate that they have ties to Italy that would compel them to leave Canada and return to their home country when their work permit expires, for example, job or family.

What Work Visas are available for Italian Workers?

Italian citizens who wish to apply for work visas to Canada can do so through the Canadian Embassy in Italy, the local post office, the Italian immigration office, or the Italian embassy. The Italian immigration office can provide information on the application and requirements and assist with filling out the necessary forms and gathering the required documents. The different work visas available for Italian citizens are detailed below.

a) Working Holiday Visa

This Canada work visa for Italian citizens is part of a Canadian work permit scheme called International Experience Canada (IEC). 

This visa category allows Italian citizens to find temporary employment in Canada to pay for travel there. After the expiry 6 months, Italian citizens can extend this visa for six more months. Therefore, this work permit allows an Italian citizen to remain in Canada for a year and engage in temporary employment.

b) Post-Graduation Work Permit

A Canada work visa for Italian citizens can also be obtained through a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). After completing a degree from a designated learning institution in Canada, all Italian citizens can apply for a PGWP.  The PGWP is an open work permit designed for students. The PGWP also acts as a pathway for Canadian immigration. Graduates with work experience in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0 or skill level A or B can qualify for permanent residence through the Express Entry Program.

To obtain a Canada work visa through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) route, Italian citizens must fulfil the following prerequisites:

• Program Completion: Italian citizens must have completed a vocational, educational, or training program in Canada that spans at least 8 months.
• Full-Time Enrollment: During their stay in Canada, applicants must have been enrolled in the aforementioned program on a full-time basis.
• Documentation: Applicants need to provide essential documents, including a transcript and a graduation letter issued by an eligible institution in Canada where the program was completed.
• Valid Student Visa: Italian citizens must have a valid student visa while pursuing higher education in Canada. The student visa should cover the entire duration of the program.

c) Express Entry Program

Thousands of foreign national residents move to Canada yearly to find permanent work and settle through the Express Entry route. The express entry system allows skilled Italian workers to apply for immigration. There are three sub-categories under Express Entry. These are:

d) Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This category of residence and work contract is appropriate for Italian citizens with at least three years of work experience in Canada. This work experience must be acquired three years before the application for this residence visa is lodged. The CEC category will allow an Italian citizen to live in Canada and work on a full-time basis permanently.

e) Federal Skilled Worker Program

This category of the express entry program is ideal for Italian citizens with work experience in a country other than Canada. This category will assess candidates based on their work experience, ability to speak English, qualifications, age, and whether they have a job offer in Canada. If approved through this route, the applicant can permanently settle in Canada.

f) Federal Skilled Trades Program

The federal skilled trades program is ideal for Italian citizens qualified in skilled Canadian trade. These skilled trades are career paths that are in high demand in Canada. The demand for skilled trades varies in different states in Canada.

g) Self Employment Visa

The Self Employment visa is granted to those who wish to start their business or move their business to Canada. The visa is usually valid for 2 years.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Work Visa for Italian Citizens?

The eligibility requirements for a Canada work visa for Italian citizens vary according to the category of the visa application. When applying for a Canada work visa, Italian citizens should be aware of the visa’s duration and passport pictures requirement. Other visa applicant’s eligibility requirements are as follows:

Working Holiday Visa

To avail this Canada work visa for Italian citizens, the applicant must:

1. Be an Italian citizen.
2. Hold a valid passport for the duration of their intended stay in Canada.
3. Prove that they are a permanent resident of Italy through a registered mailing address.
4. Fall within the age bracket of 18 – 35
5. Show proof of funds amounting to CAD 2,500 to cover expenses in Canada.
6. Have health insurance for their stay in Canada
7. Not be blacklisted from entry to Canada via deportation or other means.
8. Have a round-trip ticket purchased before departure or prove your ability to purchase a return ticket from Canada.
9. Pay the application fee.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

To get a Canada work visa for Italian citizens through this route, Italian citizens must meet the following prerequisites:

1. They must have completed a vocational, educational or training program in Canada that is at least 8 months long.
2. They must have been enrolled in this program on a full-time basis.
3. They must have received a transcript and a graduation letter from an eligible institution in Canada.
4. They must have held a valid student visa to pursue higher education in Canada.

Express Entry Program

As detailed below, the eligibility requirements for a Canada work visa for Italians are different for each stream of the express entry program.

Canadian Experience Class

1. English or French skills in Candian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 or 5 
2. Work experience in NOCs skill level 0, A, or B
3. One year of Candian work experience in the last three years

Federal Skilled Worker Program

1. English or French skills in CLB 7
2. Canadian or foreign work experience in NOCs skill level 0, A or B
3. One year of continuous work experience within the last ten years
4. Higher secondary education

Federal Skilled Trades Program

1. English or French skills in CLB 5 or 4
2. Canadian or foreign work experience in a skilled Canadian trade
3. Two years of work experience within the last five years
4. A full-time job offer in Canada or other qualifying certificates in a skilled Canadian trade issued by a recognized Canadian authority

How to Apply for a Canadian work visa?

Working Holiday Visa

Step 1: Create and Submit your Profile in the IEC Pool

To apply for this category of a Canada work visa for Italian citizens, the following steps must be completed. Firstly, an Italian citizen must create their profile and submit it to the IEC pool. Before creating the profile, the candidate will be asked to complete a questionnaire about their age, work experience, citizenship status, and a job offer. This questionnaire will determine the candidate’s working holiday Canada visa eligibility.

If the candidate meets the minimum requirements, they will be required to create their profile and submit it to the IEC pool. While creating the profile, the candidate must provide information about their passport, country of citizenship, country of permanent residence, proof of identity, and contact information.

Once the profile is submitted, some candidates from the IEC pool receive an invitation to apply. (ITA) The Canadian Immigration Authorities send the ITAs in different rounds of invitations throughout the year.

Step 2: Receiving an ITA

An ITA is needed for candidates to continue with their visa applications. Once the ITA is received, an applicant will have ten days to accept it. If it doesn’t get accepted within ten days, the ITA expires, and the applicant will have up to five years to resubmit their profile to the IEC pool. After accepting the ITA, the candidate will have twenty days to apply for a work permit.

Step 3: Submitting an Application for a Work Permit

Once the ITA is accepted, the candidate applies for a work permit. At this stage, Italy visa application form, the candidate must provide proof of all claims made on the IEC profile. These documents include police clearance certificates, medical history, health insurance, etc.

Step 4: Processing and Approval

After submission, the candidate must wait around eight weeks for a response from the Canadian immigration authority. They must also go to the designated visa authority for Canadian visas in Italy to give their biometric information.

If the work permit visa application is approved, the applicant will be issued a port of entry (POE) letter of introduction. This letter will have an expiry date. The candidate must show it at a valid Canadian POE before its expiry.

The POE does not guarantee admission into Canada. After arriving at a valid POE, the border protection services officer will review the candidate’s documents. The border protection services officer will decide whether or not the Italian citizen can enter Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

All graduates must first submit an online application for PGWP. It will require them to enter their degree, transcripts, and visa status details. They will also need to pay an application fee. Applicants must submit their applications within 180 days of graduation. 

The length of the PGWP will depend on the duration of the candidate’s degree. Candidates must also prove they held a student visa in Canada before applying for a PGWP.

Express Entry

Step 1: Create and Submit an Express Entry Profile:

Before creating a profile for express entry, all candidates will fill out a preliminary questionnaire. It will include details about their age, work experience, and a job offer to assess their eligibility for the program. If eligible, candidates will create a profile to submit to the express entry pool. 

The profile will be ranked using a point-based comprehensive ranking system (CRS). An invitation to apply will be sent to the candidates with the highest points. 

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

If the candidate receives an ITA, they must support the claims made in their profile through documents. These documents include employment letters, police clearance certificates, proof of language proficiency, and medical reports. 

The candidate must respond to the ITA within 60 working days. The Canadian immigration authorities process applications in six months. If approved, the applicant can work and settle permanently in Canada. 

Dual citizenship laws allow Italian citizens to retain their passports and receive Canadian citizenship. 

Canadian family sponsorship or family-sponsored visa

Italian citizens may also stay and work in Canada under a family-sponsored visa. This is done when the migrant workers are sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who is a family member, such as a spouse or common-law partner.

There are two types of spousal or common-law partner sponsorship applications:

• Inland: Here, the person to be sponsored is inside Canada. Therefore the application can be made from within Canada while the applicant lives in Canada.
• Outland: Here, the application is made from abroad through an Embassy or Consulate.

Italy work visa requirements

Canadian nationals might also wish to understand how work visas may be obtained in Italy to obtain work in Italy, or a person who has obtained a Canadian visa, might want to shift to Italy. The following segment provides details related to it.

The requested documents might vary as per the local immigration office or the local embassy. Therefore, it is preferable to ask the employer about the required documents that need to be submitted. Generally, the following documents are required for an Italian work visa:

• Copy of your valid passport or ID with two blank pages
• Proposed work contract, which includes details related to the salaried employment visa, including terms of employment, duration of the contract, social security contributions, and salary
• Employer details, including the Chamber of Commerce registration number, company’s legal name, and address.
• A signed ‘stay contract’ (Contratto di soggiorno), which confirms the following:
  • The employer shall notify any changes in the employment contract.
  • A suitable accommodation in Italy that meets the local housing standards
  • The employer shall pay repatriation costs in case of expulsion from Italy.

The following documents are the other requirements for the process:

• Application form for the Italian Long-Stay visa
• Proof of visa fee payment.
• A copy of your signed employment contract.
• The original and the copy of your Nulla Osta.
• Valid passport and copies.
• 2 recent passport photos.
• Proof of accommodation in Italy.
• Proof of sufficient finance.
• Copy of flight itinerary.
• Proof of health and travel insurance, which covers Italy.
• Other supporting documents, such as diplomas.

The processing time is usually 2 to 30 days, and once the visa has been approved, you get a notification by the local embassy or consulate and shall have few months (mostly 6 months) to collect it.

What is the Decreto Flussi?

For an employer to become eligible to hire a foreign worker in Italy, they need to obtain a permit, also called the nulla osta, from the Italian immigration office. However, there is also a limit to how many foreign workers can come to Italy. The country’s quota system on work visas is known as Decreto Flussi (flow decree), which is a quota for non-EU citizen or workers from EU countries. The yearly quota allows approximately 30,000 non-EU workers. The flow decree also provides work permits for seasonal and non-seasonal workers involved in non-seasonal subordinate work.

Procedure after arriving in Italy in 2023

1. You first need to collect your residence permit in Italy. You shall have eight days from your arrival to sign the ‘stay contract’ at the ISD and to obtain the Italian residence permit in Italy.
2. You then need to sign the integration agreement. Integration agreement is to be signed only if you are moving to Italy for more than one year. Through your signature, you agree to certain things while entering Italy:

• Speaking Italian at level A2 or above
• Learn about civilian life in Italy, including healthcare, the schooling system, work obligations, etc.

1. You then need to register with the municipality, especially if you plan to stay long in Italy.
2. Get your Codice Fiscale, i.e., the Tax ID. This shall allow you to pay taxes, open a bank account, get a mobile phone number, and gain access to the Italian healthcare system.
3. Within eight days of entering Italy, you are also required to apply for an additional permit to stay. This permit is known as permesso di soggiorno or a residence permit. It may be obtained through a local post office or police station in Italy.

In essence, the Decreto Flussi plays a pivotal role in regulating the influx of foreign workers into Italy, ensuring a balanced and controlled approach to labor migration. Employers must navigate this quota system to secure the necessary permits and comply with immigration regulations when hiring non-EU workers in the country.

Conclusion

A Canada work visa for Italian citizens allows them to visit the country, find paid employment, and qualify for immigration. When completing your Canada work visa application, remember that many documents can be submitted with electronic signatures for added convenience. Italian citizens who hold a Canada work visa should also be mindful of the requirements to re-enter Italy and ensure that they comply with the conditions of their work visa while in Canada. Foreign affairs between the two countries encourage travel to Canada on a visitor visa, a tourist visa, and a work visa. Additionally, Italians who wish to travel to Canada for less than six months do not require a visa. They can get a visa waiver through Electronic Travel Authorization.