Navigating the Myth of Passport Verification Fees for Canadian Work Permits

It is a common misconception that a passport verification fee must be paid before issuing a Canadian work permit. This article aims to dispel this myth and provide a comprehensive guide to the application process for a Canadian work permit, highlighting the importance of avoiding unauthorized immigration consultants and fraudulent activity.

Myth Busted: No Passport Verification Fee for Canadian Work Permits

There is no such thing as a passport verification fee for Canadian services. This is a well-known scam carried out by unauthorized immigration consultants, who are exploiting innocent individuals seeking work opportunities in Canada. These scams are designed to extract money from individuals who are unaware of the legitimate application process. If you come across any claims of a passport verification fee, be wary and avoid these unscrupulous actors.

Official Fees for Canadian Work Permits

The Canadian government sets specific fees for work permit applications. As of the latest update, the official fees are as follows:

Open permits holder fee: CAD 100 Work permit fee: CAD 155

A total of CAD 255 is the sum expected to be paid upon application. It’s crucial to pay only these official fees to avoid falling victim to fraud.

Work Permit Application Process

The process to obtain a work permit in Canada is as follows:

Contact a legitimate immigration consultant to get a job offer and obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Subsequent to receiving the LMIA, you can apply for the work permit with the appropriate documentation. Your passport will be submitted to the Canadian embassy or Visa Application Centre for verification. This verification does not incur an additional fee. Your work permit will be attached to your passport upon verification and approval.

For a work permit to be issued, you must have a valid job offer and an LMIA. This requirement is a safeguard against unauthorized hiring and ensures that Canadian workers are not replaced by foreign workers. The hiring company must prove to the Canadian government that there is no suitable Canadian candidate for the job and that they are willing to wait for your arrival to Canada.

Legitimate Immigration Consultants

When seeking assistance with your Canadian work permit application, it is essential to consult with a qualified and registered immigration consultant. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) maintains a database of registered consultants. It is advisable to verify the consultant's registration status on their website if you are considering hiring their services.

Conclusion

In summary, there is no such thing as a passport verification fee for Canadian work permits. The official fees for work permits are CAD 100 for an open permit holder and CAD 155 for a work permit, totaling CAD 255. The verification of your passport is a part of the official work permit application process and is not subject to an additional fee. Always ensure that you are working with a legitimate immigration consultant to avoid falling victim to fraud.