What documents do I need to work in Canada?

The Expert Panel
Our expert panel comprises representatives from the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC), Accor Hotels UK & Ireland, Greene King Pub Company, MaydayExec, Bartlett Mitchell, Learnpurple, Conran, and Portfolio International.

The Question
I'm 24, and have an honours degree in hotel and catering management. I want to go back to work in Canada, but I'm unsure of what visas and procedures would be helpful in attaining a job. Any advice?

The Answer
The following information on Canadian visas and procedures from the Canadian Embassy in London (www.canada.org.uk) is relevant only if you're a British citizen. If you're neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada, it's necessary to obtain a work permit to work temporarily in Canada. There are some jobs that are exempt from the rules, for example foreign representatives and business visitors. To be able to obtain a work permit you must have secured employment beforehand. You must have a letter offering employment in Canada detailing your job title, description of your duties and salary.

The other alternative is to apply on the Work Canada programme with BUNAC (www.bunac.co.uk), which offers a 12-month work authorisation and advice on jobs in Canada. Traditionally, the jobs that applicants find themselves doing are in shops, hotels, restaurants or cafés, or in the ski resorts. But the work authorisation is flexible and allows you to look for other types or work.

When applying for the non-student visa you must be aged 18 to 35 inclusive at the time of entry to Canada. Currently the earliest departure, if successful on the programme, is February 2005.

Some sites that might be helpful when looking for a job in Canada are www.canadiancareers.com or www.canjobs.com.
Ian Horrox, human resources director, Conran Restaurants

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