I originally posted this on the immigration forum however, replies seem to be more forthcoming on this board!

I am about to apply for a work permit. I have been admitted to Canada for one year on a vistor visa which allows me to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

Does anyone know of any offices that are quick at processing work permits?

Thanks

I am not sure that you can apply for a work permit within Canada if have been admitted on a visitor visa from the UK. I thought you had to apply to London for it, unless you are already in Canada on a Work Permit or Study Permit. This has always been my understanding of the visitor visa.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada generally requires that foreign individuals seeking to work temporarily in Canada obtain Employment Authorizations. An Employment Authorization is a document issued by Immigration Canada officials that allows a foreign individual to work at a specific job for a specific employer. Employment Authorizations are valid for a limited time -- usually one year or less. In some cases, Immigration Canada requires applicants to undergo medical examinations.

Immigration Canada defines work as "any activity for which a person receives or might reasonably be expected to receive valuable consideration." Thus, foreign individuals may require Employment Authorizations even if they intend to work in Canada without compensation.

Immigration Canada normally requires that a firm job offer from a Canadian employer is present prior to applying for an Employment Authorization. Such a job offer may require the approval of the Canadian Human Resources Development Canada (this approval process is known as HRDC Confirmation). In general, Immigration Canada will not issue an Employment Authorization without prior HRDC Confirmation of a Job Offer.

The rationale behind prior HRDC Confirmation of job offers is to ensure that Employment Authorizations are granted only in circumstances where there will not be a negative impact on the Canadian job market. The HRDC Confirmation process thus entails that the Canadian employer demonstrate that a "significant" effort has been made to seek and hire a Canadian for the position in which there is a petition for validation. It is also generally necessary to establish that the temporary worker has special abilities or skills which are not easily found within Canada. Generally, the procedure for obtaining HRDC Confirmation of job offers is demanding and time-consuming.

Hope this helps !!!