Waiting Periods and Extensions: Foreigners waiting for a work permit to be processed are not permitted to work until the permit is actually issued. Despite this, taxes from the foreigner are normally assessed by the Revenue Department during the waiting period for the reason that it is allowed to receive a salary while waiting for the work permit to be issued. Work permits are valid only for the length of time that the non-immigrant or resident visa is valid. The Labor Department may in some cases however, permit work for a three-month period during the time that a visa application is under consideration.

Foreigners with issued work permits, and who wish to work longer than the 90 day period must apply for a visa extension with the immigration authorities. Normally a foreigner is granted a temporary extension of three months because in may take several periods of consideration before the long-term visa extension is granted. Once the one-year extension of the visa is granted the Labor Department will then extend the validity of the work permit. It should be noted however, that if the visa is cancelled, the work permit is then cancelled as well. In the case of those wishing to leave the county during the time period that their visa is valid, a re-entry permit must be obtained or the non-immigrant visa (and consequently the work permit) will be cancelled upon exiting the country.

Work permits must be renewed before they expire or it will be cancelled. Someone who holds an expired work permit and wishes to continue working must start the application process all over again. It is therefore of significant importance to be aware of the date on which the work permit expires.

A work permit is valid only for the work described in the work permit and for the location stated as well. Applicants must submit an application with the appropriate branch of the Labor Department in the province where the work will be performed.

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