Work Permit

Canada is open for business and temporary workers are an important part of the Canadian economy. There are different types of work permits available in Canada. In general, foreign workers must obtain a work permit before they can work in Canada. To qualify for a work permit, foreign nationals are required to have a job offer, with few exceptions.

Examples of some work permits are Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), Spousal Open Work Permit,  Co-Op Work Permit, International Experience Canada, Bridging Open Work Permit & other categories.

Employers may hire temporary workers through the TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM: LABOUR MARKET IMPACT ASSESSMENT (LMIA) or the INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY PROGRAM (IMP).

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Labour market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is based on employer demands to fill specific jobs. It allows employers to hire foreign workers by submitting a request to ESDC to hire a foreign national to fill a job if the employer cannot fill a local and suitable candidate for the job. If the decision of ESDC is positive or neutral, showing evidence of skills shortage, then an LMIA will be issued. However, an employer is prohibited from hiring a foreign national to do the job if a negative opinion is issued.

The International Mobility Program: A work permit under this category lets employers hire foreign nationals without an LMIA and it is not based on employer demand. The LMIA exemptions are international free trade agreements, Canadian interests, non-trade agreements and federal-provincial or territorial agreements.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT to help you find the best solution, if you are an employer looking to hire foreign workers or a foreign worker looking to work in Canada.