Eligible foreign workers are allowed to work in Canada for an authorized period of time if they have a valid work permit or an authorization to work without a permit.

Canadian employers can hire temporary foreign worker either through:

• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Under the TFWP, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labour and skill shortages. The LMIA verifies that there is a need for a temporary worker and that no Canadians or permanent residents are available to do the job.
• The International Mobility Program (IMP): under the IMP, employers are allowed to hire temporary workers without an LMIA under the following categories:
  • Agreements (such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and other international free trade agreements, Canada-international non-trade agreements, and provincial nominees)
  • Canadian interests (such as airline personal, entrepreneurs, intra-companies transferees, francophone workers, spouses of skilled workers, spouses of students etc.)
  • Applicants with no other means of support (refugees)
  • Permanent residence applicants in Canada (such as live-in-caregiver class and spouse or common-law partner in Canada class)
  • Vulnerable workers
  • Humanitarian reasons
  • Unique work situations

Young professionals can also work in Canada under the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program if they are from a participating country. In some situations, a job offer will be required to apply for this program.

Recent graduates in Canada who have applied/obtained a Post-Graduation Work Permit are allowed to work full-time for any employer in any occupation (except restrictions defined on the work permit).

International students who meet the eligibility criteria can work part-time while taking classes and full-time during summer brakes.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Before hiring an international worker, most employers need a government authorization that comes through an approved LMIA application. LMIAs are processed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) which ensures that the entry of these workers will not have a negative impact on the Canadian labour market.

Foreign nationals included in an approved LMIA are then able to apply for a work permit.
For a successful LMIA application, it is essential to demonstrate that:

• The job offer is genuine;
• The wages and working conditions are comparable to those offered to Canadians working in the same occupation;
• Employers conducted reasonable efforts to hire Canadians for the job;
• The foreign workers if filing a labour shortage;
• The employment of the foreign worker will directly create new job opportunities or help retain jobs for Canadians;
• The foreign worker will transfer new skills and knowledge to Canadians; and
• The hiring of the foreign worker will not affect a labour dispute or the employment of any Canadian worker involved in such dispute.

LMIA Streams

Low-wage Stream: Applicable when the employer offers to the worker a wage below the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.

Requirements for employers:

• Offering a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week)
• Performing three different methods of recruitment for four consecutive weeks
• Offering a wage equal or higher the hourly median wage for the same job position and work location
• Paying transportation for worker to come to Canada and return to country of residency at the end of work term 
• Ensuring that suitable and affordable housing is available for the worker, and the worker is covered by health and workplace safety insurance

High-wage Stream: Applicable when the employer offers to the worker a wage at or above the provincial or territorial median hourly wage.
Requirements for employers:

• Offering a full-time job (at least 30 hours per week)
• Performing three different methods of recruitment for four consecutive weeks
• Offering a wage equal or higher the hourly median wage for the same job position and work location
• Ensuring that the worker is covered by workplace safety insurance
• Submitting a transition plan

Our representatives assist employers in providing accurate and complete information when applying for any immigration program to hire a foreign worker.