Working in Canada

The opportunity to work in Canada gives foreign nationals valuable Canadian work experiences recognized not only across Canada but globally. Working for a Canadian employer offers benefits such as:

. high wages

. affordable health-care plans

. training opportunities

. paid maternity leave

.  free education at the elementary and secondary levels 

How can I work in Canada?

There are two steps involved in working in Canada and they are:

1. a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) 

2. work permit

When you want to work in Canada, the first step is to apply for jobs, prepare for interviews and familiarize yourself with your responsibilities as a worker in Canada. The more research and planning you do, the easier the process will be.

After receiving a  job offer from a Canada employer, the next step is the employer's responsibility; they must apply for and be approved an LMIA. The employer must  demonstrate the need for the foreign worker and show that no Canadian worker or permanent resident is available to do the job. Through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), the employer establishes the need  to hire a foreign worker to meet labour market shortages.

The second step is the work permit application once the LMIA is approved. It is only after the work permit is approved that you can enter Canada to begin working for the employer.  Work permits are issued for a specific period of time, may be open or closed, and may contain some restrictions. 

How can an employer get an approved LMIA?

For an LMIA to be approved, a employer must demonstrate a legitimate business and genuine job offer, recruitment efforts, and a wage being offered at the prevailing rate for the occupation, in addition to other requirements.

Open work permits give foreign workers the ability to work for any Canadian employer in any occupation. Spouses or common law partners of some foreign workers may be eligible for open work permits valid for terms concurrent with their spouse’s or common law partner’s Canadian work or study permit.

Closed work permits are often issued to foreign workers for employment with one specific Canadian employer and in one specific occupation, for a specific period of time.